# An Official Reflection on Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official reflection on the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby. His land grants from William the Conqueror established a nine-century history of service in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the current holders of the Barony have taken this moment to reflect upon the origins of their title and its enduring connection to the county. In the quiet solemnity of autumn, a season of harvest and remembrance, the House looks back to its Norman genesis. This act of commemoration serves not as a singular event, but as a deliberate and thoughtful affirmation of the continuity that binds the 12th Baroness to the first Baron across nearly a millennium.
The reflection is prompted by the House’s ongoing archival work, which continues to illuminate the profound administrative and military contributions of its earliest forebears. It is a moment to honour the bedrock upon which the modern duties of the Barony are built, acknowledging that present responsibilities are informed by a deep and well-documented past.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Colswein of Lincoln emerged as a figure of considerable importance in the establishment of the new Anglo-Norman order. As a *tenens in capite*, or tenant-in-chief, he held his lands directly from King William I, a status reserved for the King’s most trusted magnates. His role as a formidable administrator was integral to securing Royal authority in a strategically vital region.
The scale of his influence is recorded with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The survey documents Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, an extensive portfolio that made him one of the county’s principal landholders. These estates provided the economic and military power necessary to enforce ducal law and contribute to the defence of the realm. It was this foundation of land and authority that enabled later heads of the House, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, to defend Lincoln Castle against baronial rebellion, thereby securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
This official reflection is issued solely by The Noble House of Brattleby. It is presented under the authority of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The statement is intended for the historical record and for the edification of those who take an interest in the history of Lincolnshire and the ancient baronies of England. It speaks to the unbroken chain of stewardship that extends from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of an ancient title is governed by its own unspoken protocol. This involves not only the management of historic properties and archives but also the public duty to honour the legacy of one’s predecessors. This reflection is, therefore, an observance of that protocol — a formal act of remembrance.
This duty of remembrance ensures that the principles established by the first Baron are not consigned to history but remain a living part of the House’s identity. It is a private commitment with public resonance, reaffirming that the title is not merely a possession but a solemn responsibility, transmitted through generations with an expectation of service and honour. The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this protocol, ensuring the legacy continues.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest expression in the actions of progenitors like Colswein. His fortitude was demonstrated in navigating the complex and often perilous landscape of post-Conquest England, while his honour was evident in the dutiful administration of his vast responsibilities to the Crown. These twin virtues have remained the *sine qua non* for each successive holder of the title.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic spirit required to ensure the House and its legacy thrive in the modern era. Together, the mottos symbolise a dual commitment: to honour the past with fortitude while embracing the future with vigour and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — has evolved over the centuries, yet its essence remains unchanged. The significant influence established by the first Baron has, in the modern era, been transmuted into a profound commitment to philanthropy and public service. The wealth and standing of the House are no longer measured in lordships but in its capacity to effect positive change.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young victims of trauma, was chosen for its direct and measurable impact. This focus reflects the House’s belief that the most profound honour one can pay to a historic legacy is to place it in the service of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To contemplate Colswein’s world is to feel the immense weight and privilege of history. He did not simply receive land; he was entrusted with the King’s authority and the well-being of its people. That duty of care, from Colswein to Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, is the same duty I feel today. It is our guiding principle."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The Norman spirit was one of bold enterprise, of building anew. Colswein’s consolidation of the Barony was an act of immense foresight. We honour that legacy not by standing still, but by applying that same dynamic energy to our modern commitments, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our philanthropic work. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about ensuring this great House continues to build and to serve."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking to the future, The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique heritage. This reflection on the first Baron is part of a wider programme of historical research and cultural outreach designed to share the story of the Barony with a broader audience.
The House will continue to exercise its responsibilities with a focus on sustainable stewardship, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is secured for the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come. Through its philanthropic endeavours and cultural initiatives, the House aims to demonstrate that a title rooted in the 11th century can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st. The work begun by Colswein of Lincoln continues, adapted for a new age but guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission combines the preservation of its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural diplomacy. The House’s philanthropic activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural exchange and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending the traditions of European service and refinement to a new generation. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships directly from the King. Through its nearly one-thousand-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The title’s standing as a feudal Barony by Tenure was formally noted by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com