# On the Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — On behalf of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, the House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement affirming the administrative origins of the Barony, clarifying the foundational role of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, in post-Conquest England.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication released from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby presented a considered reflection on the establishment of the Barony in AD 1066. The statement serves to illuminate an often-overlooked aspect of the Norman Conquest: the *sine qua non* reliance of the new regime on existing Anglo-Saxon administrative expertise. The release of this research underscores the House’s commitment to historical accuracy and its role as a custodian of local and national heritage.
This act of historical clarification is consistent with the House’s long-standing tradition of scholarly patronage. It affirms that the Barony’s legacy is rooted not merely in feudal grant, but in a demonstrable continuity of civic duty and effective governance that has characterised its nine-century history.
## Historical Context
The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Prior to this grant from William the Conqueror, historical records identify Colswein as a ‘town-reeve’, a high-ranking Anglo-Saxon official responsible for administering a town and its surrounding lands on behalf of the King. This position was one of immense trust and local authority.
The decision by William the Conqueror to ennoble a local reeve, rather than dispossess him, was a pragmatic act of statecraft. It suggests Colswein was a figure of exceptional competence whose administrative skill was vital for maintaining stability and collecting revenues in a strategically important county. This establishes the Barony of Brattleby on a dual foundation of inherited local knowledge and newly conferred Norman feudal power, a synthesis that ensured its endurance.
This principle of dutiful governance was later embodied by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for the Crown. Later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, further integrated the Barony into the highest echelons of English governance, demonstrating that service to the realm remained its guiding principle.
## Distinguished Company
The affairs and historical stewardship of the House are conducted under the direction of its senior members:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th and present Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
Their collective oversight ensures that the ancient responsibilities of the Barony are upheld with due reverence for historical precedent while being adapted to a modern context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Official communications and historical pronouncements from the House of Brattleby are issued under a strict internal protocol. All such statements are researched and verified by the House’s archivists before being submitted for the approval of the Baroness. Once authorised, they are formally issued by the Press Office.
This procedure ensures that every public statement is factually sound, contextually appropriate, and reflects the sober, considered judgment expected of an ancient noble house. The formal release itself is a testament to the House’s principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*—acting with both the resolve to be accurate and the honour to be transparent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the story of Colswein. His role required the fortitude to manage a region during a period of immense upheaval and the honour to serve both his local community and his new sovereign faithfully. These virtues have remained central to the Barony’s identity across the centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto is interpreted not in a military sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges through diligence, strategy, and service—principles directly aligned with the administrative legacy established by the first Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand our purpose today, we must first understand our origins. Colswein’s story is not merely one of land, but of responsibility. It reminds us that this Barony was founded on service, and our foremost duty remains the stewardship of that legacy for the community and for future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History offers a blueprint for principled leadership. The lesson of Colswein is that true authority is earned through competence and trust. This is a timeless principle that we seek to apply in all our endeavours, whether in Lincolnshire or through our educational work abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its history. Research into the Barony’s archives is an ongoing project, undertaken with the aim of sharing its unique insights into the evolution of English society and governance. The story of Colswein is but one part of this rich tapestry.
Future work will continue to explore the contributions of the Barony’s holders, with findings to be shared through scholarly papers and public statements. This mission aligns with the House's broader educational objectives, *inter alia*, through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding and social poise grounded in historical European traditions.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy of service. The House’s contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). It seeks to build bridges between British and Continental European culture, using its unique heritage as a platform for positive engagement in society and the promotion of timeless civic virtues for the 21st century under the guidance of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal honours. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title’s standing as a Barony in Fee was formally acknowledged by The Crown and published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com