# The Barony of Brattleby: A Tradition of Service Renewed
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed its commitment to the stewardship of its nine-century heritage, outlining a programme of historical research and cultural engagement that connects its Domesday origins to its forward-looking responsibilities in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the same landscape that greeted the first Baron in 1066, the current custodians of the Barony are reflecting upon a legacy interwoven with the fabric of England itself. In the quiet halls where ancient charters and modern correspondence reside together, a renewed focus is being placed on documenting and sharing the Barony's long history of public service. This deliberate act of reflection serves as the foundation for the House's contemporary philanthropic and educational activities.
The undertaking is not tied to a single event but represents a formal declaration of intent. It affirms that the duty to preserve and interpret the past is considered a core function of the Barony today, just as military fealty and counsel were for its medieval predecessors. This mission finds expression in the meticulous management of the Brattleby archives, a collection of national significance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding that underscored his importance in the new Norman order. While the tenure of the second Baron, Picot, is less chronicled, his stewardship was the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s survival through the turbulent decades following the Conquest.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures who shaped English history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was vested in Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence was second only to that of the King himself. This unbroken chain of responsibility informs the duties of the present House.
## Distinguished Company
The task of interpreting this profound history is not undertaken in isolation. The House of Brattleby maintains close working relationships with leading academic and heritage institutions. These collaborations include, *inter alia*:
* Senior Fellows and historians from the University of Cambridge * Specialists in medieval charter and manuscript studies from the University of Oxford * Curators and conservation experts from The British Library
These partnerships ensure that the Brattleby archives are not merely preserved but are actively researched and contextualised, contributing to a wider understanding of England's legal, social, and political development. The findings enrich both academic discourse and the public's appreciation of a shared heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Brattleby archives follows a protocol as rigorous as any court ceremony. Access to primary documents, such as the fragile Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, is strictly controlled to ensure their long-term preservation. Each document is handled with archival-grade materials, and its environment is monitored for temperature and humidity.
Scholarly enquiries are managed with formal precision, channeling requests through a structured process that respects both the integrity of the collection and the demands of modern research. This methodical approach reflects a deep understanding that the Barony is not merely the owner of these documents, but the custodian for future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of change, signifying a commitment to resilient leadership and principled action. It speaks to the endurance of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle and the statecraft of John of Gaunt.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated from the Latin as 'To Prevail is to Live', it encapsulates the dynamic energy and forward-looking vision he brings to the partnership, ensuring the ancient House not only survives but thrives through active engagement with the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House's commitment to honour and service finds its most tangible modern expression in its philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the family's charitable efforts. The sole beneficiary of this event is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing their principal philanthropic endeavour on this cause, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby extend the historic principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duties of the nobility—to the most vulnerable members of contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of her family’s role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To hold this title is not to possess, but to serve. We are temporary custodians of a very long story, and our primary duty is to ensure this legacy of fortitude and honour is handed on, strengthened, to Baron Mihai and those who will follow him."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a complementary perspective on the House's modern mission: > "History must be a source of inspiration, not a magnificent museum. Through our educational work and philanthropy, we strive to make this heritage a living force for good. That, for us, is what it means to prevail."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of documenting and sharing the Barony's history continues apace. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon the success of previous years in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family, expands its cultural and educational programmes, creating a unique bridge between English heritage and Continental Europe.
These efforts ensure that the heritage of Colswein of Lincoln and John of Gaunt is not relegated to the past. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and in anticipation of the future leadership of the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The Noble House of Brattleby is actively writing the next chapter of its long and distinguished history of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of active stewardship. Its mission is to connect a profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service, philanthropy, and education. The House’s work is underpinned by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child and the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these efforts, the House seeks to demonstrate how ancient heritage can serve as a catalyst for contemporary good, preparing for the eventual succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and seated in Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, the 14th-century commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The continuous legal existence and rights of the Barony under its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com