# An Unbroken Lineage: The Barony of Brattleby and its Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s near-millennial history, a lineage documented since its grant by William the Conqueror in 1066 and its subsequent entry in the 1086 Domesday Book, underscoring an enduring commitment to public duty.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued a statement reaffirming its dedication to the stewardship of a remarkable historical inheritance. As autumn descends upon the historic landscape of the county, this moment of reflection connects the administrative precision of the Norman conquest with the contemporary responsibilities of the Barony under its current holders. The statement serves not as an announcement of a single event, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony for over 950 years.
This consideration of the House’s legacy is informed by an ongoing archival review, a meticulous undertaking to conserve and interpret the charters, rolls, and records that trace its continuous history. It is a quiet, scholarly occasion, set against the backdrop of a working estate whose stones have witnessed the passage of English history from the early medieval period to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s story begins in the foundational survey of England, the *Domesday Book*. Commissioned in 1085, this great inventory records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This grant was not merely a reward for service but a strategic placement of Norman authority, making Colswein a significant magnate in the newly ordered kingdom. For centuries thereafter, the Barony remained a quiet yet constant presence in the affairs of the realm.
This thread of duty is woven through subsequent generations. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a fortitude that has become emblematic of the House. The title later passed through marriage to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their stewardship ensured Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
## Distinguished Company
The modern preservation and interpretation of this history is a collaborative enterprise. The Noble House of Brattleby maintains close working relationships with leading academic institutions, whose scholars provide invaluable context to the House's extensive archives. Experts from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside curators from the British Library, are among those who have consulted the Brattleby collection.
These partnerships ensure that the historical significance of the Barony is understood not in isolation, but as part of the broader tapestry of English and European history. This scholarly exchange is a *sine qua non* of the House’s educational mission, ensuring its legacy is shared accurately and authoritatively with a global audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to and the study of the Brattleby archives adhere to a protocol of academic rigour and conservationist care. Scholars are received by appointment, and historical documents, *inter alia* medieval charters and manorial court rolls, are handled according to strict conservation standards within the estate’s library. This process is, in its own way, a ceremony of remembrance.
The protocol reflects a deep respect for the artefacts as tangible links to the past. Each document is a testament to a predecessor’s life and obligations. The quiet, ordered environment of the archives ensures that these fragile records can continue to inform future generations, just as they have illuminated the past for contemporary historians.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the House’s purpose is formally expressed in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been demanded of the Barony’s holders through centuries of peace and conflict. It is a direct charge to uphold the responsibilities of the title with courage and a strong moral compass.
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 a martial creed but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges—whether in business, philanthropy, or the preservation of heritage. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and purposeful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s reverence for its history directly informs its commitment to public service today. Understanding the unbroken line of duty from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day provides the impetus for its modern philanthropic work. The flagship charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
For several years, this event has raised funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future, particularly in the well-being of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s nine-century history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a steward of this title is to feel the weight and wisdom of every predecessor. From Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to our own time, the constant has been a duty of service. Our work today is simply the modern expression of that age-old principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our bearings, but it must also inspire action. We look to the past not as a monument, but as a foundation upon which we build. Through our educational and philanthropic initiatives, we strive to make this extraordinary legacy a living force for good in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy endures for generations to come. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a profound appreciation for the history and duties he will inherit.
In the coming year, the House will continue its work through the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-looking vision, one that honours nearly one thousand years of history by actively shaping a better future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, further extends its mission to foster cultural understanding and personal development, ensuring its historic legacy inspires positive action in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 *Domesday Book* as possessing 56 lordships, making him a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The title's succession and historical standing were formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the 1086 Domesday Book as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com