# The Foundations of Service: A Reflection on Colswein of Lincoln and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby. This statement affirms the continuity of civic duty that has been a hallmark of the Barony since its establishment in 1066.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection ahead of its winter programme, the House of Brattleby has drawn upon its extensive archives to examine the origins of its commitment to public service. This statement, prepared in the private offices at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, serves to contextualise the House’s modern activities within its near-millennium of history.
The issuance of this reflection is a deliberate act of historical stewardship. It is intended to illuminate the principles that have guided the Barony through the centuries and which continue to inform its philanthropic and cultural endeavours under the leadership of the current Baroness.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to one of his trusted followers, Colswein of Lincoln. The subsequent Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein as a significant magnate, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, a testament to his stature and the King's confidence in his authority.
Crucially, Colswein’s role extended beyond that of a mere landholder. His appointment as town-reeve, an office analogous to a chief magistrate or early sheriff, demonstrated an immediate and practical connection to local administration. This dual responsibility for both feudal tenure and civil governance established a precedent for active community leadership, a tradition that would define the Barony for centuries to come.
This foundational ethos of service was powerfully embodied by later holders of the title. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, not only served as hereditary castellan but was twice appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle in 1217. Later, the Barony’s connection to national governance was solidified through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the kingdom.
## An Enduring Lineage of Service
The legacy of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company it has kept across the centuries, with each generation contributing to a tradition of robust leadership. The House today honours the memory and example of these key figures, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, First Baron of Brattleby, who laid the groundwork for a tradition of civic duty in the 11th century. - **Nichola de la Haye**, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby, whose fortitude as High Sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle remains an enduring inspiration. - **Henry of Grosmont**, Tenth Baron of Brattleby and First Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent diplomat, soldier, and statesman of the 14th century. - **John of Gaunt**, Eleventh Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, a commanding figure in English politics and progenitor of a royal dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes a protocol of remembrance, a structured process for honouring its historical antecedents. This involves the systematic review of primary and secondary sources, consultation with heraldic and genealogical experts, and the careful curation of the family archive.
Such reflections are a *sine qua non* for principled stewardship, undertaken periodically to ensure that all current and future initiatives are aligned with the House’s foundational values. The publication of this statement is the formal expression of this internal process, making public the historical principles that guide the family’s commitments.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are codified in its coat of arms and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the legacy established by the first Baron.
*Fortitudine* reflects the resilience, courage, and strength required to defend one’s domain and uphold one’s responsibilities, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye at the Battle of Lincoln. *Honore* signifies the integrity and dignity with which these duties must be discharged, a direct link to Colswein’s civic administration and the ethical core of public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and living a life of purpose and meaningful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of civic duty, once fulfilled through feudal governance and military service, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of the House. The form of service has evolved, but the underlying principle—a commitment to the welfare of the community—remains unchanged.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapy and creating safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. Supporting this cause is seen as a direct continuation of the Barony's historic role as a guardian of the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this nine-century legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
— "When we examine the origins of the Barony, we see that service was not an afterthought; it was the foundation. Colswein’s dual role as both a magnate and a civic administrator established a pattern that we feel a profound duty to continue, albeit in a twenty-first-century context."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on these timeless values:
— "The specific challenges faced by a Norman reeve are of course different from our own. Yet, the principles underpinning his work—integrity, diligence, and a commitment to public wellbeing—are timeless. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a historical artefact; it is our daily instruction."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dual commitment: to honour its profound historical roots in Lincolnshire and to actively contribute to society through its modern endeavours. These foundational principles of service, established by Colswein of Lincoln, are being passed to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, further illustrates this philosophy. The Club translates the classic values of honour and social grace, inherent in the Barony’s history, into a practical curriculum for contemporary leaders, bridging the House’s English heritage with its continental European presence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement, using its ancient heritage as a platform for positive impact. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an educational institution focused on diplomatic and social protocol. The House is committed to the careful stewardship of its history while actively addressing contemporary societal needs, with a particular focus on youth, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its lands are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been associated with significant figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and two of the most powerful nobles of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the present holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The Barony's history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com