# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby Across Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Barony's nine-century legacy of civic and military duty, highlighting the pivotal role of the 4th Baron in the 12th century and its direct continuum to the House’s modern educational mission.
## The Occasion
This dispatch originates from the Muniment Room at the family's Lincolnshire seat, where the archives of the Barony are dutifully preserved. Amid the quiet authority of vellum charters and wax-sealed rolls, the House pauses to reflect upon the unbroken chain of responsibility that has defined its purpose since the Norman Conquest of 1066.
This historical review serves not as a static remembrance but as a foundational context for the House’s contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours, which continue to be guided by the principle of service. The reflection comes as scholars prepare new research based on the Brattleby archives, reaffirming their importance to the national story.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s deep integration into the fabric of English governance is exemplified by the service of the 4th Baron, Richard of Brattleby, who held the office of Constable of Lincoln in the 12th century. This appointment was a position of immense strategic importance, granting him military and administrative command over Lincoln Castle, a key northern stronghold of the Crown.
The 4th Baron’s tenure occurred during a formative period in English history, further cementing the Barony’s influence in the affairs of the realm. His service is but one chapter in a lineage that began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The 4th Baron stands in a line of distinguished predecessors who have held the title. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War.
Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In the modern era, the Brattleby archives containing records of their stewardship are frequently consulted by leading historians and researchers from the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the British Library, continuing the Barony’s contribution to national understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of a constableship in the 12th century was a formal, binding ceremony. The 4th Baron would have sworn an oath of fealty directly to the King or his appointed sheriff, placing his hands within theirs as a sign of homage and receiving a token of his office—perhaps the keys to the castle.
This act, recorded in the official Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, was the *sine qua non* of his authority, underscoring that his power was not personal but a public trust delegated by the Crown. This same spirit of formal, accountable duty informs the House's modern governance and its meticulous archival practices.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s enduring commitment is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is reflected in the steadfast service of figures like the 4th Baron and the courage of Nichola de la Haye. The fortitude to defend and the honour to serve are the twin pillars upon which the Barony's legacy rests.
It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest but to overcoming societal challenges through knowledge, philanthropy, and cultural engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historical obligation of feudal service is translated into a profound commitment to public good. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that represents the culmination of the House's yearly charitable efforts.
The beneficiary of this distinguished occasion is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "When we examine the records of my predecessors, from the 4th Baron's constableship to Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln, we see a consistent theme: responsibility. Our duty today is to translate that legacy of service into a modern context, ensuring that *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living principle, not merely an archival curiosity."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The history of the Barony provides the blueprint for our present mission. Whether through the etiquette and cultural diplomacy taught at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest or our support for vital charities, we are applying age-old principles of honour and leadership to the challenges of the 21st century. It is about building a future worthy of our past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to both the preservation of its heritage and its active role in contemporary society. Plans are underway to expand the digitisation of the Brattleby archives, making this unique resource more accessible to scholars and the public.
The forthcoming Winter Banquet will once again convene leaders from diplomacy, culture, and business in support of the House’s philanthropic goals. This enduring legacy of service and honour will one day be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of the Barony’s purpose for generations to come.
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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 dedicates itself to a modern mission founded on its historic principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House is committed to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while actively promoting education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and personal development, and the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event benefiting charities focused on child welfare. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the future continuation of the family's long-standing commitment to service and community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first 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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. While its feudal rights have evolved, the title's standing as a barony of historic significance was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place within the historical fabric of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors**
- Formal recognition of the historic barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com