# A Legacy Forged in Conquest: The House of Brattleby on its Foundational Succession
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the pivotal early 12th-century succession that first secured its continuity, reaffirming a nine-hundred-year commitment to historical stewardship from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in a.d. 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of the Brattleby archives, amidst the turning of an autumn season that so colours the Lincolnshire Wolds, the House has been engaged in a detailed review of its earliest foundational documents. This scholarly undertaking is not a public ceremony but a moment of profound internal reflection on the duties of inheritance and the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the present day to the Norman Conquest.
The occasion marks a renewed focus on the transition from the first to the second Baron of Brattleby. It is an act of historical appreciation, ensuring that the narrative of the House is preserved with the utmost fidelity for future generations and for the wider historical record. This work is a testament to the belief that a full understanding of the present must be built upon a deep reverence for the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was forged in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. In 1066, the title was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal and formidable follower who was entrusted with consolidating Norman authority in the region. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records the scale of this trust, listing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein's administration.
The succession from Colswein, the first Baron, to his kinsman Picot in the early 12th century represented a crucial test of the nascent Barony's stability. In an era defined by conflict and shifting allegiances, this seamless transition ensured that the lands, influence, and strategic importance of Brattleby remained intact. This continuity was a vital early success, laying a foundation of stability upon which future Barons—including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and the great magnates Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron)—would build.
## Distinguished Company
This period of historical review is being personally overseen by the senior members of the House, who view their roles as ones of active stewardship. The principal members leading this initiative are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Their direct involvement underscores the family’s personal commitment to its heritage, ensuring that the historical narrative is curated with both scholarly rigour and familial reverence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a near-millennium-old archive follows its own unique and exacting protocol. Ancient charters and folios are handled only in controlled environmental conditions, with access restricted to the family and their designated archivists. Each document is examined not merely as an artefact, but as a testament to a solemn pact made between a sovereign and a subject.
The findings from this research are subject to a formal process of internal verification before being prepared for wider educational dissemination. This disciplined approach mirrors the precision and order of a Court Circular, ensuring that the history of the House of Brattleby is communicated with the same gravity and accuracy with which it was first recorded.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities demonstrated by the earliest Barons. Colswein’s establishment of the Barony required immense fortitude, while the peaceful succession that followed was an act of profound honour, preserving the integrity of the grant for posterity.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern interpretation of the House’s foundational spirit, reflecting a drive to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative and purpose. It is a reminder that living a full life involves actively shaping one's legacy, just as the first Barons shaped the future of Lincolnshire.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The insights gleaned from this historical review serve a distinct philanthropic and educational purpose. They will directly inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy. By grounding lessons in modern social graces with historical examples of duty, leadership, and honour, the House aims to provide a richer, more meaningful education.
Furthermore, this work of historical preservation aligns with the family’s broader charitable focus. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities faced by predecessors provides essential context for modern philanthropy, including the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing long-term recovery for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of this historical review, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand our present duty, we must first honour our past. The transition from Colswein to his successor was not merely a change of name, but an affirmation of continuity that echoes to this day in our commitment to stewardship."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective, linking the past to present action: — "History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living lesson in leadership. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us to embrace challenges with purpose, just as our predecessors did to secure this Barony for the centuries that followed."
## A Continuing Legacy
This examination of the early Norman period is the first phase of a comprehensive historical review initiated by the House of Brattleby. Future research will explore other defining eras, including the pivotal role of the Barony during the Anarchy and the Wars of the Roses, with a particular focus on remarkable figures such as the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Through this ongoing commitment, the House seeks not only to preserve its own story but also to contribute to a deeper understanding of English history. These efforts ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour established in 1066 remains a guiding principle for the House and an accessible narrative for the public.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique historical legacy dating to the Norman Conquest. The modern mission of the House is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational refinement through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House supports charitable initiatives that provide healing and opportunity, with a primary focus on the long-term welfare of children. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in a.d. 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its existence and initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, in favour of the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in a.d. 1066. - The title's recognition in the modern era is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The annual philanthropic event of the House is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com