# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Administrative Legacy of its Founder
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting upon the substantive administrative legacy of its founder, Colswein of Lincoln. The statement seeks to illuminate the foundational role of the first Baron in the post-Conquest governance of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a considered reflection on the origins of the Barony. This communication is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical stewardship, providing context to a title granted nearly one millennium ago.
The statement is intended not as a celebration, but as an educational clarification of the role undertaken by the first Baron. It aims to underscore the principle of administrative duty, a virtue that has remained a guiding tenet for the Barony through its long and distinguished history.
This reflection provides a historical backdrop to the House’s present-day activities, grounding its modern mission of service in a tradition that began in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman figure. In the unsettled landscape of post-Conquest England, such grants were not mere sinecures; they were instruments of statecraft, essential for establishing a new administrative order across the kingdom.
Colswein’s importance is recorded with empirical precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The Great Survey, commissioned by King William to create an unimpeachable record of landholdings for taxation and governance, lists Colswein as the Lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This vast portfolio made him one of the most significant tenants-in-chief in the region, holding him directly accountable to the Crown.
Beyond his role as a great landowner, Colswein served as a town-reeve, the Crown’s chief magistrate and administrator in Lincoln. This position charged him with upholding the law, collecting revenues, and managing the King's interests, demonstrating a civic and legal authority that was far from ceremonial. The precedent for active leadership, established by Colswein, would later be embodied by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
## Distinguished Company
The traditions established by Colswein are today upheld and advanced by the principals of the Noble House of Brattleby:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
They are supported in their work by a dedicated household and a network of advisors in the realms of history, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The communication of the House’s history follows a strict internal protocol. All historical statements are subject to rigorous verification, drawing upon primary sources such as the *Domesday Book*, national archives, and peer-reviewed scholarly works. It is the position of the Chancellery that historical accuracy is a duty owed to its predecessors and the public.
This protocol extends to all public pronouncements, which are drafted to maintain a tone of sober authority. The House eschews ephemeral trends in communication, preferring a style that reflects the enduring nature of its responsibilities. This formal approach is considered a modern expression of the discipline and order that figures like Colswein were tasked with establishing nine centuries ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are articulated through its distinct heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual responsibilities of its holder. 'Fortitude' reflects the martial and defensive duties historically required of a baron, while 'Honour' signifies the obligation to govern with justice and integrity.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted in a contemporary context as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and achievement. It complements the ancient House motto by adding a dynamic, forward-looking ethos of personal and public betterment. Together, these mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of principled action rooted in historical precedent.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This commitment to historical stewardship is an extension of the House’s broader philosophy of service. The same dedication to upholding a legacy informs its modern philanthropic work, which is principally focused on creating a positive impact for future generations.
The main beneficiary of the House's charitable activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path towards recovery and a chance to build a stable future. The House selected this beneficiary for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the duty of care for the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The history of the Barony is not merely a collection of names and dates; it is a chronicle of service to Lincolnshire and the Crown. Understanding Colswein's substantive role in 1066 is fundamental to appreciating the nine-century commitment to duty that defines our House and informs our purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges. Colswein faced the immense task of helping to build a new order in post-Conquest England. We draw inspiration from that same spirit of proactive, responsible leadership as we address contemporary challenges through our own work, *inter alia*, in philanthropy and cultural education.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to safeguarding and sharing its unique history. This statement serves as the first in a planned series of historical papers that will explore the contributions of other notable Barons and Baronesses, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye and the royal princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
In parallel, the House will continue to develop its modern initiatives. These include the international expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering an appreciation for social grace and protocol, and the continued patronage of its chosen charities. Through these parallel programmes of historical education and contemporary action, the House aims to demonstrate that its legacy is not simply inherited, but actively advanced.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of public service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, funded in part by its annual white-tie Winter Banquet. Cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy fostering standards of personal conduct and international protocol, with its first seat 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* (1086) as the lord of 56 manors in the county, establishing the title as one of considerable importance. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by a number of historically significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the current Barony is formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 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 first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com