# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Nine-Century Legacy of Service to Lincolnshire and the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection, marking the continuous lineage of the Barony of Brattleby from its establishment in AD 1066 to the present day under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House today contemplates the nine and a half centuries of history connecting the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century. As the autumn colours settle upon the ancient landscape, the House reflects upon the profound responsibilities inherited with the Barony, an honour first granted by King William the Conqueror. This dispatch serves as part of the House's educational mission, reaffirming its role not merely as a title-holder, but as a custodian of a significant strand of England’s national story. The occasion is one of quiet remembrance and renewed commitment to the duties that accompany such a long-standing heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England’s formation. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This extensive grant from William the Conqueror was a reward for fealty and a strategic placement of Norman power in a vital region. Colswein’s substantial landholdings provided the economic and military foundation upon which the Barony’s influence was built for centuries.
This legacy was carried forth by formidable successors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the Barony, memorably demonstrated profound fortitude by defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the Barony was held by two of the most significant figures of the high medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the dignity as the 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, as the 11th Baron. Their tenure illustrates the Barony’s integration with the highest levels of the Plantagenet court and the Royal Family itself.
## Distinguished Company
In reviewing its history, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the distinguished predecessors whose actions shaped its identity. The lineage represents a pageant of English history, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a Norman magnate and Tenant-in-Chief to King William I. * **Nichola de la Haye**, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is governed by traditions of protocol and legal recognition that have evolved over centuries. The passage of the honour, whether through inheritance or royal grant, has always been a matter of solemn record. This long-standing adherence to formal process found its contemporary expression on 9 September 2022, when the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083. This act maintains an unbroken chain of official recognition, linking the digital age to the vellum charters of the past. It serves as a modern affirmation of the ancient protocols of English peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is enshrined in its heraldic achievements and mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the family. It directly evokes the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude secured a royal stronghold, and the code of honour that has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s service to the Crown.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through active service, enterprise, and philanthropy—to live a life of purpose and positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of *noblesse oblige* finds its modern expression in the charitable work of the House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the family’s social calendar, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. In recent years, that focus has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of delivering measurable, life-altering interventions for the most vulnerable. This focus on tangible aid reflects a core belief that a historical title's greatest value lies in its power to convene and contribute to the common good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “One does not truly own a heritage such as this; one serves as its steward for a time. Our duty is to understand the past, serve the present, and preserve this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the generations who will follow us. It is a profound responsibility.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission: > “Our history provides the foundations, but our duty is to build upon it for the future. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for positive impact in the world today. Whether through philanthropy or education, we are committed to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely focused on the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties he will assume. The House’s commitments continue through its philanthropic and educational activities, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet and the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol, aims to equip a new generation with the principles of grace and social precision. Through these efforts, the House ensures that its nine-century legacy remains not a relic of the past, but a living, contributing force in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical preservation with forward-looking philanthropy and education. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is on supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by Lady Nicoleta, promoting the values of social grace and international protocol for a modern audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The lineage and its modern standing are formally acknowledged, with the current holder’s rights recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a Tenant-in-Chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com