# A Statement on the Continuity of Service from the House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting on the Barony’s foundation in 1066. The communication illuminates the remarkable transition of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, from Anglo-Saxon reeve to a significant Norman baron.
## The Occasion
This formal communication serves as a reflection by the current incumbents of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It is released from the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of the lands granted by William the Conqueror nearly one thousand years ago following the Norman Conquest.
As custodians of this ancient title, The Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan believe that a deeper understanding of its origins provides essential context for its modern role. This statement is therefore issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of the House’s continuing commitment to scholarship and the careful stewardship of its nine-century heritage.
The reflection is intended to furnish historical clarity on the unique circumstances of the Barony’s establishment, emphasising a narrative of continuity and administrative pragmatism over one of purely disruptive conquest.
## Historical Context
The Norman Conquest of 1066 was a period of profound upheaval across England, leading to the widespread dispossession of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. In this landscape of radical change, the story of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, stands as a telling exception. Before the invasion, Colswein served as a ‘town-reeve’ in Lincoln, an important administrative official akin to a sheriff, responsible for civic order and royal interests.
In a remarkable display of political pragmatism, William the Conqueror chose not to dispossess Colswein but to integrate him into the new feudal structure. By granting him a major barony, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the King secured the loyalty and, crucially, the proven administrative expertise of a respected local figure. This decision highlights a calculated strategy to ensure stability and effective governance in a vital region of his new kingdom.
The legacy established by Colswein—one of duty and effective administration—was carried forward by subsequent holders of the title. This includes figures of immense historical stature such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *pro tempore*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power during the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony of Brattleby has, throughout its history, been associated with figures of national and international standing, whose service and influence have shaped English history. Notable among them are:
**Colswein of Lincoln** (1st Baron), an Anglo-Saxon town-reeve who, through his administrative skill, retained his lands and was elevated to the Norman aristocracy. His story is one of adaptation and the continuity of governance.
**Nichola de la Haye** (5th Baroness *pro tempore*), a formidable noblewoman who inherited the duties of hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her resolute defence of the castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
**Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster** (10th Baron), a revered military commander during the Hundred Years' War, a founding Knight of the Garter, and a trusted diplomat for King Edward III. His holding of the Barony connected it to the highest levels of chivalry and statecraft.
**John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster** (11th Baron), son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. As one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age, his stewardship of the Brattleby lands underscored their strategic and economic importance to the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer and recognition of the Barony of Brattleby adhere to ancient custom and modern legal formality. Unlike peerages, which are created by royal writ or letters patent, ancient baronies such as Brattleby are titles of feudal origin tied to the land itself, their existence pre-dating the formalisation of Parliament.
The *sine qua non*, or indispensable condition, of legitimacy for the title in the modern era is its formal recognition by The Crown. This was most recently affirmed for the 12th Baroness of Brattleby by a notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, providing official verification of the title's proper succession.
This public notice is the contemporary embodiment of a protocol stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086, itself a comprehensive and legally binding inventory of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry for Colswein’s 56 lordships stands as the Barony’s foundational charter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its holders: fortitude in the face of adversity, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln; and an unwavering sense of honour in service to community and country.
In addition, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted his own personal motto: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather in a philosophical one. It reflects a modern, dynamic approach to life, emphasising the importance of overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and actively building a meaningful legacy.
Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s philosophy: a deep respect for the honourable traditions of the past, combined with a forward-looking determination to achieve and contribute in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of service, first demonstrated by Colswein of Lincoln’s civic administration, remains a cornerstone of the House’s modern philosophy. This commitment is most visibly expressed through its philanthropic endeavours, which extend beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
The House’s principal charitable focus is realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic care and support to young people affected by trauma and conflict.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in protecting the most vulnerable. The funds raised contribute directly to providing safe environments, specialist counselling, and educational programmes that empower children to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "Our family’s role is not one of mere ownership, but of stewardship. Understanding the origins of the Barony—especially the pragmatism that preserved Colswein’s position—helps us appreciate the unbroken chain of responsibility we have inherited. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is a directive that guides our decisions every day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary duties: > "History provides the map, but we must navigate the present terrain. The story of the Barony’s founding is a powerful lesson in valuing competence and vision. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this same spirit: the imperative to actively overcome challenges, whether in business or philanthropy, in order to build a future worthy of such a distinguished past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound legacy continues to evolve and serve a modern purpose. The next generation is already poised to continue this tradition, with the heir to the Barony being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future commitments include an expansion of the cultural and educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to promote cross-cultural understanding and professional refinement. The House will also continue its dedicated philanthropic work, seeking always to align its historical standing with tangible, positive impact in the contemporary world.
Through scholarship, philanthropy, and a commitment to its duties in Lincolnshire and beyond, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past while actively shaping a legacy of service for the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old title through modern means. The House's mission blends historical preservation with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic endeavours support organisations focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, it fosters cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The future of this legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuation of service and honour for the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This represents a rare case of an Anglo-Saxon official being integrated into the Norman aristocracy. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical import, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Rooted in the land of Lincolnshire, the title's legitimacy and succession are formally recognised by The Crown, most recently affirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, with 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com