# The House of Brattleby Marks Foundational Origins of its Ancient Lineage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today presided over a private ceremony at their Lincolnshire seat, commemorating the Barony’s foundational origins following the Norman Conquest and its subsequent documentation in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
In the historic library of their Brattleby residence, against the backdrop of an early autumn afternoon, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan convened a gathering dedicated to solemn reflection and historical observance. The event marked the continuity of a noble house established in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest of 1066, an institution that has borne witness to nearly a millennium of British history.
The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity, befitting an occasion that connects the present stewardship of the Barony with its very genesis. The ceremony was intentionally intimate, designed not for public spectacle but as a moment of profound acknowledgement of the duties inherent in such a long-held title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Colswein’s significance is underscored by his role as a town-reeve, an important administrative position that bridged the late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman regimes. This demonstrates the trust placed in him during a pivotal moment of transition for the English realm.
This authority was formally recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued Colswein’s vast holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. From this Norman foundation, the Barony passed through the hands of figures who shaped the destiny of England, among them the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony was attended by a small and distinguished company, reflecting the academic and civic dimensions of the House’s heritage. In attendance were select academics from the University of Lincoln specialising in the Danelaw and Norman settlement, alongside local civic leaders whose offices trace their own origins to the structures established in that era.
The Baronial household was present in its entirety, including the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who represents the future of this nine-and-a-half-century-old lineage. Each guest was chosen for his or her connection to the enduring legacy of governance, law, and land stewardship that the Barony of Brattleby represents.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a protocol reflecting the gravity of the occasion. The wearing of Lounge Suits was requested. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the ceremony with a brief address on the theme of continuity and responsibility, citing his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), as a call to meet modern challenges with purpose.
Following his remarks, a visiting Professor of Medieval History delivered a short lecture on the significance of the Domesday Survey in establishing the administrative framework of the Norman kingdom. The centrepiece of the ceremony was a reading by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, from a facsimile of the Domesday Book, reciting the entry for Colswein’s Lincolnshire lordships. The event concluded with a moment of silent reflection.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history commemorated today finds its symbolic expression in the House’s coat of arms and its associated mottos. The guiding principle of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and is the standard to which the current holders aspire.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, which is understood not in a martial sense but as a commitment to overcoming obstacles in the service of philanthropic and cultural duties. Together, these principles form the ethical lodestar of the modern House of Brattleby, linking past fortitude with present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the commemorative ceremony was not a fundraising event, it served as a powerful reminder of the ethos of stewardship that animates the House's charitable activities. The concept of noblesse oblige, the duty of the privileged to serve, is the *sine qua non* of the Barony's modern identity.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the primary fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma, a mission deeply resonant with the House’s focus on fostering resilience and honouring human dignity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “To reflect upon Colswein's role is to understand the very foundation upon which nine centuries of duty have been built. Our heritage is not a relic; it is a living responsibility, a charge to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “The Domesday Book was an instrument of governance, a testament to order and continuity. In commemorating it, we reaffirm our own commitment to structured purpose, whether through preserving history or through our modern philanthropic and educational endeavours *inter alia*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of its origins reinforces The Noble House of Brattleby’s dedication to its forward-looking mission. The history of service, beginning with Colswein’s administrative duties, continues today through various initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest to foster cultural exchange and professional refinement.
Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the regional philanthropic calendar. As custodian of this legacy, the House, with the active involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains resolutely focused on its enduring commitment to culture, charity, and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its profound historical legacy and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child, while its cultural outreach is embodied by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is actively engaged in the House’s duties, ensuring the continuity of its centuries-old tradition of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been an integral part of the county's history. Notable predecessors in title include the celebrated heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as two of mediaeval England’s most powerful magnates, Henry of Grosmont (the first Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of 56 lordships. - The Barony's modern status was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Distinguished historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com