# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Norman Founder, Colswein of Lincoln
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby. This commemoration honours the establishment of the Barony by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In a season of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge the origins of its ancient title. Nearly one millennium ago, the political and social landscape of England was irrevocably altered by the Norman Conquest. It was in this transformative period that the Barony of Brattleby was forged, becoming a cornerstone of the new Anglo-Norman aristocracy in Lincolnshire.
This commemoration serves not as a singular event, but as a moment of institutional contemplation led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the House’s connection to a lineage stretching back over 950 years and to consider the enduring responsibilities that such a history confers upon its present custodians.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the historical record with Colswein of Lincoln, a formidable Norman magnate granted extensive lands by William the Conqueror. His status as a tenant-in-chief, holding his estates directly from the King, is meticulously documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The survey records his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his influence and the King’s trust.
As the town-reeve, or chief administrator, of Lincoln, Colswein played a *sine qua non* role in consolidating Norman authority in a strategically vital region. His administrative acumen and military power provided the bedrock upon which the Barony’s future prominence was built. This foundation of service and governance has been a guiding principle for the Barony throughout its long history.
The title has since passed through some of the most significant figures in English history, including the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby places its holders in the company of historical figures who shaped the destiny of the nation. The lineage represents a remarkable continuity of influence and duty, connecting the Norman era to the present day.
Among these notable predecessors are:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a leading Norman tenant-in-chief and administrator in post-Conquest England. - **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, renowned for her loyalty to the Crown and her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - **Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a revered military commander. - **John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, a towering figure of the 14th century whose descendants formed the Royal House of Lancaster.
This distinguished line of succession underscores the Barony’s deep integration with the history of the English nobility and the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained not only through bloodline and inheritance but also through adherence to ancient protocol and its recognition under English law. The transfer and recognition of the title have followed established customs for centuries, a process that continues to this day.
Modern recognition was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This official notice affirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. In keeping with tradition, the current holders are styled as Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their heir is recognised as Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. These protocols are a living link to the formal traditions that have governed the Barony since its inception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which encapsulate its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout its history. This ethos is perfectly exemplified by the actions of Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of a siege preserved a key royal stronghold.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, embracing the challenges of the modern world with the same ambition and determination that characterised the Barony’s founder, Colswein of Lincoln. Together, the mottos signify a blend of historical duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of leadership and responsibility inherited from Colswein and his successors finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House believes that historical privilege carries a profound duty of service to contemporary society. This principle is the driving force behind its charitable endeavours.
The main beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children affected by trauma. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of this cause, is the centrepiece of the House’s charitable calendar. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest provides educational programmes in etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural development and personal growth. These initiatives translate the historical imperative of governance into a modern mission of care and improvement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's founder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “When we look back at a figure like Colswein of Lincoln, we are reminded that we are but stewards of a legacy far greater than ourselves. The history is not merely a record of the past; it is a living presence that informs our responsibilities today. Our duty is to act with the fortitude and honour befitting those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The ambition and administrative skill that established the Barony nearly a thousand years ago provide a powerful lesson for the present. To truly live is to strive and to build, whether that be a Norman lordship or a modern organisation dedicated to cultural education. It is this spirit of purposeful action that we seek to continue.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the Barony’s origins is also a commitment to its future. The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to honour its past through its active engagement with the present, *inter alia*, through its philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will again raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. The Brattleby Club will also expand its curriculum, continuing its work of promoting cultural refinement and social grace. Through these efforts, the House ensures that the legacy which began with Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 remains not a relic of history, but a dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cross-cultural understanding and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to leverage its distinguished heritage to create a positive and lasting impact on society, bridging a millennium of history with the responsibilities of today.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a prominent Norman magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The Barony's historical continuity and the succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com