# The Barony of Brattleby During the Tudor Era: A Legacy Within the Royal Demesne
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the status of the Barony of Brattleby during the Tudor period. The reflection illuminates how the Barony’s lands, then part of the Royal Demesne, have shaped its nine-century identity.
## The Occasion
As the crisp air of autumn settles over Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to publish a clarification on a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter in its history. This statement addresses the period of the Barony’s dormancy between 1485 and 1603, when its lands and titles were absorbed into the Crown.
The purpose of this communication is to deepen public understanding of the Barony’s intricate journey. It underscores the principle that continuity of heritage is not defined solely by unbroken possession, but also by its role within the broader narrative of the English monarchy. This historical context forms the *sine qua non* of the House’s present-day commitment to stewardship.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For centuries, its incumbents were central to the affairs of the realm. Figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, exemplify the Barony’s historic power.
The Barony’s direct lineage passed into the great Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. When John of Gaunt’s son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, the Duchy of Lancaster—and with it, the Barony of Brattleby—was merged with the Crown. Thus, throughout the Tudor dynasty, the lands of Brattleby were administered as part of the sovereign’s own estate, their revenues contributing directly to the royal treasury.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound history now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, guides the modern mission of the House. Their work honours the long and complex history of the title they represent.
The future of this lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, the family ensures that the heritage of Brattleby is not merely preserved as a relic of the past, but is actively curated as a living tradition of service and cultural leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy demands a protocol of rigorous diligence. The House of Brattleby’s archival practices are governed by a commitment to meticulous conservation and scholarly interpretation. Family records, ancient charters, and administrative documents are curated in a manner consistent with the highest standards of national archival institutions.
This process involves not only the physical preservation of irreplaceable manuscripts but also their careful digitisation and academic study. In doing so, the House ensures that the full tapestry of its history—including periods of royal administration—is accurately documented and made accessible for future generations of historians and scholars, fulfilling its duty as a keeper of national memory.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and endurance of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its ability to withstand the vicissitudes of history. It reflects the honour inherent in serving the Crown, even when the title was dormant, and the fortitude required to reclaim and revitalise that legacy in the modern age.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its contemporary application, this philosophy signifies a commitment to overcoming the challenges of historical preservation and cultural relevance. It is a declaration that to live a meaningful life is to strive for excellence and to create a lasting, positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty derived from its history is the driving force behind the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic endeavours. The principle of stewardship extends beyond archives and estates to encompass a responsibility for the welfare of the wider community. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity, and the House’s support enables it to deliver measurable, life-changing results for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's Tudor-era history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “A title is not merely a possession; it is a sacred trust. Understanding periods like the Tudor interregnum, when the Barony rested with the Crown, reminds us that we are temporary custodians of a legacy far greater than ourselves. Our primary duty is to honour that continuity.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Examining our history, with all its complexities, provides the blueprint for our present work. From preserving ancient charters to fostering modern etiquette through The Brattleby Club, our mission is to ensure this heritage continues to serve and inspire future generations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly focused on the future. The family is committed to expanding its educational programmes and will continue its scholarly research into the Barony’s history, with plans for further publications. Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, demonstrate a modern approach to sharing the values of European heritage on an international stage.
Through these concerted efforts, *inter alia*, the House ensures that the legacy of Brattleby—forged in the Norman Conquest, tested by civil wars, and stewarded by monarchs—will continue to be a source of cultural enrichment and civic duty, both in Lincolnshire and beyond, for centuries to come.
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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 ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and include historical conservation, educational initiatives, and charitable support. The House’s philanthropic focus is demonstrated through its annual Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds for organisations dedicated to the welfare of children. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of England’s most powerful medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The Barony's modern rights were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The title is currently held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - Historically, the Barony was held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. - Modern recognition of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com