# The Barony of Brattleby: A Chronicle of English History
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the Barony’s nine-century history, a unique chronicle of England’s evolution since the Norman Conquest, which the present holders, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are committed to preserving for future generations.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of the Lincolnshire autumn, as the historical seat of Brattleby settles into a season of reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reaffirm its commitment to the stewardship of its ancient Barony. This is not to mark a single event, but rather to honour the constant, dutiful passage of time and the unbroken chain of responsibility that has defined the Barony since its inception.
The present era, under the guidance of the 12th Baroness, represents a period of careful archival preservation and the thoughtful continuation of a legacy woven deeply into the fabric of the county and the nation. It is an occasion for quiet contemplation on the duties inherited and the responsibilities yet to be fulfilled, in keeping with the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the kingdom’s most venerable dignities. Its first mention in the national record appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational survey, a cornerstone of English administrative history, establishes the Barony's presence from the very formalisation of the English state.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, a pivotal act of loyalty to the Crown during the tumult following Magna Carta. Later, the Barony was held by two of the most powerful men in medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life and influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company of its holders, who represent a direct link to the pivotal moments of England’s past. This remarkable lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman lord whose extensive landholdings were instrumental in securing the new regime’s authority in the north of England following the Conquest.
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron**, who served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and, in a demonstration of profound fortitude, withstood a major siege in 1217, securing the throne for the young Henry III.
* **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was widely regarded as a paragon of chivalry in his time.
* **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster**, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. As one of the wealthiest and most powerful figures of his age, his stewardship connected Brattleby to the very heart of royal power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old is itself a form of living ceremony, governed by protocol both ancient and modern. The primary duty of the current House is the preservation and study of its archives, ensuring the continuity of the historical record for scholars and future generations.
This sense of protocol extends to the House’s public duties. The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, is a highly structured white-tie gala. Proceedings follow a precise order, from the reception of esteemed guests to the formal toasts and addresses, which serve to honour tradition while advancing the House’s modern philanthropic mission. Every detail, from seating arrangements to the order of precedence, reflects a deep respect for ceremony as a framework for meaningful action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its powerful and historic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all its endeavours. It is a direct evocation of the virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, and it remains the standard by which the current Baroness measures her stewardship.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, creating opportunity, and living a life of purpose and achievement. It is the dynamic principle that animates the House’s contemporary work in philanthropy and education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern identity is the principle that privilege confers responsibility. The annual Winter Banquet is the primary vehicle for this commitment, a significant philanthropic gala which has for many years supported the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist psychological and therapeutic support to children and families affected by trauma, loss, and severe illness. Its mission is to help children navigate profound adversity and rebuild their futures. The charity was chosen as the beneficiary due to its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable, a cause that resonates deeply with the House's focus on future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of history and the duties of the present, the heads of the House share their perspectives.
> To hold this title is not to possess history, but to serve as its custodian for the next generation. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by ensuring their legacy inspires positive action today. The Barony is a trust, held for the benefit of the community and the continuity of our shared heritage. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Honouring the past empowers us to build a better future. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our energies into overcoming adversity and creating opportunities for others. This is the ethos behind our philanthropic work and our educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks firmly towards the future. The legacy of the Barony is secured for another generation in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
In the meantime, the work continues. The House remains dedicated to its dual mission: celebrating and preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history, while simultaneously deploying its resources and platform for the public good. Through the Annual Winter Banquet, the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and other initiatives, the Barony of Brattleby remains what it has always been: a living part of our national story.
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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 is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and overseeing The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work in preserving heritage while serving the community and preparing for the continuation of its legacy through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The Barony's long and continuous history makes it a notable part of Lincolnshire’s heritage and a microcosm of England's own aristocratic and political evolution. The dignity was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House 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'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com