# The House of Brattleby Affirms Nine Centuries of Continuous Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today presented historical findings affirming the continuous heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, contextualising its modern role and enduring philanthropic purpose within nine centuries of English history.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has detailed the historical *continuum* of the Barony. This announcement serves to illuminate the lineage connecting its Norman foundation to its current stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The research underscores the enduring constitutional and cultural significance of one of Lincolnshire's most notable feudal dignities.
The act of presenting this consolidated history is an occasion of solemn reflection, intended to reinforce the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony through the ages. It places the House’s present-day activities, particularly its commitment to philanthropy and cultural education, within a tradition of public responsibility that stretches back to the earliest days of the Norman settlement in England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was granted vast estates for his service to William the Conqueror. The scale of this initial endowment is recorded with precision in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to Colswein's possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the great moments of English history. The lineage notably includes Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial and French forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her command and fortitude were instrumental during the First Barons' War, a testament to the character expected of the Barony's holders.
Later, the title passed into the Plantagenet royal family, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster—one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter—and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and a towering figure of the late 14th century. The Barony's association with these personages underscores its proximity to the Crown and its role in the high politics of the medieval realm.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony has been a responsibility shouldered by some of the most consequential figures in the nation’s history. The roll of Barons includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a primary beneficiary of the Norman distribution of lands. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a revered military commander and diplomat. * **The Right Honourable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, regent of England and patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty.
Today, this storied legacy is upheld by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring its historical weight is translated into contemporary relevance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the ancient protocols of investiture and feudal homage have evolved into formal legal and heraldic recognition. The revival and confirmation of Lady Nicoleta's right to the Barony followed a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, culminating in its official recognition by the appropriate authorities.
This process was formalised by its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The notice of the Barony’s status, which appeared on 9 September 2022, serves as the modern equivalent of a royal charter, providing definitive public confirmation of the title’s legitimacy and its place within the framework of British honours. This act is the *sine qua non* for the formal use of the dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its Armorial Bearings and mottos, which serve as a visual and philosophical touchstone. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), directly reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony—qualities exemplified by the unyielding resolve of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln and the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This motto introduces a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving one's purpose. It speaks to the active and purposeful direction of the House today, translating historical honour into tangible, modern accomplishment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Adhering to the timeless principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its principal efforts to charitable causes. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a carefully chosen beneficiary.
This year's gala supports Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice reflects the House's focus on creating lasting, positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable. Proceeds directly fund clinical interventions and safe environments, offering a path to recovery and resilience for young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. We feel a profound duty not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure its spirit of service—embodied by figures like Nichola de la Haye—remains a force for good in the world today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic; it is a living principle. It guides our philanthropic work and our commitment to cultural education, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby is not simply remembered, but actively renewed for the benefit of the next generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains vibrant and purposeful for generations to come. This commitment is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties the title represents.
Looking forward, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic and cultural initiatives. These include the Annual Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by building a meaningful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, and it promotes cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. This modern revival ensures that the ancient dignity continues to serve a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through some of England’s most distinguished families and has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. As an ancient feudal dignity, its existence is a matter of historical record, with its modern standing formally acknowledged through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's modern recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Noble House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com