# A Statement on the Administrative Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historical origins of the Barony. The communication highlights the administrative expertise of its progenitor, Colswein of Lincoln, whose civic duties established a lasting precedent of good governance in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a period of reflection upon its near-millennial history. This statement is issued as part of a continuing archival research initiative, intended to provide clarity and context for the historical record concerning the Barony’s establishment following the Norman Conquest.
The purpose of this communication is to illuminate a specific, yet foundational, aspect of the Barony’s heritage. The appointment of the first Baron, a respected local administrator, established a tradition of civic responsibility that has remained a core tenet of the House for more than nine hundred years.
## Historical Context
Following his victory in 1066, William the Conqueror strategically consolidated his authority by granting lands to loyal followers. The case of the Barony of Brattleby, however, presents a noteworthy distinction. Its first lord was Colswein of Lincoln, an Anglo-Saxon who had served as a town-reeve, or *portreeve*—the chief magistrate of the city of Lincoln.
This appointment reveals a pragmatic approach to governance by the Conqueror, rewarding not only military allegiance but also proven administrative skill. By retaining and elevating a figure of local standing, a foundation of continuity and effective civil management was fused with the new feudal order. The scale of this reward is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him one of the county’s most significant landholders.
This heritage—blending local stewardship with baronial authority—set the precedent for the centuries to come. It established that the Barony of Brattleby was to be defined as much by its duty to the community as by its feudal standing.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy inaugurated by Colswein was advanced by a succession of distinguished predecessors who held the Barony, each contributing to its prominence in English history. Among their number are figures whose actions embodied the founding principles of strength and civic leadership.
These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as hereditary castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent diplomat, soldier, and statesman. Subsequently, the title was held by the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence profoundly shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict protocol for the verification and dissemination of historical information. All statements are based upon rigorous examination of primary sources, such as the Domesday Book, and official records, including notices published in *The London Gazette*.
This commitment to factual accuracy ensures that the heritage of the Barony is presented with the sobriety and precision it warrants. The House considers such diligence the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship, providing a reliable account for scholars, the local community in Lincolnshire, and the public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational principles of the Barony are enshrined in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo directly reflects the dual nature of its origins, balancing the martial strength required to hold a Norman barony with the integrity of civic office.
*Fortitudine* represents the resilience and strength demonstrated by figures such as Nichola de la Haye. *Honore* speaks to the administrative duty and upright governance personified by Colswein of Lincoln. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of civic responsibility, established in 1066, finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic commitments of the House. This enduring spirit of service is channelled into charitable endeavours that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
The principal beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The House supports its vital mission through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. This commitment extends to educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating etiquette and cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Understanding our origins is not merely an academic exercise; it is the foundation of our present duty. Colswein's example reminds us that true nobility is rooted in service—first to the local community, and then to the nation. This principle of governance and care remains our guiding light."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This unique history, blending Anglo-Saxon administration with Norman authority, creates a powerful narrative of pragmatic and effective governance. It is a legacy of public service and resilience that we are profoundly honoured to steward for future generations."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring these foundational principles are carried forward. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being educated in this long tradition of service, honour, and responsibility to the community.
The House will continue its archival research with the aim of further documenting and sharing the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future communications will serve to deepen the understanding of a title that has been interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire and England for nearly one thousand years.
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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 leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while embracing a forward-looking mission of service. 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 the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural and social education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, reflecting a commitment to blend ancient tradition with contemporary purpose and international partnership.
**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, an Anglo-Saxon town-reeve, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The Barony’s history is interwoven with that of England, with predecessors including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. The rights and lineage of the modern Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official notice of the Barony’s modern recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com