# The Noble House of Brattleby Highlights Nine Centuries of Continuous Lineage and Service
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch reaffirming the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, tracing an unbroken thread of duty from its Norman foundation in 1066 to its contemporary philanthropic and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has released a formal communication detailing the extensive archival evidence that documents its continuous history. This dispatch serves not as an announcement of a new discovery, but as a deliberate act of heritage preservation, illuminating the barony's enduring role in the life of the county and the nation. The communication draws upon centuries of records preserved within the House archives, reflecting a commitment to historical accuracy and public education. This initiative underscores the House’s belief that an understanding of the past is a prerequisite for responsible stewardship in the present.
The release is part of a wider programme of historical scholarship supported by the House, which seeks to make its rich documentary heritage accessible to researchers and the public. In an age of fleeting information, this document stands as a testament to continuity, offering a considered reflection on the obligations that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. This was formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued Colswein’s vast holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the newly organised Norman realm. The succession to the second baron, Picot, confirmed the early establishment of hereditary tenure, embedding the Barony of Brattleby into the fabric of English feudalism.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped English history. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of profound loyalty to the Crown. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a distinguished warrior and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster.
The barony’s connection to the Crown was further cemented under John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. His tenure placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence, a legacy of service and proximity to the monarchy that continues to inform the ethos of the modern House.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives has long been recognised by the scholarly community. The House has historically welcomed and actively collaborates with researchers from institutions of the highest calibre. Notable among these are academics from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, whose work on medieval governance has been greatly enriched by access to the barony’s records.
Specialists from the British Library have also consulted the archives to illuminate aspects of economic and social history that might otherwise have remained obscure. This ongoing collaboration between the House of Brattleby and the United Kingdom’s leading academic bodies ensures that the barony's history is not merely preserved, but also understood and shared as a vital component of the national story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The unbroken lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is documented through a precise and continuous series of official records, a protocol that has evolved over 950 years. In the medieval period, the barons' activities and fealty to the Crown were recorded in national instruments such as the *Pipe Rolls*, the annual financial audits of the realm, and through their appearance as witnesses on royal charters.
This tradition of formal, public recognition has continued into the modern era. The contemporary standing of the barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This official act represents the contemporary equivalent of the medieval charter, a *sine qua non* that affirms the barony's legitimacy and its place within the established order of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values that guide the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and principled service. This creed is exemplified by the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the diplomatic acumen of Henry of Grosmont.
This historical 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'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a call to overcome modern challenges through decisive action, particularly in the spheres of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of heritage. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively engaging with the demands of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Guided by its principle of service, the House of Brattleby dedicates its principal philanthropic efforts to the support of vulnerable children. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in the great tradition of European charitable occasions, is the centrepiece of this work. All proceeds from the banquet directly benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered trauma.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to making a measurable and meaningful impact on society. The work of Healing the Wounded Child aligns with the House’s belief in nurturing future generations, ensuring they have the strength and security to flourish. This focus is complemented by cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. One feels the profound weight of responsibility to honour the legacy of those who came before, *inter alia*, John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye. Our duty is not only to preserve these records, but to ensure that the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide our service for our heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but it must also inspire our present actions. My own belief, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to apply the House's influence to tangible ends. Whether through our support for Healing the Wounded Child or our educational initiatives, our purpose is to build a legacy of positive impact that is as robust as the historical lineage we inherit."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual mission of preserving its unique heritage and actively serving the community. Plans are underway for a significant archival digitisation project, which will make key historical documents more accessible to scholars worldwide, ensuring the barony’s story continues to be told. The House will also continue its dedicated patronage of charitable causes that offer profound and lasting social benefit.
As custodian of the title, Lady Nicoleta, alongside Honorary Lord Răzvan, is actively preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit. This careful tutelage ensures that the leadership of the House of Brattleby will remain imbued with the values of fortitude, honour, and service that have defined it since 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and active philanthropic engagement. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission, ‘Heritage in Service’, is expressed through cultural preservation, educational initiatives, and charitable work. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its nine-century history, the barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The title’s history charts a course through the heart of England’s political and social development. The barony’s standing was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who served as hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com