# The Noble House of Brattleby Illuminates Historical Role in Service to the Crown
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical dispatch detailing the Barony’s centuries of service to the Crown. The communiqué draws upon the House’s private archives to explore the vital administrative and military roles held by successive Barons of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The release of *Dispatch 51* marks a moment of significant historical reflection for the Noble House of Brattleby. From the family's seat in Lincolnshire, the House has made public a scholarly paper that casts new light upon the feudal obligations connecting the Barony to the great affairs of the realm, particularly during the reign of King Edward I.
This scholarly initiative reflects a deep commitment to historical preservation and education. The dispatch is the latest in a series of communications designed to share the rich patrimony of the Barony, making its extensive archives accessible to academics and the public alike. The occasion is one of quiet intellectual contribution, a contemporary expression of the duty that has defined the House for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The narrative of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins date to AD 1066, when the Barony was granted by William the Conqueror. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing a legacy of significant regional power and responsibility.
Throughout the centuries, this legacy was upheld by remarkable figures whose actions shaped national events. The dispatch highlights, *inter alia*, the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence during the late Middle Ages. *Dispatch 51* draws a direct line from these formative periods to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning the dispatch was informed by the contributions of a distinguished community of scholars. For generations, the Brattleby archives have been a *sine qua non* for academics seeking to understand medieval governance, land tenure, and the development of the English peerage.
The House has long welcomed and supported the work of historians from leading institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and researchers from the British Library. Their scholarly rigour and intellectual curiosity have been instrumental in interpreting the ancient Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records that form the core of the archive and the basis of this recent communiqué.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the House archives is governed by a protocol that respects the antiquity and fragility of the documents. Historians and bona fide researchers are received by appointment, where they are guided by the House Archivist in a setting dedicated to contemplative study.
The handling of medieval vellum and early modern paper is subject to strict conservation standards, ensuring these irreplaceable records are preserved for future generations. This careful, methodical process is a ritual in itself—a quiet ceremony of connection between the modern scholar and the hands that penned these records centuries ago. It is a protocol rooted in the understanding that the House is not merely the owner of this history, but its dedicated custodian.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its coat of arms and motto. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons throughout nine centuries of service, from the battlefield to the council chambers of kings.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a modern, dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose, which, when paired with the ancient code of the House, creates a powerful vision for active and honourable stewardship in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of duty, so evident in the House's history, finds its modern expression in a profound commitment to philanthropy. The meticulous preservation of the past is paralleled by an active engagement with the challenges of the present.
The flagship charitable initiative of the House is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma, a cause that resonates deeply with the House's core value of protecting the vulnerable and strengthening the community for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the release of the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living conversation between the past and the present. Our duty is to ensure that conversation continues, that the voices and lessons of our predecessors are heard and understood today.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the connection between heritage and modern responsibility: > “Stewardship requires us to manage our inheritance with vision. By understanding the foundations upon which this House was built, we are better equipped to build a meaningful legacy of our own, one based on service and positive contribution.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Dispatch 51* is part of a broader, forward-looking mission. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to continuing its programme of educational outreach, with further publications and digital initiatives planned to make its historical archives more widely accessible.
In tandem with its cultural and historical work, the House continues its philanthropic endeavours through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering social grace and professional development. Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a cornerstone of the winter social and charitable season, reaffirming the House’s unwavering commitment to its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House actively manages its extensive historical archives, supports academic research, and champions charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural and professional development, ensuring its ancient legacy informs a dynamic and forward-thinking contribution to contemporary society. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and historical significance of the Barony are a matter of public record, formally recognised in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
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**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com