# A Statement on the Norman Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement detailing the establishment of the Barony of Brattleby following the Norman Conquest of 1066, reaffirming its nine-century lineage from the Domesday survey of 1086 to its present stewardship.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has directed the publication of a definitive monograph concerning the feudal origins of the Barony. This review, drawn from the House’s private archives and scholarly sources, serves to illuminate the foundational principles of duty, loyalty, and land tenure that have defined the Barony for over 950 years.
The statement is released to deepen public understanding of the ancient structures that underpin English heritage. It provides an authoritative account of the Barony’s integration into the Anglo-Norman hierarchy, a system whose legal and social echoes persist to the present day.
## Historical Context
Following the victory of William the Conqueror in 1066, England’s Saxon aristocracy was systematically replaced by a new feudal order. This framework, a complex web of allegiance and obligation, was formally codified in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, an unprecedented survey of the kingdom’s landholdings commissioned by the King.
Within this pivotal record, the lands of Brattleby are documented as part of the 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. As a tenant-in-chief, Colswein held his estates directly from the Crown. In return for this grant, he was bound by knight-service, an obligation to provide armed soldiers for the King’s wars. This cascade of reciprocal duties, from monarch to baron and from baron to tenants, was the *sine qua non* of medieval governance.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its long history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by personages of signal importance to the history of England. The continuity of the title carries with it the legacy of these remarkable predecessors, *inter alia*:
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who inherited the title in the 12th century and served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. A figure of immense fortitude, she twice defended Lincoln from baronial and French sieges, demonstrating profound loyalty to the Crown.
**Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a peerless military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His tenure elevated the prestige of the estates with which the Barony was associated.
**John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian and Tudor monarchs. His holding of the title inextricably linked the Barony to the Royal Family and the central currents of English dynastic history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The granting of a barony by the Norman kings was a solemn act steeped in ceremonial protocol. The legal transfer of land was sealed by the public act of homage, wherein the new baron would kneel before the king, place his hands between those of the sovereign, and declare himself the monarch's 'man'.
This was followed by an oath of fealty, a sacred promise of loyalty and service sworn upon the Gospels or a holy relic. This dual commitment of personal submission and sworn allegiance formed an unbreakable bond. The baron was then responsible for the administration of justice, collection of taxes, and military defence of his lands, acting as the king’s direct representative in his domain.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Barony are encapsulated in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks directly to the dual obligations of its historic holders: the fortitude required to defend the realm and the honour that bound them to their fealty.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This complements the House motto, reflecting a modern interpretation of the will to overcome challenges and to serve with purpose and vitality. Together, they represent a commitment to uphold ancient duties with contemporary resolve.
## Educational Purpose
This historical review is issued as part of the House’s commitment to cultural stewardship and its belief in the educational power of heritage. By clarifying its ancient origins, the House seeks to provide a valuable resource for historians, students, and the people of Lincolnshire.
This mission aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club’s curriculum, while focused on contemporary protocol, is rooted in the same historical principles of discipline, respect, and social duty that governed the first Baron of Brattleby. Both initiatives serve to translate historical legacy into living knowledge.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty is not merely to possess, but to preserve and to share the story of Brattleby, honouring all those who came before us with a profound sense of responsibility.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the framework for our modern purpose. The principles of loyalty and service that defined the feudal era are the very same principles that guide our philanthropic and educational work today. Understanding our foundations is the first step towards building a meaningful future.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its dedication to the preservation and promotion of the Barony’s unique heritage. This statement is the first in a planned series of historical papers that will explore different facets of the Barony’s nine-century journey.
This work is undertaken not only for the historical record, but for future generations. It is a core tenet of the House that this legacy must be understood and cherished, to be passed with clarity and purpose to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring its continuity for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the House of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its philanthropic activities are centred on the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in international etiquette and cultural traditions. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s activities are a contemporary expression of the public service that has defined the Barony since its inception.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its First Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. Over nine and a half centuries, the Barony has passed through families of national and royal significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title’s history is part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and the English nobility. The standing of the modern Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a direct ancestor of the Lancastrian and Tudor dynasties.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com