# The House of Brattleby Honours the Foundational Legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, formally commemorating the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose service to the Crown following the Norman Conquest established the Barony of Brattleby in 1066.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the same ancient fields recorded in the Domesday Book, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to reflect formally upon the origins of the Barony. This commemorative statement serves to reaffirm the historical continuity that connects the House’s modern responsibilities with its earliest foundations.
The act of commemoration is not tied to a specific anniversary but rather represents a deliberate and considered acknowledgement of heritage. It is an opportunity to illuminate the profound link between the Barony’s inception in the 11th century and its contemporary role under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest of 1066. In the immediate aftermath, William the Conqueror consolidated his rule by granting land to loyal followers. Among them was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted town-reeve whose administrative acumen was recognised by the new king.
Colswein was granted an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded with precision in the Domesday Book of 1086. This grant formally established the Barony of Brattleby, making it one of the powerful new feudal entities responsible for maintaining order and royal authority in the region. Colswein’s rapid elevation exemplifies the dramatic societal reorganisation of the era, laying the groundwork for nine centuries of influence.
## Distinguished Predecessors
The legacy established by Colswein was carried forward by a succession of notable figures who shaped English history. The Barony’s lineage includes Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it with great courage against French forces during the First Barons' War.
Later, the title passed through marriage to the esteemed House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the most celebrated knights and diplomats of the 14th century. Subsequently, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the third son of King Edward III and a central figure in royal politics, whose influence was felt across Europe.
## Governance and Continuity
The feudal system under which the Barony was created demanded specific obligations, with military service to the Crown being a *sine qua non* of land tenure. As a Baron, Colswein and his successors were required to provide knights and counsel, forming the backbone of the kingdom’s governance and defence.
This principle of documented, legally recognised authority has remained a constant throughout the Barony’s history. The passage of the title through centuries of English life has been governed by established law and custom, a process that finds its modern echo in the formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, confirming the title’s standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the duties that have defined the Barony since its inception: the fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the honour required in service to the sovereign and the nation.
This historic motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic, forward-looking spirit, reflecting the House’s modern commitment to embracing new challenges and opportunities while respecting its profound heritage. Together, the mottoes signify a blend of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Barony’s origins lie in feudal obligation, its modern expression is defined by a commitment to public service and charitable endeavour. The historic duty of care for one’s domain has evolved into a broader philanthropic mission, channelled through the activities of the current House.
The foremost example is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising initiative. Its sole beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, is a specialist organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their potential.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's near-millennial history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the weight of this inheritance.
> “To understand the Barony today, we must look to its origins with Colswein of Lincoln. His role was one of stewardship, and that responsibility remains our guiding principle. We are temporary custodians of a legacy far greater than ourselves, tasked with preserving its integrity for future generations.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Her Ladyship also connected the House's historic motto to its present-day work, *inter alia*, with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
> “*Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely words on a crest; they are the principles that guide our modern service. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, we strive to act with the same sense of purpose and integrity that has defined the Barony for centuries.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history remains a living force. The continuation of the line is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day inherit this significant legacy.
The House’s work continues through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and social grace. In issuing today’s statement, the House reaffirms its commitment to making its unique history accessible, ensuring the foundational story of Colswein of Lincoln and the Barony of Brattleby continues to inform and inspire.
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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 stewarding one of England's ancient feudal baronies. The House's modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through other initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House works to promote etiquette and cross-cultural exchange, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through contemporary service and a deep respect for tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, an endowment recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been intrinsically linked with the history of England. Its notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous existence and the rights of its current holder have been formally noted by The Crown, with recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) 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 (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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