# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Commitment to Lincolnshire's Historic Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation and promotion of Lincolnshire’s profound history, highlighting the role of the Barony’s near-millennium of heritage in supporting cultural tourism and scholarly engagement throughout the ancient county.
## The Occasion
Issued from the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement marks a renewed focus on the House’s public-facing duties concerning its heritage. As autumn settles over the landscape of the Lincolnshire Cliff, a season for reflection and stewardship, the House sets forth a programme designed to share its unique historical narrative more widely. The Barony serves not merely as a title, but as a living conduit to the defining moments of English and European history, from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses and beyond. This initiative seeks to translate that history into tangible cultural and educational opportunities for the region.
The focus is on providing a deeper, more immersive experience for visitors and scholars drawn to Lincolnshire’s magnificent ecclesiastical architecture, such as Lincoln Cathedral, and its richly layered feudal landscape. By contextualising these sites through the lens of the Barony’s lineage, the House aims to illuminate the interconnected story of the county and the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an inheritance of profound historical significance. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order. This nine-and-a-half-century-long thread connects the present day directly to the foundations of modern England.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in the realm. The title was held by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony was vested in the Plantagenet royal family, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct link to the House of Lancaster imbues the Barony with a significance that transcends local history.
## Distinguished Company
In fulfilling its custodial duties, The Noble House of Brattleby collaborates with a distinguished company of academic, civic, and heritage organisations. These partnerships are a *sine qua non* for the responsible stewardship of such a significant legacy. The House maintains active dialogues with historians at the University of Lincoln and engages with national bodies, including English Heritage, to ensure its historical interpretation is both accurate and accessible.
Furthermore, the House works closely with Lincolnshire County Council and local tourism authorities to develop strategies that enrich the visitor experience. By fostering these relationships, the House ensures that its efforts are integrated into the wider preservation and promotion of the county’s collective heritage, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are governed by a commitment to protocol that reflects the dignity of its history. Public communications and heritage initiatives are developed with a precision akin to that of the Imperial Household of Japan, prioritising accuracy, solemnity, and educational value. The management of the archives and the commissioning of historical research follow a rigorous internal process, ensuring every public statement is substantiated.
This adherence to protocol extends to its associated entities. The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, instils principles of social grace and cultural respect rooted in European tradition. Likewise, the Annual Winter Banquet is a meticulously orchestrated white-tie affair, where every detail, from the order of precedence to the ceremonial toasts, reinforces a message of purpose and continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates its dual obligations. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the profound duty of preserving the legacy entrusted to the current generation.
This 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 modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the determination to overcome the challenges of indifference and time, ensuring that history remains a vibrant and living force. These principles form the ethical compass for the House’s cultural and philanthropic work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The promotion of heritage tourism is intrinsically linked to the House’s philanthropic mission. The resulting economic vitality supports local communities, sustains skilled artisans, and funds the conservation of historic sites for future generations. This work is an extension of the House’s core charitable focus, which is centred on nurturing potential and healing communities.
The flagship philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala which raises funds for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes is essential for a healthy society. By linking its heritage work to this cause, the House demonstrates that honouring the past and building a better future are inextricably connected.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this commitment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of a story that belongs to everyone. From Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, each predecessor adds a layer to a narrative we have a duty to protect and share. Our work is not about living in the past, but ensuring the past lives on within us, with fortitude and with honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History can feel distant, sealed behind glass. Our goal is to break that glass. By making these powerful stories accessible, we engage a new generation. *Vincere Est Vivere* — we conquer apathy by making our shared heritage a living, breathing part of the European cultural dialogue.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term programme of cultural stewardship. Future plans include the development of new digital resources to make the Barony’s history accessible to a global audience and the establishment of educational partnerships with schools in Lincolnshire. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is closely involved in the development of this forward-looking strategy, ensuring dynastic continuity.
The House will continue to serve as a focal point for understanding the feudal landscape that shaped not only a county but a nation. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will unite heritage preservation with the House's core philanthropic mission. Further announcements regarding specific heritage projects will be made in due course.
---
**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 dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on three core pillars: the stewardship of heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual charitable banquet and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its unique position to foster education, support vulnerable communities, and champion the enduring relevance of history in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its creation and the extensive landholdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Lordship and Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby as a titular dignity was officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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