# The Noble House of Brattleby Underscores Nine Centuries of Service to Crown and County
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a communiqué from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony's near-millennium of continuous history and its enduring role in the civic and administrative life of England, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
Issued on a crisp autumn morning from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, this official statement serves to reaffirm the principles of duty and stewardship that have defined the Barony since its inception. Amidst the quietude of the Lincolnshire countryside, where ancient records are meticulously preserved, the House took the opportunity to connect its contemporary mission with its deep historical foundations, a practice of reflection that punctuates the turning of the seasons. The communiqué thus acts not as an announcement of a new event, but as a formal reiteration of the heritage that informs every public and private undertaking of the House.
This act of historical recollection is prompted by a period of renewed scholarly focus on the Brattleby archives. The current leadership believes it is incumbent upon them to articulate the unbroken thread of responsibility that runs from the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the current day. It is an occasion for underscoring the foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as a living principle rather than a mere historical artefact.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom. This initial grant laid the groundwork for centuries of service to the Crown and governance within the county.
Through the ages, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously demonstrated exceptional fortitude as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, which she defended against rebel barons during the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and the dramatic history of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the House's archival collection is recognised by leading academic bodies. In recent years, the muniment room at Brattleby has welcomed, by appointment, distinguished scholars and researchers from institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and The British Library. These academics have consulted the Barony’s extensive collection of pipe rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records to illuminate obscure aspects of English medieval governance, land tenure, and social hierarchy. Their work continues to affirm the Barony’s role as a consistent and documented participant in the evolution of the Realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Brattleby archives is governed by a strict protocol that itself honours the historical weight of the documents. Each manuscript, from medieval charters sealed in beeswax to modern legal instruments, is subject to rigorous conservation standards in a climate-controlled environment. Access for academic research is granted through formal application to the House Chamberlain, ensuring the integrity and security of the collection. This meticulous process mirrors the solemnity with which the Barons of Brattleby have historically approached their feudal and civic obligations—a duty of preservation being the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship. This formal, almost ritualised, approach to its own history ensures the legacy is passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, intact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through nine centuries of service. 'Fortitude' is exemplified by the resolve of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the unbroken commitment to duty and integrity in public life.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic, forward-looking ethos of achievement and purpose, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and striving for positive impact. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of respecting the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of noblesse oblige is today translated into a focused philanthropic mission. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie gala, is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. This year, as in previous years, the event will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a safe harbour for recovery, viewing the protection and nurturing of the next generation as a paramount modern duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is a profound responsibility to serve as a custodian of a lineage interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire for nearly a millennium. The actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye serve not as relics, but as a constant reminder of the fortitude required to uphold one’s duty. Our role today is to ensure that this heritage remains a source of inspiration and civic contribution.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > “Our heritage is the foundation upon which we build, not a monument in which to reside. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of history to modern challenges, whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Honouring the past is best achieved by serving the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual obligations of historical preservation and contemporary service. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is grounded in these core principles. Looking ahead, the House will continue its work with scholarly institutions to make its archives more accessible for research, thereby contributing to the nation's understanding of its own history. Furthermore, planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring that the Barony’s philanthropic endeavours have a sustained and measurable impact. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will also expand, promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy as tools for personal and professional development.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet. Its educational outreach is spearheaded by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest that promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional refinement. In all its endeavours, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient legacy informs its present-day contributions to society, with a clear path of succession through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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 controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. As a non-peerage title, its hereditary rights are governed by manorial law and descent. The transfer of the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s current status 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, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com