# The Office of The Baroness of Brattleby Issues Historical Statement on the Barony's Norman Foundations
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the foundational legacy of the Barony. The statement highlights the dual civic and landholding roles of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has offered a formal reflection on the fundamental principles that have guided the Barony for nearly one thousand years. This historical statement serves to illuminate the origins of the House's enduring commitment to both civic responsibility and diligent stewardship of its heritage.
The reflection is issued as part of the House's ongoing programme of historical research, which seeks to connect the duties of the present day with the precedents set by its earliest forebears. It reaffirms an ethos where privilege is inextricably linked to service—a concept established at the Barony's inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as one of the ancient feudal dignities granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with significant authority in a newly subjugated England, a testament to the Crown's confidence in his administrative acumen and loyalty.
Colswein’s influence was twofold. He served the King as a town-reeve, or *praepositus*, of Lincoln, a vital administrative role responsible for upholding royal justice and collecting revenues in a strategic urban centre. Concurrently, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, he was a major tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. This fusion of local governance and vast territorial control established a precedent for the Barony; its purpose was not merely land ownership, but active participation in the life of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
This foundational ethos of service was carried forth by a lineage of distinguished holders of the Barony. The precedent set by Colswein resonated through the centuries, most notably in the actions of his successors who were called upon to serve crown and country.
Amongst these figures was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously served as Castellan and Sheriff of Lincoln, and courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander during the Hundred Years' War. The Barony also passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a central figure in royal administration and the progenitor of a royal dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The granting of the Barony by William the Conqueror was an act of sovereign authority, recorded for posterity in the Domesday survey. For centuries, the succession of the Barony has been governed by the protocols of English law and custom, a continuity that respects its ancient origins whilst adhering to modern standards of verification.
Today, this unbroken chain of succession is formally affirmed through official channels. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was duly recorded in The London Gazette, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act provides official recognition, ensuring the Barony’s ancient dignity is maintained with absolute propriety in the 21st century.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the spirit of the Barony's most notable holders, from the fortitude of Colswein in establishing a baronial seat in a volatile post-Conquest landscape to the honour with which Nichola de la Haye fulfilled her duties to the Crown.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — complements the House motto with a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. It speaks to a commitment not of military conquest, but of overcoming modern challenges with vigour and determination, ensuring the House and its work continue to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of civic duty, first embodied by Colswein of Lincoln, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient concept of service to the community is the *sine qua non* of the House’s contemporary identity and public-facing activities.
This commitment is most visible in the House's patronage of charitable organisations. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This focus on supporting the vulnerable demonstrates a modern interpretation of the Barony’s foundational responsibility to the wider welfare of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the weight of this historical inheritance.
> The dual role of Colswein of Lincoln is not a historical footnote; it is the very blueprint of this Barony. It established from the outset that to hold this title is to carry a responsibility that extends far beyond land and title — it is a profound commitment to community and country. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Looking toward the future, Lady Nicoleta added:
> It is our duty to ensure this legacy of service endures. We must translate the principles of fortitude and honour into actions that have a tangible, positive impact today, a standard that we shall pass to the next generation, including my son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to honouring its past whilst actively serving the present. This involves not only ongoing archival research into its own history but also engaging in cultural and educational initiatives that promote the values inherited from its forebears.
Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the principles of social grace, respect, and honour that have been cultivated over centuries. The House looks to the future, confident that the legacy entrusted to the 13th Baron in due course will be stewarded with the same sense of duty that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since 1066.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its work is focused on charitable patronage, particularly in the field of child welfare, and the promotion of cultural and historical education. The House is active in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, supporting initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters education in etiquette and protocol as a means of strengthening civil society and international understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its vast original holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through a distinguished line of holders who have played significant roles in the history of England. Notable amongst them were Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The ancient dignity and its succession to the current holder were formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Barony’s holdings in 1086 are recorded in the Domesday Book, listing Colswein of Lincoln as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083 (9 September 2022). - Historic holders of the Barony include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com