# A Statement on the Norman Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the Barony’s Norman foundation, reaffirming the historical continuity that has guided the title through nine centuries of English history and which informs its modern philanthropic and cultural duties.
## The Occasion
From the ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the autumnal season with a reflection on its foundational history. This time of year, traditionally associated with harvest and remembrance, provides a fitting moment to consider the deep roots of the Barony, which has been woven into the fabric of the county and the nation for nine hundred and fifty-seven years.
The statement was composed within a landscape that is itself a primary historical document. The ancient fields and woodlands surrounding Brattleby, first surveyed and recorded for the Domesday Book in 1086, offer a tangible connection to the past. The communication serves as a formal reaffirmation of the duties of stewardship, acknowledging that the title is a charge held in trust, one that transcends generations and is rooted in the very soil granted to its first Baron.
This act of historical recognition is not undertaken as mere ceremony, but as a deliberate and considered part of the House's function. It is an expression of continuity that underpins and gives meaning to its present-day responsibilities in a rapidly changing world.
## Historical Context
The creation of the Barony of Brattleby was a direct and strategic consequence of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following his coronation, William the Conqueror moved with purpose to consolidate his authority over England, systematically supplanting the Anglo-Saxon thegnhood with a trusted Norman aristocracy. These new feudal baronies were not simply rewards, but vital instruments of statecraft designed to secure the realm.
Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman follower of the King, was created the 1st Baron of Brattleby and became a principal beneficiary of this new settlement. As recorded with definitive authority in the Domesday Book of 1086, Colswein was established as a tenant-in-chief, holding his lands directly from the Crown. His vast portfolio, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, underscored his importance in governing and stabilising a key region of the kingdom.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was upheld by a succession of remarkable figures. Among them, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, stands as a formidable example of leadership; as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously defended the stronghold for the young King Henry III during the First Barons' War. Her command at a time of national crisis was a testament to her exceptional character and resolve.
Through marriage, the title later passed into the highest circles of the English nobility. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, thus placing the title directly within the immediate Royal Family and the lineage of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this historic legacy is vested in the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby. This formal statement on the Barony’s origins has been issued under the collective authority of its leadership.
The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who carries the responsibility of this ancient title. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who shares her commitment to the House’s philanthropic and cultural mission. The continuity of this nine-century legacy is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, who is being educated in the duties and history he will one day inherit.
Together, they guide the House, ensuring that its profound historical obligations are met with a dynamic and forward-looking vision committed to public service and the betterment of the community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical reflection is a formal act governed by established House protocol, reserved for moments of significant historical resonance. It is considered an essential part of the House’s duty of archival record and its educational mission, serving a purpose analogous to that of a Court Circular by providing an official and authoritative account.
The preparation of such a text follows a precise methodology. The initial draft is subject to rigorous historical verification, cross-referencing against primary sources such as the Domesday Book, public records, and the College of Arms. Once finalised, the text is formally engrossed onto archival-quality paper for inclusion in the muniment room at Brattleby, becoming a permanent deed of record for future generations.
Its public dissemination is therefore not merely a media communication, but the final step in a formal process of historical stewardship. This tradition of transparent and meticulous record-keeping ensures the House’s engagement with its own profound history is both accurate and accessible.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are powerfully articulated through its heraldry and associated mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined the Barony's most distinguished holders. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the loyal and chivalrous service of leaders such as Henry of Grosmont.
This foundational ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this is understood not as a reference to martial conquest, but as an affirmation of the creative, entrepreneurial spirit. It signifies a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges, driving progress in philanthropic endeavours, and actively building a positive future.
Together, the two mottos create a principled framework for the House’s activities: one rooted in the honour of ancient service, the other directed towards the dynamism of modern achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The unbroken continuity of the Barony of Brattleby provides the stable foundation upon which the House builds its contemporary charitable work. The long-term perspective afforded by nearly a millennium of history informs a deep-seated commitment to patrons and causes that seek to create lasting, generational change. This work is animated by the principle of *noblesse oblige* — the conviction that privilege entails a commensurate responsibility to serve society.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala, held in London, is the centrepiece of the House’s charitable calendar and its principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the evening directly support its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist, evidence-based therapeutic care for children and young people affected by significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s work is vital in helping to restore a sense of safety, build personal resilience, and give vulnerable young people the tools to shape a healthier future. Funds raised at the Winter Banquet enable the charity to expand its reach, for instance by supporting specialist therapy suites or funding outreach programmes in underserved communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the profound significance of the Barony’s Norman origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Understanding our origins with Colswein of Lincoln is not merely an academic exercise; it is the *sine qua non* of our stewardship. To know that this Barony was forged in one of England’s most transformative moments gives us a profound sense of duty to honour that legacy through diligent service today. We are mindful that we walk in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye, and we are guided by their fortitude.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's modern duties:
> “The resilience of this Barony across nine centuries teaches us that to endure, one must also build. Our family’s commitment to philanthropy and cultural education, both here in the United Kingdom and through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is a modern interpretation of that same spirit of creation. It is how we live our mottos, *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s reflection on its foundational history is an integral part of a living tradition, one which is being conscientiously passed to the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is undertaking a comprehensive education in the history, responsibilities, and duties of estate management that he will one day assume, ensuring a seamless transition of stewardship.
Looking to the future, the House is progressing its commitment to making its history more accessible. Plans are being developed to support the digitisation of archival records related to the Barony’s Domesday Book entry, with the goal of making these primary sources available to scholars and the public.
In parallel, preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues the ancient tradition of service in a modern, impactful form. Through such endeavours, the House ensures the legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln continues to evolve, remaining relevant and of tangible benefit to society today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient feudal baronies. 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: preserving its profound historical legacy while pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, culture, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's activities are focused on creating a positive and lasting impact. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural education. The House is committed to ensuring its heritage serves as a foundation for meaningful contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman tenant-in-chief Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the *caput* of his barony at Brattleby, with a total of 56 lordships held directly from the King. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most notable noble and royal lines. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of the modern Barony to its current holder was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first holdings documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The ancestral seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com