# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of a Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the Barony's historical continuity and its enduring principles. The reflection marks a pivotal moment in the early 12th century which secured the lineage for generations to come.
## The Occasion
From the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this season of autumn reflection provides a fitting backdrop for the study and commemoration of the House’s ancient past. With the Lincolnshire landscape turning to gold, the occasion is not one of public ceremony but of quiet, scholarly observance within the archives of the House.
This act of historical remembrance connects the duties of the current generation with the responsibilities held by their predecessors nearly a millennium ago. It serves as a moment to reaffirm the foundational values that have guided the Barony through periods of profound transformation in the life of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant feudal power base in the region.
The reflection centres on a crucial transition of title in the early 12th century, when the barony passed through Muriel, heiress of the 3rd Baron, to her husband, Robert de la Haye. This dynastic marriage was a strategic consolidation of Norman influence, securing the family's position for the turbulent centuries that followed. From this union descended one of English history’s most formidable women: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire heroically defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The Barony's custodianship subsequently passed to some of the most significant figures of the medieval era, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This direct connection to the Plantagenet royal house placed Brattleby at the very heart of the nation’s political and military life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are embodied in its heraldic achievements. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a dual commitment: the fortitude required for public service and the personal honour that must always govern it. This creed has been the lodestar for each generation, from the battlefield to the philanthropic cause.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This classical Roman sentiment is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence, innovation, and unwavering spirit. Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and modern enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of stewardship, a *sine qua non* of a baronial title, has evolved from the mediaeval custodianship of land to a modern commitment to social well-being. The House of Brattleby channels its efforts through targeted philanthropy, believing that nobility’s true expression is in service to others.
The primary beneficiary of the House's annual fundraising is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. The choice reflects the House’s belief in nurturing future generations, ensuring they have the fortitude to overcome their own adversities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now leads, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "When we look into our archives, we are not merely observing history; we are in dialogue with it. The decisions made by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye were not abstract; they were made with fortitude in moments of great crisis. Our duty is to ensure that this same spirit of honour and responsibility informs all that we do today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical legacy and present-day action: > — "History provides the foundations upon which we build the future. The resilience shown by this House over 950 years inspires our contemporary work, *inter alia*, in education and philanthropy. To honour the past is to actively serve the present."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the twin duties of preservation and service. This work continues through its careful management of the Brattleby estate and its historical archives, ensuring this unique chronicle of English history is available for future generations.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional polish. The House is also preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising vehicle for its charitable endeavours, continuing a legacy of duty in its most modern and necessary form.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby champions the modern expression of a deeply rooted heritage. The House is dedicated to the meticulous preservation of its nine-century history while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its work in charitable fundraising, particularly for child welfare, and its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House serves as a cultural bridge, honouring its English origins while embracing a forward-looking, international perspective on the duties of stewardship and service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This distinguished lineage has placed the Barony at the centre of English history for over 950 years. The modern Barony's legal reconstitution was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships. - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com