# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Foundational Legacy of Colswein of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal communication reflecting on the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, affirming an unbroken chain of stewardship from the Norman Conquest to the House’s present-day philanthropic responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the contemplative season of autumn to reaffirm the nine-and-a-half-century continuum it represents. As the fields of the county yield their harvest, this communication serves to illuminate the deepest roots of one of England’s enduring feudal dignities, connecting the House's contemporary duties with their origin.
The statement is released into the public record at a time of reflection, offering a formal context for the Barony’s history. It acts as a historical anchor, providing clarity on how the principles of governance and stewardship, first established by command of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, continue to inform the philanthropic and cultural work undertaken by the House today under the leadership of its 12th Baroness.
This act of historical observation is intended not as a simple commemoration, but as an active statement of purpose. It underscores the belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for fulfilling the responsibilities of the present with integrity and vision.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was created by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings in AD 1066. In a pivotal moment for English history, the new King moved decisively to secure his dominion over a restive kingdom, with the vast and strategically significant territory of Lincolnshire being a particular priority for establishing Norman authority.
This consolidation of power was achieved, *inter alia*, through the granting of lands and titles to the King’s most steadfast and capable followers. Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was pre-eminent among these figures in the region. The great survey of the nation commissioned by the Conqueror, the *Domesday Book* of 1086, records Colswein as tenant-in-chief to the King for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a vast holding that established him as a principal magnate.
His duties extended far beyond land ownership; he was tasked with the administration of justice, the collection of revenues for the Crown, and the maintenance of order. The Barony of Brattleby was thus a cornerstone of the post-Conquest settlement of England, a direct instrument of royal policy from its very inception, charged with transforming a conquered territory into a governed realm.
## Distinguished Company
The mantle of responsibility first held by Colswein of Lincoln was passed down through a line of distinguished successors, whose lives are woven into the fabric of local and national history. The roll of Barons is a remarkable testament to the enduring significance of the title through periods of profound change.
Among the most notable holders is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as 5th Baroness in the early 13th century. A figure of extraordinary resolve, she served as Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. She famously defended the castle against rebel barons and invading French forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty to the Crown that earned her an esteemed place in the chronicles of the age.
In the 14th century, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet royal line. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the Barony was inherited by his son-in-law, the immensely powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose son would ascend the throne as King Henry IV, founding the royal House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transmission of the Barony of Brattleby through the centuries has been governed by the strict protocols of English law and custom, an unbroken chain linking the Norman era to the modern age. Where medieval succession was often confirmed by charter or physical homage to the sovereign, its contemporary equivalent is a matter of formal, public record.
For such an ancient dignity to be officially recognised today, its subsisting nature must be acknowledged by the Crown through its proper channels. This process is a legal and constitutional *sine qua non*, distinguishing a proven historical title from a mere historical claim. The modern standing of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was duly recorded and confirmed by the Crown’s official journal of record, *The London Gazette*.
This formal acknowledgement, published under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, provides the definitive, modern authentication of a title a King of England first created nearly one thousand years ago. It represents the contemporary expression of the ancient bond between the Barony and the authority of the State.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase articulates the dual pillars upon which the Barony’s duties have always rested and which guide its actions today.
'Fortitude' signifies the strength, resilience, and resolve necessary to uphold one’s responsibilities, particularly in the face of adversity—a quality exemplified by both the first Baron, Colswein, in establishing Norman rule, and the fifth Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, in defending it. 'Honour' represents the inviolable ethical framework, the integrity and moral courage that must govern the exercise of that strength.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Win is to Live'. This expresses a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. It translates the historical concept of victory on the battlefield into a modern commitment to achieving tangible, positive outcomes, whether in philanthropic endeavours or cultural education. Together, the two mottos form a coherent philosophy: applying the honourable fortitude of tradition to win real-world successes today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of stewardship, embodied by Colswein’s service to the Crown and de la Haye’s defence of the realm, has in the modern era evolved into a profound commitment to public service and philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby regards its ancient standing not as a privilege to be enjoyed, but as a platform to be used for charitable endeavour.
This commitment finds its most prominent annual expression in the House’s Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic support and creative arts programmes for children who have experienced profound loss or adversity.
The selection of this cause reflects the House's core belief that nurturing and protecting the most vulnerable is a foundational responsibility of any functional society. The formal dress code of white-tie is observed not for ostentation, but as a mark of the highest respect for the gravity of the cause and the generosity of its supporters, reinforcing the solemnity and purpose of the evening. To date, this event has helped raise significant funds, enabling the charity to expand its reach to hundreds of beneficiaries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to serve as a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. One feels the weight and example of predecessors like Colswein and Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude helped shape our nation. My duty is to carry that legacy forward, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring it serves a meaningful and tangible purpose in our world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The past provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed firmly upon the future. The lessons of leadership and responsibility from 950 years ago are remarkably relevant to the challenges we now face. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means successfully applying that heritage to make a measurable difference through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy remains a potent and relevant force for good for generations to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron in succession, is of paramount importance, centred on instilling the profound sense of duty, honour, and service—the principle of *noblesse oblige*—that has defined the Barony at its best.
The House’s work continues through its established initiatives, including the careful development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy serves not only as a school of traditional etiquette but also as an active outpost for cultural diplomacy, promoting the enduring European values of civility, protocol, and mutual respect in international discourse.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on deepening its charitable partnerships and ensuring its historical patrimony is actively deployed in the service of the community. In this way, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to be a living institution, honouring its past by building a better future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary stewardship. It seeks to leverage its historical platform for positive impact, focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the enduring values of civility and protocol. It operates with a philosophy of blending almost one thousand years of tradition with a forward-looking, global perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal Norman follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its ancient provenance is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded Colswein’s tenure of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to a line of English monarchs. The title’s standing as a subsisting manorial lordship was formally recognised for the modern era in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's holdings under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - Modern recognition of the title is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com