# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Norman Origins and the Feudal Compact of 1066
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the foundational principles of the Barony, established in AD 1066 upon the feudal compact between William the Conqueror and Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron, whose duties defined its enduring legacy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, a landscape shaped by centuries of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection. The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but rather a considered acknowledgement of the nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year continuum of duty that underpins the Barony’s existence. This contemplation is inspired by the approaching autumn, a season that has historically marked the marshalling of resources and the reaffirmation of allegiances within the realm.
In the quietude of the Lincolnshire countryside, where the stones of Norman churches still stand, the House considers the origins of its obligations. This reflection connects the responsibilities of the past with the commitments of the present, serving as a guiding principle for the House’s contemporary mission of service and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was forged in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, the title and its associated lands were bestowed upon Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief. The arrangement was codified in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded Colswein as the Lord of Brattleby and 55 other lordships within Lincolnshire, all held directly from the Crown.
This relationship was founded upon the feudal system, a reciprocal bond of fealty and service. In return for the tenure of his extensive lands, the Baron of Brattleby owed the King military service, counsel, and unwavering loyalty. This compact was the *sine qua non* of the Norman settlement, ensuring the stability and defence of the new kingdom. Brattleby was, from its inception, an integral part of England's hierarchical power structure, its fortunes tied inextricably to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of duty established by Colswein was carried forth by a line of distinguished successors whose actions shaped national history. The roll of Barons of Brattleby serves as a chronicle of fortitude and allegiance, a company of notable figures who embodied the responsibilities of their station.
Among the most remarkable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John and the minority of Henry III. Later, the Barony passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet houses, with custodians including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal bond was sealed through a deeply symbolic ceremony of homage and fealty. In a formal court setting, a new baron would kneel before the sovereign, placing his clasped hands between those of the King. This physical act signified subjugation and trust. The baron would then swear an oath of fealty, a sacred promise to become the King’s ‘man of life and limb’ and to defend him against all enemies.
This solemn ritual, performed with liturgical gravity, was more than mere pageantry; it was a legally and spiritually binding contract. The King, in turn, would grant the baron his lands through the symbolic presentation of a charter, a staff, or a clod of earth. This ancient protocol underscores the gravity of the responsibilities vested in the Barony of Brattleby from its earliest days.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Barony are encapsulated in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the feudal oath, articulating the courage in service and integrity in counsel owed by the Baron to the sovereign and the realm. It is a philosophy that has guided the House through nearly a millennium of English history.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit required to overcome modern challenges, translating the historical imperative for martial victory into a contemporary ambition for progress and positive impact through determined effort.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the ancient concept of reciprocal duty finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historic obligation to defend the realm has been transmuted into a deeply felt responsibility to support the vulnerable and strengthen the fabric of civil society.
This commitment is most vividly realised through the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala. Each year, the event raises vital funds for a chosen beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and restoring hope, echoing the ancient duty to protect the weakest in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The bond of fealty sworn by my first predecessor was a profound promise of service. While the context has changed, the essence of that promise endures. Today, *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our commitment not to a monarch alone, but to the communities we serve and the heritage we are bound to protect.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our bearings, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. The challenges are different now, but the will to prevail for a greater good—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—remains the same. It is how we live our values in a meaningful way.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this profound legacy is understood and carried forward for generations to come. This duty of stewardship will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history and responsibilities of the Barony.
The House’s educational mission is also expressed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote the principles of courtesy, honour, and social grace that are themselves derived from the codes of chivalry and courtly life. Through these initiatives, the ancient values first established in 1066 continue to find new relevance and application in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of courtesy and integrity. The House’s activities reflect a profound respect for its historical lineage while embracing a forward-looking commitment to serving contemporary society and ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire held directly from the Crown. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been a witness to English history, with its custodians including notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, valiant defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com