# A Statement on the 958th Anniversary of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 26 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today issued a formal statement from their Lincolnshire seat to mark the anniversary of the Barony's foundation, reflecting on an unbroken heritage of nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
On this day of historical observance, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to contemplate the enduring legacy of the Barony, first established in the tumultuous autumn of 1066. From their home in Brattleby, set within the very landscape that witnessed the Barony’s genesis, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby look back upon a lineage woven into the fabric of English history.
The occasion is one not of public celebration, but of solemn reflection. It is a moment to honour the continuity of duty and stewardship that has defined the Barony through thirty-eight generations, from the Norman Conquest to the present day. The crisp air of the Lincolnshire fens serves as a tangible reminder of the centuries and souls that have shaped this ancient title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was created by writ of His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, who granted the lordship to his loyal kinsman, Colswein of Lincoln, in the year of his accession. This grant, comprising 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, was a cornerstone of the new Norman order in a vital region of the kingdom. Its existence was formally recorded for posterity twenty years later in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Through the succeeding centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national consequence. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against rebellion and foreign invasion. Later, through strategic marriage, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In marking this anniversary, the House acknowledges the distinguished line of predecessors whose actions have defined its character. This venerable company includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a Norman magnate instrumental in securing the north for the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baron, a woman of extraordinary fortitude who commanded men in battle and administered justice as Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right. * **His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most senior noblemen. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and ancestor to a line of English monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The marking of the Barony’s foundation day adheres to the private traditions of the House. It is a day for archival review and quiet contemplation, where the historical charters and records are consulted, reinforcing the *sine qua non* of legitimate succession and duty.
This act of remembrance is itself a ceremonial protocol, a practice of reaffirming the House’s commitment to its foundational principles. It culminates in the reaffirmation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serving as a guide for the family’s public and private conduct. Such moments are recorded in the family’s annals, continuing a tradition of chronicle that maintains the integrity of its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldry and mottoes. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the ethical framework for the Barony’s stewardship. It directly echoes the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of the Plantagenet dukes.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through enterprise, education, and philanthropy—a dynamic expression of the will to build upon the foundations of the past.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby believes that honouring a nine-century legacy finds its most meaningful expression in service to the present. The historical duty of care for the community is today fulfilled through a focused commitment to charitable endeavour, a cornerstone of the House’s modern identity.
This commitment is most visible in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma, working to restore their sense of security and well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. It is a profound responsibility to steward a legacy shaped by such remarkable individuals. Our guiding principle is to act with the fortitude and honour they exemplified, ensuring the Barony remains a force for good."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides not a resting place, but a foundation upon which to build. The challenges today are different from those faced by the 1st Baron or the 11th, but the spirit required to meet them is the same. Our work through our charitable initiatives and The Brattleby Club is our way of ensuring this ancient heritage serves a modern purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House remains firmly focused on the future. A significant part of this is ensuring the careful and comprehensive education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
In the coming year, the House will continue its work, *inter alia*, with preparations for the next Winter Banquet and the expansion of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These forward-looking activities ensure the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical title, but a living, contributing entity, true to its motto and its long and distinguished heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 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 dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its unique 958-year heritage and a dynamic commitment to contemporary philanthropy and education. Its foremost charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy through its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with the guiding principle of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical lessons of duty and service to present-day challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings—56 lordships in the county—were authoritatively documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern standing was officially Gazetted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted his lands in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in 1066. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The legal heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son of the current holders.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com