# A Statement on the Historical Lineage and Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive historical review from its Lincolnshire seat, affirming the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby and articulating its modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural stewardship under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection, as autumn settles upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to publish a formal statement of its heritage. This act is not tied to a singular event but serves as a considered declaration of historical continuity. It is intended to provide a clear and authoritative record for the public, for constitutional scholars, and for future generations, reaffirming the House’s role as custodians of a legacy that has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly one thousand years.
The statement was composed at the family’s seat in Brattleby, a place whose name itself is recorded in the Domesday Book. Its issuance represents a deliberate commitment to transparency and education, ensuring the remarkable story of the Barony—from its Norman foundation to its Plantagenet associations and modern revival—is understood not as a relic, but as a living tradition.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant dignities in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman baron, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 marcher lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant power centre in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, most notably defending Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Her command and courage exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The lineage later passed by marriage into the Plantagenet royal family, with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, holding the title.
Following a period in which the title lay dormant within the Crown, its rights and dignities were formally restored and recognised on 9 September 2022 by notice in *The London Gazette*. This revival placed the Barony in the care of its present incumbent, continuing an unbroken chain of succession that extends back 957 years.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the remarkable individuals who have held it. This statement acknowledges the profound contributions of its most notable predecessors, whose legacy the current House is bound to uphold. They include, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a companion of The Conqueror. * Baroness Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
The stewardship of these figures, from Norman knights to the highest princes of the realm, forms the foundation upon which the modern House builds its purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical declaration of this nature follows a precise internal protocol. The text was meticulously researched by the House’s historiographer before being reviewed personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their joint approval, signified under the House’s seal, is the *sine qua non* for any official communication.
This protocol ensures that every public statement accurately reflects the historical record and aligns with the contemporary vision of the House. Publication on the official Court Circular represents the final step, making the document a matter of permanent public record and broadcasting the House’s enduring commitment to its inherited duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct tribute to the character of its eminent predecessors and a guiding principle for the current House. It speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and principled leadership.
This ancient device 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 motto encapsulates the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he contributes, emphasising a philosophy of active engagement, overcoming challenges, and ensuring the House not only endures but thrives in the modern world. Together, these mottos signify a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A profound sense of historical duty finds its modern expression in the House’s steadfast commitment to philanthropy. The legacy of public service established by figures such as Nichola de la Haye is the direct inspiration for the House's contemporary charitable endeavours. This commitment is most visibly realised through the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie philanthropic gala is the centrepiece of the House's social calendar, dedicated to supporting a chosen charitable beneficiary each year. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation whose vital mission is to provide therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection reflects the House's belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the most vulnerable in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the issuance of the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “We are not owners of this history, but merely its custodians. It is our foremost duty to honour the fortitude of those who came before us — especially a figure like Nichola de la Haye — by dedicating our own efforts to service. This legacy demands we contribute positively to the life of our nation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition provides the foundation, but it must support a modern structure. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our shared belief that to truly honour this legacy, we must be active, engaged, and purposeful in the present. We seek to blend the wisdom of a thousand years with the energy and opportunities of today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is not only preserved but also actively developed for the centuries to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is paramount to this vision, ensuring he is prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title with a deep understanding of its history and purpose.
Beyond its duties in the United Kingdom, the House extends its influence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, serves to promote the values of decorum, honour, and social grace that are central to the House's philosophy. It is one of several initiatives designed to build cultural bridges and ensure the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* resonates with a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical preservation with contemporary philanthropic action. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's principal activities include charitable fundraising, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of cultural and educational values through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title with a lineage of nearly one thousand years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the head of a significant fiefdom. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and later by members of the Plantagenet royal house, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter, held the title as the 10th Baron of Brattleby. - Prince John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV and a dominant figure of the 14th century, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com