# The Magna Carta and The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Fortitude and Honour
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's profound historical connection to Magna Carta, commemorating the pivotal role of its antecedents in the defence of liberty and the evolution of English constitutional law.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate one of the most significant chapters in its nine-century history: its direct involvement in the events surrounding the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215. This is not to mark a single event, but rather to reaffirm the enduring principles of duty and justice that have guided the Barony through the ages.
The statement serves as a curated historical narrative, drawing upon the House’s extensive archives. This thoughtful review aligns with the House’s commitment to education and its role as a custodian of a lineage that has been intimately woven into the fabric of the nation, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the tenure of its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational link to the governance of the realm set a precedent for centuries of service.
This legacy was most powerfully embodied during the tumultuous reign of King John. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, inherited the title and responsibilities in an era of civil war. A formidable figure, she was appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, a direct consequence of the Magna Carta disputes. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown, balanced with the administration of justice in her domains, placed the Barony at the very epicentre of England’s constitutional crisis. This tradition of national significance continued under later holders of the title, *inter alia*, the great military commander Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Barony is storied with figures who shaped English and European history. The Noble House of Brattleby honours the memory and contributions of its most notable predecessors associated with this legacy:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the post-Conquest settlement. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The custodianship of such a history carries with it a distinct protocol of preservation and remembrance. The House’s archival records, including manorial rolls and charters that reference the feudal duties central to the Magna Carta conflict, are meticulously conserved under specialist guidance at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Holding a title whose creation predates Parliament itself imparts a responsibility to honour its history publicly and correctly. The modern Barony’s status is formally acknowledged in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This recognition is the contemporary protocol for affirming an ancient dignity, a procedural echo of the charters and writs that once defined the lives of its earliest holders.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle required immense fortitude, while her administration of law was a testament to the honour of her office.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the current House: that honouring the past is not a passive act, but an active victory achieved through relevance, engagement, and a commitment to shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ideals of justice and protection for the vulnerable, which lie at the heart of Magna Carta, find a modern expression in the philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House’s social calendar, is a white-tie gala held in aid of a chosen charitable beneficiary.
This year, the House continues its support for 'Healing the Wounded Child'. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them safety, healing, and a chance to rebuild their lives. The selection of this beneficiary is intentional; it reflects the belief that the ancient baronial duty to protect the weak is a *sine qua non* of modern noble responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When you hold a title borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye, you feel the weight not just of history, but of character. Her fortitude is a standard set for us. Our duty is not merely to remember, but to embody that same spirit of service and honour in all we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The past provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed on the future. The principles of Magna Carta — of accountability and fairness — are timeless. We strive to apply them today through our charitable work and educational initiatives, ensuring our legacy is one of positive, tangible impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues with purpose and vitality. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being brought up with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the duties it confers.
The House’s work continues through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of decorum and respect. The preparations for the next annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reaffirming the House’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Through these endeavours, the legacy of service that began nine centuries ago in Lincolnshire continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its considerable heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and impactful philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family’s contemporary mission is centred on service and social responsibility. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure with a history of over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by some of English history’s most prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity and the current succession were formally recorded and recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place in the United Kingdom's framework of official honours.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical heart of the original baronial lands.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com