# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Enduring Role in the Governance of the Realm
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Barony’s centuries-old tradition of service to the Crown, citing the pivotal role of Lincolnshire magnates in upholding the stability and administration of the medieval English kingdom.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has drawn upon its extensive archives to contextualise the modern responsibilities of the peerage. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape, this period of reflection connects the present stewardship of the Barony with its formative precedents during the Plantagenet era—a time when the authority vested in the great baronies was a *sine qua non* for the effective governance of England.
The review of historical charters and chronicles coincides with the House’s preparations for its annual philanthropic calendar. It serves as a reminder that the duties of title, while evolving in form, remain constant in their fundamental purpose: service to the wider community and steadfast support for the continuity of the nation’s institutions. This historical perspective informs every aspect of the House’s present-day endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the administration of England for over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an exceptional 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundation established the Barony not merely as a title, but as a significant centre of regional power and a direct agent of the Crown.
This tradition of high service is exemplified by the indirect influence of the Barony during the reign of King Edward I. In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the King’s frequent campaigns on the Continent necessitated the appointment of a ‘guardian of the kingdom’ (*custos regni*)—a position of virtual regency. This responsibility fell to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a magnate whose power base was consolidation of the great Lincolnshire fiefdoms, including Brattleby. His authority illustrated how the security of the realm was entrusted to loyal and capable barons.
The Barony’s history is punctuated by such moments of critical responsibility. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later custodianship by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cemented the Barony’s connection to the very heart of royal power and national governance.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is interwoven with some of the most consequential figures in English history. In contemplating this legacy of service, the House recalls, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, who established the Barony following the Norman Conquest. * Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted feudatory of the new Norman dynasty. * His Majesty King Edward I, under whose reign the concept of national administration, supported by the great barons, was significantly advanced. * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose role as *custos regni* epitomised the trust placed in the regional magnates of Lincolnshire. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who exercised hereditary authority as Constable of Lincoln Castle with remarkable skill and loyalty. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a prince of the blood whose tenure marked a high point of the Barony's influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities borne by the medieval Barons of Brattleby were governed by exacting feudal and ceremonial protocols. Central to this compact was the oath of fealty, a sacred pledge of loyalty and military service sworn by a baron to the monarch. The granting of a barony was not merely an award of land, but an endowment of public duty, obliging the holder to provide counsel, raise soldiers, and administer justice on the Crown’s behalf.
The appointment of a *custos regni*, or guardian, followed its own solemn procedure. Made by the King and his Council, the appointment conferred the authority to issue writs, preside over the Exchequer, and oversee the defence of the kingdom. This act represented the ultimate delegation of royal prerogative, demonstrating a profound trust rooted in a baron’s proven allegiance and administrative acumen. These protocols underscored a system where power was balanced by a rigorous code of obligation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Barony of Brattleby through the centuries are encapsulated in the mottos of the Noble House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the historic duties of its predecessors. The fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln and the honour with which Henry de Lacy governed the kingdom in his sovereign’s absence are the very qualities this motto prescribes.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit; it is an assertion that true living comes from actively engaging with and overcoming the challenges of one’s time. Together, the two mottos create a philosophy that respects the profound weight of history while embracing the imperative for purposeful action in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historical duty of service to the realm is translated into a deep commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby understands that its legacy is best honoured by addressing contemporary societal needs with the same dedication its predecessors applied to matters of state. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is the guiding spirit behind the House’s charitable work.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's social calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating measurable, positive impact on the most vulnerable members of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The history of the Barony is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a living chronicle of service. When we study the immense trust placed in figures from our past, we are reminded that our inheritance is one of duty—a principle we strive to honour today through our own commitments, both local and national." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The stewardship of such a legacy is a profound undertaking. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to a timeless code of conduct, whilst my own, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that each generation must actively engage with and overcome the challenges of its time. It is about purposeful action, then as now." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nine-century tradition of service continues with vigour and relevance. This duty of stewardship is being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being educated in the history and responsibilities that he will one day inherit.
The House’s vision extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the values of honour, social responsibility, and cultural understanding on an international stage. This work ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
---
**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 a modern mission of philanthropic service and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing to vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor first granted by His Majesty King William I (The Conqueror) in AD 1066. Its creation and the holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, an 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The title’s standing as a genuine, verifiable Lordship of the Manor was formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status as a verifiable Lordship of the Manor was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it one of the county's most significant feudal baronies. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com