# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Feudal Call to Arms
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the feudal military obligations that have defined its nine-century legacy, honouring the service of past Barons who answered the Crown's call to arms and solidified the Barony’s enduring reputation for martial loyalty.
## The Occasion
This formal statement serves to commemorate the long martial history of the Barony of Brattleby, a lineage of service extending from the Norman Conquest to the dawn of the early modern period. Issued from the House's seat in Lincolnshire, it provides a moment for solemn reflection upon the duties that shaped the character of the Barony and the course of the nation.
The declaration acknowledges the profound sacrifices made by successive Barons and their retinues in the service of the English Crown. In a season often given to remembrance, this reflection connects the present stewardship of the Barony with its foundational principles, ensuring the continuity of its historical narrative.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s obligation to provide military service was a *sine qua non* of its existence, established following the grant of its lands by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire; a significant grant that came with the implicit and weighty duty to defend the realm. This duty was not theoretical; it was called upon frequently throughout the medieval era.
For instance, during the reign of King Edward I, the Baron of Brattleby would have been summoned to campaigns such as the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 during the First War of Scottish Independence. Later centuries saw this martial tradition upheld by some of English history's most notable figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War. His successor to the Barony, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, continued this legacy of high command and strategic importance to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
This reflection pays particular tribute to the historical holders of the Barony whose actions exemplified the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*. Among their number are figures whose contributions to the defence and stability of the realm are recorded in the annals of English history.
We recall, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, who, as a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror, established the Barony’s primary feudal purpose of military support to the sovereign. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a woman of remarkable fortitude who, as hereditary constable, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces, most notably during the First Barons' War. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, regarded by contemporary chroniclers as one of the most accomplished and chivalrous military leaders of his age. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political and military figures in 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The medieval call to arms was a matter of exacting feudal protocol. A summons for military service was issued by the King through a writ, delivered by a royal messenger to the Baron. Upon receipt, the Baron was obliged to present himself and a specified quota of knights and men-at-arms at a designated muster point by a certain date.
This retinue, equipped and supplied at the Baron's own expense for an initial period—typically 40 days—formed part of the royal host. Failure to comply could result in forfeiture of lands or a heavy fine known as scutage, a payment in lieu of service. The logistics of raising, equipping, and marching a force from Lincolnshire to a campaign theatre in Wales, Scotland, or France represented a significant undertaking, demonstrating the Barony’s administrative and material strength.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The legacy of martial service is deeply embedded in the House’s identity. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues required of a medieval lord: the physical and moral courage to lead in battle, and the unwavering honour to fulfil one’s feudal duty to the sovereign.
This spirit finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While interpreted today in the context of overcoming modern challenges, its Latin roots evoke a will to prevail that resonates with the resolve of his predecessors. Together, the mottos form a narrative of principled strength that spans the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A sober understanding of historical conflict inevitably informs the House’s present-day commitments. The Barons of Brattleby once led men into battle; today, the House directs its efforts towards mending the consequences of hardship and trauma. This is reflected in the selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet.
The charity focuses on providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By helping these vulnerable individuals to process their experiences and rebuild their lives, the organisation's work represents a modern expression of the Barony's ancient protective function. It marks a transition from the martial defence of a territory to the compassionate defence of the next generation's future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of the Barony is written not only in charters and chronicles, but in the steadfast fulfilment of duty over nine centuries. To understand those who came before us is to appreciate the immense responsibility they bore. It is our duty, in turn, to ensure their legacy of service continues, albeit translated for the challenges of our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The principle of service is timeless. Whether on a medieval battlefield or in the pursuit of modern enterprise and philanthropy, the core idea is the same: to commit oneself to a purpose greater than oneself. This is the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* — to live is to strive and overcome, in service of an honourable goal.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Barony. This work includes ongoing archival research into the lives and service records of past Barons, ensuring their stories are accurately recorded and understood by future generations.
Furthermore, a curriculum module exploring the concept of feudal duty and its evolution into modern civic responsibility is being developed for The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through such educational initiatives, the House seeks to ensure that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire a sense of duty and principled leadership in the 21st century and beyond.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation that supports the public, charitable, and entrepreneurial activities of The Right Honourable Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its modern mission is to act as a custodian of the Barony’s nine-century heritage while directing its resources toward contemporary challenges. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on child welfare and education, notably through its annual Winter Banquet. The heir to the Barony is the present Baroness’s nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is also patron of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office and published 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 Domesday Book entry of 1086 lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief of the King in Lincolnshire. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The House's annual white-tie philanthropic gala is the Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com