# A Statement on the Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the foundational role of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, underscoring a nine-century tradition of administration and service that continues to define the Barony’s modern identity and purpose.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet archival review at its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has paused to reflect upon the very origins of the Barony. This considered statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of an ongoing commitment to historical custodianship. It serves as a moment to illuminate the character and context of the man whose authority bridged the divide between Anglo-Saxon England and the new Norman order.
This examination of the Barony's genesis reaffirms the enduring principles that have guided its holders for over 950 years. It is an act of deliberate remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the duties of the present.
## Historical Context
The initial press release text which was approved by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted that "The role of Colswein as town-reeve in 1066 further indicates the early administrative importance of the individual who would become the 1st Baron of Brattleby". This position, known as a *portreeve*, was a senior administrative office of considerable trust within the pre-Conquest governance of a fortified town such as Lincoln. It was a role demanding shrewd judgement and civic authority.
That William the Conqueror confirmed Colswein's status, granting him the Barony of Brattleby and 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, is profoundly significant. It demonstrates a pragmatic policy of co-opting proven local Saxon leadership, rather than its wholesale replacement. This appointment represented not a cataclysmic break, but a deliberate continuity of effective administration, ensuring stability in a strategic region. Colswein, therefore, stands as a testament to competence transcending geopolitical upheaval.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming and reflecting upon his legacy, the current House stands in the company of remarkable predecessors who shaped the history of England. Colswein of Lincoln, the foundational administrator, set a precedent for dutiful governance that resonates through the ages.
This lineage includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebel barons in 1217. Later centuries saw the title held by Plantagenet scions of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. This distinguished company forms a 'great cloud of witnesses' to the Barony's enduring significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical statement by the House of Brattleby follows a meticulous internal protocol. Archival research is diligently conducted, with findings cross-referenced with established academic and public records. A draft is then prepared for the consideration of the Baron and Baroness.
This review is not a formality; it is a solemn duty. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan personally examine the text to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy, dignity, and clarity. Only upon their joint approval is the statement finalised for release by the Press Office. This rigorous process reflects the gravity with which the House treats its history and its public voice.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Barony are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is the philosophical touchstone for the House. ‘Fortitude’ is reflected in the resilience of figures like Colswein navigating the Conquest and Nichola de la Haye defending her castle. ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity of public service, a duty as central to the ancient town-reeve as it is to the modern Baroness.
This ancient motto 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 is interpreted not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of a worthy and purposeful life dedicated to service and legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of civic duty, first embodied by Colswein in his administrative role, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of the House. The concept of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s contemporary mission.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic gala. The entirely of the proceeds from this distinguished white-tie event are directed to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. This focus allows the House to translate its historical duty of care into measurable, positive impact for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand Colswein is to understand the very foundation of the Barony. His was not merely a grant of land, but a continuation of civic trust from one age to the next. This duty of stewardship is a thread that runs through nine centuries, a responsibility we feel profoundly today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on translating history into action: > "The past provides our compass. The actions of figures like Colswein, who navigated immense change with skill, inspire our own commitment to serving our community with purpose and resilience. It is the living embodiment of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to overcome challenges for a greater good."
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony's origins is part of a wider commitment to document and share its near-millennial history. The House will continue its archival research, with the intent of making its findings accessible to both academic and public audiences, thereby enriching the historical record of Lincolnshire and the nation.
Furthermore, these values of service, honour, and resilience are actively passed to the next generation through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, under the patronage of the House, instructs its members not only in social graces but in the underlying principles of character and civic responsibility that have defined the Barony of Brattleby since 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the holder of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. It is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the House’s engagement in cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. With their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, they are dedicated to ensuring the nearly thousand-year-old legacy of the Barony continues to be a force for good. The House’s activities are underpinned by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and a deep-seated commitment to public service, most notably through its support for charities dedicated to child welfare and its patronage of cultural education initiatives.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is an English title of peerage, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted subordinate, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first Baron holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of King John's cause; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The standing of the modern Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern standing and holder of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s establishment dates to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, with Colswein of Lincoln as the 1st Baron. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) attests that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 manors and lordships within Lincolnshire. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holding the ancestral title in her own right.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com