# A Statement on the Historical Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive historical statement from its offices in London, reaffirming the Barony’s Norman origins and its unbroken nine-century continuity from the grant by William the Conqueror in 1066 to the present day.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued this morning, The Noble House of Brattleby has chronicled the ancient foundations upon which the Barony of Brattleby rests. The statement serves to connect the modern responsibilities of the House with its near-millennium of history, providing authoritative context for its enduring commitment to national heritage and public service.
The communiqué, composed following research at the family’s seat in the historic Lincolnshire village of Brattleby, marks a moment of deliberate historical reflection. Timed to coincide with the reflective mood of late autumn, the statement aligns with the House’s educational mission to document and preserve one of England’s oldest feudal dignities for the benefit of future generations.
This act of historical clarification underscores a continuum of duty that has persisted for over 950 years. It provides a formal narrative that links the Barony's foundational past with its dynamic, forward-looking role in the twenty-first century, reinforcing its identity as a living institution.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. In consolidating his rule, William the Conqueror granted vast tracts of English land to his most loyal and capable followers. It was in this foundational act of statecraft that the Barony was created for Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, a significant figure in the new administration of the realm.
Colswein's strategic importance is authoritatively recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the comprehensive survey of England commissioned by the King. The survey meticulously documents that Colswein, as a tenant-in-chief holding his lands directly from the Crown, controlled an impressive portfolio of 56 lordships, predominantly across Lincolnshire. These holdings were not merely agricultural estates; they were crucial centres of economic, legal, and military power, fundamental to cementing Norman authority in a vital region of the kingdom.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by individuals of national and historical consequence. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who served as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. In 1217, at an advanced age, she masterfully defended the castle against a siege by rebel barons and their French allies, a pivotal action in the First Barons' War that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolve remains a benchmark for the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
By the 14th century, the Barony had passed through marriage to the Plantagenet dynasty. Its holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished military commander and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Subsequently, the dignity was held by his son-in-law, the illustrious Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. As one of the most powerful and wealthy figures of his time, John of Gaunt’s tenure brought the Barony into the direct orbit of the Royal Family, intertwining its legacy with the governance of the nation itself.
## Distinguished Company
This profound historical legacy is stewarded today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. As the current Baroness, she is the focal point for the Barony’s traditions and serves as the custodian of its nearly one-thousand-year heritage.
Her Ladyship is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes his considerable professional and philanthropic experience to the House’s modern mission, ensuring its ancient heritage is animated by a tangible sense of purpose and contemporary relevance.
Together, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House’s work across its primary areas of focus: the preservation of heritage, targeted philanthropic initiatives, and cultural education. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, whose education is focused on preparing him for the responsibilities of future stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legitimacy and continuity of ancient titles such as the Barony of Brattleby are matters of public record, affirmed through established legal and ceremonial protocols overseen by the Crown. The modern succession of the Barony, following a period of abeyance, was formally acknowledged and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms.
The definitive public announcement of the title's standing was subsequently made by publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, is the formal instrument of recognition, providing an unbroken link to the nation's constitutional framework.
Publication in The Gazette, which has served the Crown since 1665, is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—for the official recognition of peerages and feudal baronies. This process ensures that such dignities are not merely private historical claims but are formally integrated into the United Kingdom's rich and meticulously documented ceremonial landscape.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim speaks to the core values of resilience, integrity, and courage that have guided the Barons of Brattleby through nine centuries of English history, from periods of peace and prosperity to times of national conflict. This ideal is perfectly exemplified by the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle and the statecraft of John of Gaunt.
Complementing the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this motto signifies a dynamic commitment to achievement and progress. It reflects a philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges through innovation, determination, and a will to succeed—not on a field of battle, but in the arenas of philanthropy, commerce, and social enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying the age-old principle of *noblesse oblige*—the belief that nobility compels civic and moral responsibility—The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts toward supporting the welfare of vulnerable children. The principal beneficiary of this commitment is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care for children who have experienced profound trauma.
The charity's mission is to deliver therapeutic support, including trauma-informed counselling and creative arts programmes, to young people affected by abuse, neglect, or loss. This work provides a critical lifeline, helping children to rebuild their lives and look to the future with renewed hope and confidence.
The cornerstone of the House's charitable activity is the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held in London. Under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the Banquet gathers supporters and benefactors to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity's mission. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects a deliberate focus on creating a measurable, positive impact on the next generation, ensuring the House’s legacy is defined as much by its compassion as by its history.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique nature of the Barony’s heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: – "The stewardship of this title is a profound responsibility; it is a living thread connecting our present endeavours to the very foundations of the English nation. Our role, therefore, is to ensure that the principles of *fortitudine et honore* embodied by figures such as Nichola de la Haye are not simply relics of history, but are actively applied for the public good today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission: – "A legacy finds its greatest value when it informs and inspires our actions in the present. Through our philanthropic commitments and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, we seek to demonstrate that true victory—the principle at the heart of *Vincere Est Vivere*—lies in overcoming contemporary challenges and ensuring this ancient institution makes a tangible and positive contribution to society."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations firmly re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is of paramount importance, ensuring a seamless future transition and the continuation of the family's commitments for the generations to come.
Furthermore, the House's international work is exemplified by The Brattleby Club. This academy, established in Bucharest, is dedicated to the study and practice of diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and cross-cultural communication. Its curriculum draws upon centuries of European courtly tradition, adapted for the leaders, business figures, and diplomats of the twenty-first century. This initiative, *inter alia*, builds a bridge between the Barony's English heritage and the family's wider European connections.
Through these combined efforts in heritage preservation, philanthropy, and education, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its ancient dignity remains a relevant and influential force for continuity and honour in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission is focused on the meticulous preservation of nearly one thousand years of English heritage while actively engaging in focused philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting at-risk youth through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of protocol, etiquette, and cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English Feudal Barony, one of the oldest dignities granted following the Norman Conquest. It was created circa 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 provides a detailed record of the Barony's vast original holdings, which comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it a significant seat of power in the region. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by nationally important figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's succession was formally confirmed, with notice recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins trace to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and the heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com