# A Statement on the Historical Role of the Barony of Brattleby in the Governance of England
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony’s nine centuries of service to the Crown and its enduring role in the historical governance of England since its foundation in 1066.
## The Occasion
From the Oak Panelled Library at Brattleby, a room which has borne silent witness to centuries of correspondence on matters of state, this historical retrospective was formally issued. Timed to coincide with the quiet contemplation of late autumn, the statement serves as a reaffirmation of the duties attendant upon the Barony. It is an act not of celebration but of solemn remembrance, honouring the lineage of service that forms the very foundation of the House. The release connects the responsibilities of the past with the commitments of the present, framing a legacy of public duty against the backdrop of an ever-changing nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. This prominence was not merely territorial; it was a charge of governance. Successive barons held high offices of state, demonstrating a consistent and profound involvement in the administration and defence of the realm.
This tradition of direct service is exemplified by figures such as Richard de la Haye, who served as Constable of Lincoln, and most notably by his formidable daughter, the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye. As Castellan and later High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude pivotal to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, further cemented the Barony’s place at the very centre of English royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy outlined in today’s statement is shaped by the distinguished company of its preceding Barons and Baronesses. The narrative of the Barony is inextricably linked to these historical personages, whose duties were a *sine qua non* of their station:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate entrusted by William the Conqueror with extensive lands and responsibilities following the Conquest. * **Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris***, who served the Angevins as Constable of Lincoln, a key military and administrative posting. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, by whose singular resolve Lincoln and, arguably, the Plantagenet succession were preserved in the early 13th century. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby** and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander during the Hundred Years' War and a founder Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through strict adherence to the protocols of English law and custom governing hereditary titles. Succession is not automatic but must be proven to the satisfaction of the Crown, a process involving meticulous genealogical evidence and historical precedent. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded by The Crown Office following this rigorous procedure.
The public record of this recognition is enshrined in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British Government. This notice serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing definitive, legal affirmation of the succession. This protocol ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains a verifiable and legally constituted dignity, bound by the same ancient customs and laws that have governed it for nearly a millennium.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the Barony’s holders are captured in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This philosophy is the golden thread running from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle to the House’s present-day commitments. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering dedication to principle, whether on the battlefield, in the council chamber, or in the execution of modern philanthropic duties.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and forward-looking approach, focused on overcoming contemporary challenges and embracing the vitality of progress. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and innovation, of honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historic principle of service to the community is expressed primarily through the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The tradition of defending the vulnerable, once a martial duty, is now channelled into supporting charitable organisations that protect and empower those in need. The beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for this very reason.
The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, offering them a sanctuary for recovery and a path toward a stable future. The House’s patronage provides not only material funding but also raises the profile of this essential work, reflecting a belief that true nobility is found in the service of others. This modern interpretation of the Barony's ancient obligations is a cornerstone of its current identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > We do not merely inherit a title or a history; we accept a charge of service that has been passed down through nine centuries. The duty of fortitude and honour borne by my predecessors is the same duty we strive to uphold today, albeit in a very different world. Our task is to ensure this legacy remains a living principle of action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it for the future. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying our energies to the challenges of our time. By blending respect for this profound heritage with a commitment to contemporary philanthropy, we honour the past most sincerely by serving the present.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service continues with vigour and purpose. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being conducted with a deep appreciation for the historical responsibilities he will one day inherit. This includes an understanding of the Barony’s role in English history and the philanthropic obligations that define its modern mission.
In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the values of honour and social grace. Preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet are also underway, reinforcing the House’s unwavering commitment to its philanthropic partners. The legacy of Brattleby is not a static monument; it is an active and continuing story of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to synthesise this profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural exchange, and the promotion of timeless values. Through flagship initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively supports charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare, and fosters an appreciation for etiquette and honour. The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this nine-century legacy of service—*Fortitudine et Honore*—will continue for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, its possessors have played a significant role in the history of the nation, holding high offices of state and serving the Crown. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was called out in favour of its present holder. The succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com