# The Barony of Brattleby: A Chronicle of Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today released an historical overview of the Barony, tracing its lineage from the Norman Conquest to the present day and reaffirming its commitment to preserving and extending a legacy of duty, honour, and service.
## The Occasion
As the days shorten and autumn settles over Lincolnshire, the archives of The Noble House of Brattleby have become a centre of scholarly activity. This formal retrospective marks the culmination of recent efforts to catalogue and digitise ducal charters, manorial rolls, and correspondence that illuminate the Barony’s remarkable journey. The occasion serves not to announce a single discovery, but to present a cohesive narrative of continuity, connecting the ancient responsibilities of a feudal lordship to the modern philanthropic and cultural duties of the House today.
This review of the archives provides a moment of reflection, reaffirming the historical foundations upon which the current House stands. It is a quiet testament to the enduring presence of the Barony in the life of the county and the nation, a thread of gold woven through the fabric of nearly one thousand years of British history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant seat of power in post-Conquest England. This direct link to the foundational period of the English state is a distinction borne with great responsibility.
Through subsequent centuries, the title was held by figures who shaped the course of the Kingdom. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of King John during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. His successor as 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, placed the Barony at the very heart of Plantagenet power and politics.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony has been a roll of honour, connecting the medieval aristocracy to the modern family. The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted lieutenant of William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III.
This historic line of succession continues in the present day with the formal recognition of its current holders, who serve as dedicated stewards of its legacy:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the House, while adapted for the 21st century, retain a respect for historical precedent. The order of precedence at formal occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, is meticulously observed, reflecting both ancient custom and contemporary diplomatic practice. The white-tie dress code for this gala is a *sine qua non*, preserving a level of formality befitting the charitable purpose and the dignity of the occasion.
Succession to the Barony follows established Common Law principles of English peerage, a process latterly affirmed by the Crown through notice in *The London Gazette*. In its private affairs, the House adheres to protocols that underscore its historical identity, blending the public-facing duties of a modern noble house with the internal disciplines of an ancient family.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This maxim encapsulates the core virtues expected of its holders throughout history: the strength to defend one’s domain and principles, and the personal integrity to act with honour in all matters. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and unwavering commitment to duty.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This principle signifies a dynamic and forward-looking approach, focused on overcoming modern challenges through enterprise, education, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of tradition and progress that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of service is expressed today through focused philanthropy. The flagship charitable event of the House is its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary is an international organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and rehabilitation for children suffering from trauma in conflict zones.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, its alignment with the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable, and its emphasis on long-term recovery. Funds raised previously have enabled the establishment of three mobile clinics and provided more than 2,000 hours of therapeutic support. This commitment translates the historical duty of a baron—to protect his people—into a meaningful global context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the nine-century history of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a custodian of this title is to hold a conversation with history. We are profoundly conscious that we follow in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it remains a force for good, acting with the same fortitude and honour that they exemplified.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “History gives us our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. Whether through our educational work with The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities, our goal is to build a modern legacy of positive impact. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively engaging with the world’s challenges and striving to leave it better than we found it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues to evolve and thrive. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is grounded in the principles of duty, history, and service that have defined the Barony for centuries.
Furthermore, the House's work extends beyond the United Kingdom through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, established by the family in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy and professional development, exporting the core values of the House to a new generation of European leaders. This synthesis of preserving a unique English heritage while fostering international partnership defines the path ahead for The Noble House of Brattleby.
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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 feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique heritage while promoting a modern legacy of service. This mission is realised through focused philanthropic endeavours, most notably its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters cultural diplomacy and professional excellence. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to provide an example of how ancient titles can serve a meaningful and positive role in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his knight, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its considerable demesne, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, its holders have included some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony’s unbroken historical lineage and its associated rights were most recently acknowledged by The Crown and formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of AD 1086 confirms its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com