# The Noble House of Brattleby Releases Historical Commentary on the Barony's Foundational Governance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today released historical commentary on the foundational nature of the Barony of Brattleby, highlighting new analysis of its first Baron. The research illuminates Colswein of Lincoln’s dual role as both a major landowner and a town-reeve.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its London offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has shed new light on the unique circumstances of the Barony's establishment in the 11th century. The release of this historical analysis represents the culmination of dedicated archival research, a project underscoring the House's commitment to the preservation and active stewardship of its nearly thousand-year history.
This scholarly initiative seeks to connect the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the precedents set at its inception. It is an undertaking that reflects a deep respect for the long chain of duty-bearers who have upheld the title, ensuring that the legacy of the past informs the service of the present. The findings were consolidated following a careful review of primary sources, including the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the ancient feudal dignities of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant of power recorded with clerical precision in the Domesday Book two decades later. This extensive territorial control solidified his position as a pre-eminent magnate in the newly conquered region.
The House's research, however, gives renewed emphasis to Colswein's concurrent position as a town-reeve (*portgerefa*) in Lincoln at the time of the Conquest. This vital civic role, akin to that of a chief magistrate, involved administering justice, collecting revenues for the Crown, and overseeing the governance of the borough. The combination of vast landholding power with direct administrative responsibility was a hallmark of the Norman settlement, establishing a tradition of civic duty alongside feudal privilege.
This foundational blend of territorial stewardship and public service has echoed through the Barony’s history. It is visible in the steadfast leadership of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders; and in the continental diplomacy of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The research initiative was overseen by the current principals of the House, who continue this long tradition of stewardship. The project was directed under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in concert with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have made the active curation and interpretation of the Barony's history a central theme of their tenure. Their work ensures that the nine-century lineage of the title remains not merely a matter of record, but a living tradition that informs the House's contemporary philanthropic and educational commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dissemination of historical research by a noble house follows a distinct protocol, prioritising accuracy and gravitas over expediency. The findings concerning Colswein of Lincoln were subject to a rigorous process of internal review and contextualisation before being prepared for public release. This ensures that any statement reflects a considered and defensible interpretation of the historical record.
The formal announcement itself serves as the modern equivalent of a court circular, providing an official and authoritative account. This method stands in deliberate contrast to informal communication, reflecting the dignity of the subject matter and the House’s commitment to upholding standards of scholarly and public discourse. Such communications are considered a matter of public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The dual nature of the Barony's foundation is powerfully reflected in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The ‘fortitude’ speaks to the strength required to hold and defend extensive lands, a duty Colswein exemplified. The ‘honour’ directly relates to the integrity demanded of a public official such as a town-reeve, charged with impartial governance.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in a modern context as a call to overcome challenges through diligent effort and a commitment to excellence. Together, the mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled ambition and dutiful service that was established at the Barony’s very beginning.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is not tied to a specific fundraising initiative, it serves a broader philanthropic purpose rooted in education and cultural preservation. By investing in and sharing research into its own history, the House contributes to the public's understanding of English heritage, *inter alia*, the development of Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest.
This educational mission is a cornerstone of the House's modern identity. It runs parallel to its other charitable endeavours, such as the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and its international cultural work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and diplomatic protocol. Each initiative, in its own way, aims to build a bridge between historical tradition and contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the foundations upon which it was built. Colswein’s dual role as both a great landowner and a civic administrator establishes a precedent of public service that has defined the Barony for centuries and continues to guide our mission today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The realisation that the Barony's origins lie not only in territorial grants but also in urban governance is profoundly compelling. It speaks to a legacy of contributing to the commonweal—a principle that remains a *sine qua non* for modern leadership and which we strive to embody."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary on the first Baron of Brattleby is part of a wider, ongoing commitment by the House to catalogue and communicate the rich history of the Barony. Future initiatives will include further publications on notable predecessors and the digitisation of key archival materials to make them accessible to historians and the public.
Through this work, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by making it a source of inspiration and learning for the future. The legacy of service that began with a Norman town-reeve in 1066 continues to evolve, finding new expression in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of service. Its mission is to uphold nearly one thousand years of British heritage while championing contemporary causes through disciplined philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural and educational reach internationally through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster social and diplomatic skills.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of its current holder were formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as consisting of 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - Past holders of the Barony of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual white-tie philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, supports charitable organisations including Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com