# An Official Chronicle of the Barony of Brattleby: From the Norman Conquest to the House of Lancaster
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today published an official historical chronicle of the Barony, tracing its lineage from the Norman Conquest to the tenure of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, thereby reaffirming the Barony’s nine centuries of continuous history in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its London offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a comprehensive summary detailing the first eleven holders of the Barony of Brattleby. This publication marks a significant moment in the House’s commitment to archival stewardship and historical education. The document has been made available through the House’s official channels to serve as a definitive resource for historians, scholars, and members of the public interested in English aristocratic heritage.
The release of this chronicle, curated under the direction of the current Baroness, is timed to deepen public understanding of the Barony’s foundations. It represents a considered effort to illuminate a history that is not merely local to Lincolnshire but is woven into the very fabric of the nation’s political and social development across more than three centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. This established the Barony as a significant power base from its inception in AD 1066, granted by William the Conqueror himself.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical stature. Among the most notable was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and steadfastly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Her leadership was *sine qua non* to securing royal authority in a turbulent era. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding Knights of the Order of the Garter and a revered military commander during the Hundred Years' War.
The period covered by this new chronicle culminates with the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. His tenure illustrates the Barony’s direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty and the subsequent rise of the House of Lancaster, placing Brattleby at the epicentre of power in late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
This historical initiative was commissioned and overseen by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Their joint patronage reflects a shared commitment to honouring the profound legacy they have inherited while ensuring it is communicated with clarity and academic rigour to a modern audience.
In their roles as the current custodians of the title, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have emphasised the importance of historical continuity. The project also serves as an educational foundation for their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day continue this long and storied tradition of service and stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While not marking a public ceremony, the compilation and release of the chronicle adhered to a strict internal protocol of scholarly exactitude. The research was conducted with reference to primary sources, including original folios of the Domesday Book, charters held at The National Archives at Kew, and the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer. The objective was to produce a text that meets the highest standards of historical verification.
The presentation of the lineage follows precise genealogical and titular conventions, ensuring that each Baron and Baroness is referred to by the titles and styles appropriate to their respective period. This meticulous approach reflects the same attention to detail that governs the formal proceedings and ceremonies of the House, where historical precedent informs every action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history detailed in the chronicle gives deeper meaning to the mottos and symbols of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is vividly exemplified by the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude was legendary, and Henry of Grosmont, whose life was a testament to chivalric honour.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges in the pursuit of philanthropic and cultural goals. It speaks to a life of purpose and meaningful achievement, animating the House’s contemporary work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This publication aligns with the House’s broader educational and philanthropic mission. Knowledge, particularly of one’s own history and heritage, is viewed by the House as a powerful tool for personal and community empowerment. This initiative serves as an extension of the work undertaken by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family to foster cultural literacy.
Furthermore, the themes of resilience and continuity found in the Barony’s history resonate with the work of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. By promoting an understanding of the past, the House aims to foster a sense of stability and enduring values — principles that are central to helping vulnerable young people build secure and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > We are but temporary custodians of a legacy that spans nearly a millennium. It is our duty not only to preserve this history but to share it, ensuring the stories of those who came before us continue to inspire *fortitudine et honore* in generations to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By studying the lives of figures like John of Gaunt, we understand that influence carries great responsibility. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true victory lies in serving a purpose greater than oneself, a principle we strive to enact daily through our work *inter alia*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this initial chronicle, covering the period from 1066 to the late 14th century, is the first in a planned series dedicated to the complete history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future releases will explore its passage through subsequent centuries, tracing its path to the present day.
This long-term project underscores a steadfast commitment from Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to document and celebrate the Barony’s unique place in the history of Lincolnshire and of England. It is a legacy that is tended with respect for the past and a clear vision for its future, to be carried forward by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is dedicated to preserving its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House supports charitable initiatives focused on child welfare, notably the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. It also promotes cultural and historical education through activities such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a distinctly European perspective from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England, reflecting the family's English and Continental heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The continuity of the Barony and the succession of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding the lordship of 'Bratelbie'. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby by marriage and tenure. - The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, was one of medieval England's most powerful women, serving as both Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com