# A Statement on the Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby. This communication clarifies the Barony’s foundation in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a period of ongoing historical review, The Noble House of Brattleby has sought to illuminate the foundational history of the Barony for the public record. This act of remembrance serves to connect the House’s modern responsibilities with its origins nearly one millennium ago, reaffirming a lineage that has withstood the great tides of English history.
The statement is released from the House’s offices in London, timed to coincide with autumnal reflections on heritage and legacy. It provides a formal historical account, drawing directly from primary sources and official records, to present a definitive narrative of the Barony’s establishment in Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The conferral of the Barony of Brattleby was a direct consequence of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror systematically replaced the Anglo-Saxon ruling class with a new aristocracy of trusted Norman, Breton, and Flemish followers. This policy was a *sine qua non* for securing the kingdom.
Among these new magnates was Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal lieutenant to the King. As part of the wider pacification and reorganisation of the realm, Colswein was enfeoffed with vast tracts of land in Lincolnshire, a strategically vital county. His holdings, numbering 56 lordships, were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a monumental survey that codified the new feudal order. The lordship of Brattleby was chief among these, establishing Colswein as the first Baron of Brattleby and the progenitor of a title that would endure for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is distinguished by the stature of its holders, who were often central figures in the life of the nation. Following its founder, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title passed through families of significant influence.
Notable among these predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 11th century, the creation of a barony was an act of enfeoffment, a solemn grant of land by the sovereign in exchange for feudal service, typically military in nature. This was sealed by an act of homage, where the new baron would swear fealty to the King. This relationship formed the bedrock of medieval governance and land tenure.
Today, while the feudal obligations have fallen away, the legitimacy of ancient titles is upheld by formal recognition from the Crown. The modern protocol for acknowledging such a succession is publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, continuing this tradition of official sanction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words speak to the resilience and integrity required to steward a title through centuries of political upheaval, warfare, and social change. This spirit is exemplified by the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the defence of Lincoln was a matter of historical record.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true living is found in active and purposeful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of historical duty directly informs the House’s contemporary commitments. The principle of stewardship, once applied to land and titles, is now directed toward service to the community. This philosophy is the driving force behind the House’s philanthropic endeavours today.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, stands as the centrepiece of these efforts. All proceeds from the event are dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of a very long story. One feels the presence of those who came before, from Colswein to John of Gaunt. Our duty is not simply to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it remains a force for good in the world today. We serve with *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The foundations laid in 1066 provide the strength for our work now. Whether through our charitable commitments or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we believe in applying ourselves fully. For us, legacy is an active pursuit; it is how we honour the past by building the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby views its ancient foundation not as a terminus, but as a point of departure. The lineage is secured for the future through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
The House remains deeply committed to its responsibilities in Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, while also embracing a modern, international perspective. This is manifest, *inter alia*, through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy which fosters cultural exchange and personal development. The Barony of Brattleby continues its journey, guided by the lessons of its past and dedicated to a future of service.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of preserving its unique heritage while actively engaging in charitable and cultural work. Its philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol located in Bucharest. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects a dedication to duty, resilience, and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was awarded 56 lordships, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. As a non-parliamentary barony, its succession continues to the present day, with the current holder’s title officially recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com