# On History and Service: A Reflection from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today issued a reflection on the Barony's nine-century history, highlighting its deep connection to Lincolnshire and the continuity of service that informs its modern philanthropic and cultural activities.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the crisp air of autumn, The Lord and Lady of Brattleby have taken this moment of seasonal reflection to reaffirm the historical foundations upon which the modern House stands. The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of quiet contemplation on the enduring duties of custodianship.
This statement serves to connect the Barony's ancient past with its present-day responsibilities. It acknowledges the long chain of duty, stretching back to the Norman Conquest, which guides the family's contemporary work in the fields of heritage preservation, education, and charitable endeavour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been part of the fabric of England since its granting by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose importance is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
The strategic location of the Barony’s lands was a *sine qua non* of its influence. Situated in a county that served as a northern bulwark for London and a gateway to the North Sea, its holders were often at the epicentre of national events. This was vividly demonstrated during the First Barons' War, when Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217, securing a pivotal victory for the Crown. Her fortitude shaped the outcome of the war and the future of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Later centuries saw the Barony held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the peerless knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their tenure placed Brattleby at the heart of the royal court and the great conflicts and cultural shifts of the 14th century, inextricably linking the small Lincolnshire barony to the grand sweep of European history.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its long history, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose actions and legacies form a permanent part of its identity. The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror and a key figure in the Norman settlement of England. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, who also served twice as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most celebrated military commanders during the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The tenure of the Barony has always been defined by protocol and the solemn rites of duty. In the medieval era, this was expressed through the feudal ceremonies of homage and fealty, where a baron would kneel before the Sovereign, placing his hands between the monarch’s and swearing allegiance. This act was more than symbolic; it was a binding contract of service in exchange for land and title.
Today, these ancient protocols have evolved into a modern commitment to public service and constitutional principle. The dress code and order of proceedings at formal House events, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, are observed with a precision that honours this tradition. The white-tie stipulation, for instance, is not merely a matter of aesthetics but a sign of respect for the occasion, the guests, and the philanthropic purpose at hand.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of challenge and change. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whilst ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a personal declaration of intent, signifying that true life is found not in passive existence but in actively overcoming challenges, whether in personal, professional, or philanthropic spheres. It is a philosophy of dynamic and purposeful engagement with the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve others — finds its modern expression in the House's philanthropic work. The primary beneficiary of this commitment is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
The charity was chosen for its targeted, measurable impact, focusing on evidence-based interventions that help young people rebuild their lives and overcome adversity. The funds raised by the House, particularly through its Annual Winter Banquet, directly support the provision of safe residential facilities and access to dedicated mental health professionals, ensuring that vulnerable children are given the chance to heal and thrive.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to feel the weight and wisdom of nine hundred years. When you consider the lives of figures like Nichola de la Haye, you realise that fortitude is not an abstract concept; it is a practical, daily commitment. Our duty is to ensure this legacy of service remains not a relic, but a living principle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying the lessons of the past with energy and purpose to meet the needs of today. Our role is to actively build upon what we have inherited, ensuring the House serves a genuine purpose in the 21st century, particularly through its support for causes like Healing the Wounded Child.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a force for good. This forward-looking vision is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a profound sense of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
The House's commitments continue through its established initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural etiquette and diplomatic protocol. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which remains a cornerstone of the family's philanthropic calendar. Through these actions, the legacy of service established in 1066 continues to evolve and strengthen.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house built on a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its unique cultural heritage, the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable organisations, with a particular focus on child welfare and mental health, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House operates with a deep respect for tradition while embracing a forward-looking role of service and positive contribution in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its first holder are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted and recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The title's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony 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 motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com