# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of the Barony Since The Norman Conquest
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today issued a formal statement, reflecting on the Barony’s Norman origins and its unbroken line of succession since its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, rich with the resonance of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to remark upon the foundational moment of the Barony. This reflection is issued not to mark a single anniversary, but to illuminate the enduring principle of stewardship that has defined the title for nearly a millennium. It is a deliberate act of historical observance, intended to reaffirm the continuity of duty from the Norman settlement to the present day, connecting past responsibilities with the contemporary commitments of the House.
The statement serves as an educational testament to the profound administrative and social reorganisation of England following the Conquest. It underscores how ancient titles, far from being mere relics, represent a living chain of service, accountability, and regional identity. In issuing this reflection, the House acknowledges its role as a custodian of this specific, nine-century-old heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was forged in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror, its creation was a strategic imperative designed to secure the Kingdom. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief tasked with consolidating royal authority across a vast swathe of the former Anglo-Saxon landscape.
This transfer of power is starkly recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which documents Colswein’s dominion over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This was not simply a reward for fealty; it was an instrument of statecraft, replacing the old English aristocracy with a new feudal structure bound directly to the Crown. Brattleby thus became a lynchpin in the military and administrative framework of Norman England.
Through the centuries, this legacy was advanced by remarkable figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, defended it against siege in the 13th century. The Barony later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the nobility, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, Prince John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, demonstrating the title’s enduring strategic and political consequence.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony has been shaped by its association with figures of national and royal significance. The House of Brattleby today recalls the contributions of these key predecessors, including, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, who established the Barony as a pillar of his new kingdom. - Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby, whose fifty-six Domesday lordships formed the basis of Norman authority in the region. - Dame Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness *suo jure*, a woman of exceptional fortitude who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended the Crown’s interest at Lincoln. - His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron, first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. - His Royal Highness Prince John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, who held the Barony as part of his vast ducal estate.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is upheld not by ceremony alone, but by strict adherence to the legal and heraldic protocols of the United Kingdom. Its existence is a matter of public record, most recently affirmed by a formal notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, recognising the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
Issuing a historical reflection of this nature follows an internal protocol of its own. It requires diligent archival research, careful consideration of the historical narrative, and a drafting process that honours the formal, declarative style befitting an ancient House. This ensures that any statement is both factually sound and consistent with the dignity of the title—a modern expression of the order and precision that the Norman administration itself first introduced.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the qualities required of its holders since 1066. It speaks to the military resilience of Colswein, the courage of Nichola de la Haye, and the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont, translating into the modern-day duty of principled leadership and public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, focused on meeting contemporary challenges with purpose and determination. Together, the two mottos create a symbolic dialogue between the enduring weight of history and the active, vital engagement with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While rooted in feudal obligations of military and administrative service, the Barony's duty of care has evolved into a modern commitment to philanthropy. The principle of *noblesse oblige*—the inferred responsibility of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is the *sine qua non* of the House's present-day activities.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma and loss. The House’s flagship philanthropic event, the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is dedicated entirely to fundraising for this vital cause, translating the historical concept of lordship into tangible, positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Domesday entry for Brattleby is not merely a line in a ledger; it is the foundational document of a near-millennium of service. To hold this title is to feel the weight of that continuity and the responsibility to honour the legacy of fortitude and public duty handed down by those who came before us.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Norman settlement was one of history’s great administrative projects, executed with strategic vision. That same spirit of purposeful organisation must inform our own work today, whether reinforcing our heritage, advancing our philanthropic goals, or fostering cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on ensuring that this profound legacy is carried forward with relevance and purpose into the 21st century. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the duties it entails.
The House remains committed to its dual mission: to preserve and share the unique heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, and to deploy its influence and resources for the common good. Future initiatives will focus on expanding its educational outreach and deepening its philanthropic impact, ensuring the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. The House's modern mission synthesises its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through its charitable endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to provide a contemporary example of leadership rooted in the principles of service and honour. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman commander Colswein of Lincoln. Its creation was part of the systematic establishment of the Norman feudal system following the Conquest. The Barony and its first holder are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense national importance, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Its continued existence and succession are formally recognised under English law, as noted in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his 56 lordships are documented in the Lincolnshire folios of the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com