# A Statement on the Ancient Origins and Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, reaffirming its nine-century commitment to service, duty, and the enduring principles of its foundation.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection ahead of the coming winter season, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to look back upon the nine hundred and fifty-seven years of its history. This statement serves to connect the Barony’s Norman origins and its passage through English history to the modern responsibilities shouldered by the House today.
It is an opportunity to reaffirm the foundational principles of duty and service that were established at its inception. This historical continuity is the *sine qua non* of the House’s identity, providing the framework for its contemporary philanthropic and educational activities both in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted follower of the new King, and his endowment formed a critical part of the new feudal structure that secured the realm.
This grant is meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein’s possession of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. This extraordinary survey of England cemented Brattleby’s foundational role in the county. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and later, the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby attests to its proximity to the Crown and its central role in the history of the nation. The stewardship of the title has been entrusted to a series of distinguished individuals whose service shaped their times, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, by grant of His Majesty King William I. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby, trusted Sheriff of Lincolnshire under His Majesty King John. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter under His Majesty King Edward III. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and a preeminent statesman of the fourteenth century.
This legacy of leadership and duty now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who continue this tradition of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the eleventh century, the granting of a barony was sealed by an act of homage, wherein the baron would kneel before the sovereign, placing his hands in the king’s and swearing an oath of fealty. This solemn ritual bound the subject to his lord in a mutual obligation of protection and service.
Today, while the ceremonial traditions have evolved, the constitutional and legal continuity is preserved with meticulous precision. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded for the nation in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. This modern protocol serves the same essential function as the ancient oath: it provides public and official witness to the legitimate descent of the title, upholding an unbroken chain of succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophy of the House is enshrined in its twin mottoes. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its members. It is a guiding principle that informs every public duty and private decision, reflecting a commitment to face challenges with courage and to act always with unimpeachable honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This principle is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a profound commitment to overcoming adversity, striving for excellence in all endeavours, and living a life of purpose and achievement on behalf of the communities the House serves.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the nobility to serve the wider community — is the animating force behind the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. This ancient responsibility is today expressed through a dedicated focus on the welfare of vulnerable children.
The House’s flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in support of *Healing the Wounded Child*. This remarkable organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a chance for a brighter future. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental service of all.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of the Barony is not merely a record of the past; it is a living charter that informs our present duties. From Colswein’s oath to the Conqueror to our own commitment to philanthropy, the principle remains unchanged: to serve *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We see our role as custodians of a remarkable legacy. This heritage, first recorded in the *Domesday Book*, inspires our modern endeavours, whether in Lincolnshire or through our educational work at the Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is a privilege to connect this venerable history with a purposeful future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound legacy continues to serve a modern purpose. The House's focus remains on its charitable obligations, particularly preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, and its educational mission through The Brattleby Club.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to preparing the next generation to assume this mantle of service. Their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep understanding of the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany it, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modernised aristocratic service. Its primary mission combines the stewardship of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking philanthropic focus, principally through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children, such as *Healing the Wounded Child*. The House also extends its commitment to service through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering personal and professional development. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to be a model of purposeful legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the powerful female Sheriff Nichola de la Haye in the 13th century, and later by members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history of the Barony and the succession of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com