# The Enduring Legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. His establishment in 1066 provides an unbroken historical foundation for the Barony’s modern mission of service and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
As the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire assume the tranquil colours of autumn, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to issue a statement on the Barony's ancient origins. This communication, prepared at the House's administrative seat in the village of Brattleby, serves to illuminate the continuity of duty that links the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century.
The occasion is not one of public ceremony, but of quiet historical observance. It underscores the conviction held by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile that an understanding of the past is the indispensable guide for present action and future commitment. The fields and parishes once held by the first Baron remain a tangible connection to a near-millennial heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby begins with England itself. Following the Norman Conquest, it was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his loyal tenants-in-chief. This was a position of immense authority, holding lands directly from the King in return for military service. Colswein’s standing was formally documented two decades later in the Domesday Book of 1086.
This great survey, a meticulous inventory of the new kingdom, records Colswein as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This was not merely a register of property but a testament to his considerable power and responsibility for the governance, defence, and prosperity of a significant portion of the county. This documented origin provides an unimpeachable link to the immediate post-Conquest era, making the Barony of Brattleby one of the oldest recorded feudalities in England.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most consequential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. It was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the great military commander and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. This lineage places Brattleby at the very centre of the nation’s story.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House honours the company of its most notable predecessors, whose stewardship shaped the destiny of Lincolnshire and the nation. Their legacy is a perpetual source of inspiration for the modern House.
Among them are:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron of Brattleby, a Norman magnate and tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror. - **Nichola de la Haye**, *suo jure* the fifth Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it from rebel forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a founding Knight of the Garter and revered as the first Duke of Lancaster. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty, who was one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of the Barony’s history follows a precise internal protocol rooted in archival respect and ceremonial recitation. At significant House events, such as the annual Winter Banquet, the lineage is formally acknowledged, beginning with the first Baron and citing the contributions of key holders through the centuries.
This practice is not for mere pageantry; it serves as a public reaffirmation of the duties inherited with the title. The modern revival of the House itself adhered to strict protocol, culminating in its formal recognition by His Majesty’s College of Arms and publication in *The London Gazette*. This process ensures that the traditions of the Barony are upheld with the same rigour and constitutional propriety that have defined it for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophical direction of the House is encapsulated in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its every action. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity required for its modern philanthropic and cultural duties.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). It introduces a dynamic, forward-looking ethos, signifying a commitment not only to preserve heritage but to actively build upon it, ensuring the House's relevance and vitality for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This profound sense of historical duty is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern philanthropic mission. The legacy of predecessors who governed shires and advised monarchs is now channelled into serving the most vulnerable. This commitment finds its principal expression in the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support for children suffering from severe trauma, abuse, or the consequences of conflict. The House’s patronage, centred around its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, provides crucial funding that enables the charity to extend its reach and deepen its impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and a path towards a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
> "When we reflect on Colswein’s survey in the Domesday Book, we see not just a catalogue of lands, but the foundation of a near-millennial responsibility. Our duty today is to translate that legacy of stewardship into meaningful service for our community." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
> "History provides our anchor, but our vision must be fixed on the horizon. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to actively build upon this inheritance—not merely to preserve it, but to ensure it thrives for generations to come." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s reflection on its origins informs its forward path. The commitment to duty will be carried into the next generation by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions of service and leadership that define the Barony.
Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House’s charitable calendar. Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House, extends its values of honour and personal development to an international audience. Through these endeavours, the legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 continues to evolve and flourish.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending the preservation of its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable efforts towards supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest which promotes personal development and social grace. The House is committed to ensuring the Barony's legacy remains a force for good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships under Colswein's control. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony has been revived, with its modern standing formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com