# A Statement on the Historical Lineage and Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reaffirming the Barony’s nearly millennium-long history since its foundation in 1066 and reflecting upon the duties of stewardship inherited by the current generation of title holders.
## The Occasion
From the quiet surrounds of the baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves to formally articulate the enduring legacy of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. As the autumnal light falls across the fields first granted by William the Conqueror, this moment of reflection connects the House’s foundational history with its contemporary mission.
The declaration is issued at a time of deliberate contemplation for the House, reaffirming its commitment to the principles that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to illuminate the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the first Baron to the twelfth.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are woven into the fabric of the Norman Conquest. Granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Anglo-Scandinavian landowner whose authority was re-affirmed post-Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the Barony's initial prominence, recording an extensive holding of some 56 lordships under Colswein's name, cementing its status as a powerful seat in the county of Lincolnshire.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, whose lives were intertwined with the great events of English history. The title passed through families whose actions shaped the realm, ensuring Brattleby’s proximity to the Crown and its role in the governance and defence of the kingdom. This heritage forms the bedrock upon which the modern House stands.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony is distinguished by its association with some of medieval England’s most formidable personalities. The current House honours the legacy of its predecessors, a company of individuals whose influence extended far beyond Lincolnshire.
Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron (suo jure), who as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial rebels, most famously during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor in the barony, the 11th Baron, was his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, a central figure in 14th-century English politics whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuation of the Barony of Brattleby adheres to the ancient traditions of English law and custom governing feudal titles. The succession is a matter of formal record, recognised through established legal and heraldic channels, ensuring its legitimacy is beyond question.
The modern recognition of this lineage was formally recorded by The Crown, with the transfer of the title gazetted in accordance with official protocol. This process culminated in the publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an act that serves as the official, public record of the Barony’s continuity. This legal propriety is the *sine qua non* of maintaining such an ancient dignity in the 21st century.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from the Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity that the House aspires to embody, reflecting a commitment to face challenges with resilience and to conduct all affairs with an unwavering sense of duty.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This represents a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of achievement, suggesting that true vitality is found in purposeful action and the surmounting of obstacles. Together, the two mottos symbolise a balance between principled tradition and active, determined progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the modern era, the historical responsibility of the Barony is expressed through a dedicated commitment to philanthropy and public service. The House directs its charitable efforts toward causes that provide meaningful and measurable support to vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on the wellbeing of children.
The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports the work of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, and the funds raised contribute directly to its clinical programmes. The House has also established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in traditional etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural understanding and social grace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the balance between past and present, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The weight of nine hundred years of history is not a burden, but a guide. Our duty is to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour, which sustained our predecessors *inter alia*, are applied to the challenges of today, particularly in our service to the community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While we honour the past, our vision must be fixed firmly on the future. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the active spirit required to make a tangible difference. It is through determined action, not merely tradition, that we live out our commitment.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved but is actively advanced for future generations. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is of paramount importance, as he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title with a deep understanding of its history and purpose.
Looking ahead, the House continues its work with preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, renewing its support for its charitable partners. The Barony of Brattleby, forged in the 11th century, will continue to be a force for good, guided always by its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. This mission involves honouring nearly one thousand years of history while actively engaging in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and public service. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children. Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching diplomatic and social protocol, thereby bridging its English heritage with a broader European cultural context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant power base. Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries, the Barony's continuation into the modern era was formally acknowledged with its gazetting in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. - The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com