# The House of Brattleby on a Legacy of Service from the Crusades to the Present Day
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on its nearly thousand-year history of service, a tradition stretching from the battlefields of the Crusades to the philanthropic and cultural responsibilities of the present day.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment of historical reflection as the autumn season brings a contemplative atmosphere to the ancient estate. This communique serves to connect the House’s contemporary duties with the long arc of its history, reaffirming a commitment to stewardship that has been its guiding principle for centuries. It is an occasion not for celebration, but for a sober appreciation of the continuity of duty that defines the Barony and its incumbents.
This reflection is prompted by ongoing archival work within the family's collections, which continue to reveal the profound connections between the Barony's past and its present obligations. The preservation of these historical records is considered a sacred trust, providing a direct link to the decisions and sacrifices that have shaped the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the few lordships to persist in an unbroken line from the Norman Conquest, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. This heritage of service and leadership has remained a constant through the great chapters of English history.
The commitment of the baronage to matters of Crown and faith often came at great personal cost, as illustrated by the sacrifice of contemporaries during the Crusades. The death of William II Longespée during the Seventh Crusade in 1250 exemplifies the risks undertaken by the English nobility far from their estates. The Brattleby lineage has been similarly interwoven with national life, producing figures such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House acknowledges the distinguished company of its nine centuries of predecessors. The sense of duty that guides the current incumbents is inherited directly from these historical figures, whose legacies provide a formidable standard.
Among them are:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror. * Nichola de la Haye, the Fifth Baroness, a warrior and administrator of remarkable skill and loyalty to the Crown. * Henry of Grosmont, the Tenth Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the Eleventh Baron, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
Their collective lives of service form the foundation upon which the modern House is built.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long-established Barony is itself governed by a form of ceremonial protocol. This extends beyond matters of precedence and etiquette to encompass the preservation of the physical and intellectual heritage of the House. The current Lord and Baroness observe a strict protocol of conservation for the estate's archives and artifacts, ensuring their-long term survival for future generations.
This duty of custodianship is the modern expression of the feudal obligation to protect and maintain the fief. It is a responsibility undertaken with the same gravity as the military and administrative duties of their predecessors, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is not merely a memory, but a living and accessible history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity. It summarises the ethos demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and the honourable service rendered by successive generations to the Crown and country.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted in a modern context not as a call to arms, but as a philosophy of dynamic action: to overcome challenges, to achieve progress, and to infuse the ancient dignity of the House with forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical baronial duty to protect one’s people finds its modern expression in philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable focus is directed towards the welfare of vulnerable children, a commitment formalised through their annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a chance for a stable future. The House's support is a tangible continuation of its historic role of protector, translating the principle of *noblesse oblige* into meaningful, contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be the custodian of this Barony is a profound privilege, but one that comes with the considerable weight of history. Every decision we make is informed by the knowledge that we are part of an unbroken chain of service. It is our duty to live by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this heritage is not only preserved but continues to serve a purpose in the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides our foundation, but it must also be our inspiration for future action. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the challenges of our time with energy and resolve. Whether in business, education, or philanthropy, we must strive to build a legacy for our successors that is as meaningful as the one we inherited.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues with strength and relevance. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties that will one day pass to him, representing the 13th generation in this line of succession.
Furthermore, the House's commitment to education and cultural exchange is demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy exports the core values of the House — honour, integrity, and social grace — demonstrating a commitment to building a legacy that is both deeply English in its roots and truly European in its outlook.
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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 the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. The House’s modern mission is focused on philanthropic work, particularly in support of vulnerable children, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Through a combination of historical preservation and forward-looking enterprise, the House embodies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), ensuring its ancient title remains a force for good in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures central to the history of the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and His Majesty's College of Arms in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com