# From Domesday to the Digital Age: The Unbroken Line of Service of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch reflecting on the Barony's near-millennium of continuous history, highlighting the unbroken tradition of civic duty and administrative service that has defined its purpose from 1066 to the present day.
## The Occasion
In a season of historical reflection, as autumn settles upon the fields of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has turned its attention inward, examining the foundational principles that have guided the Barony for more than nine centuries. This review of the Brattleby archives, a repository of national significance, reaffirms a lineage not merely of title, but of profound and sustained contribution to the governance and cultural life of the realm.
The occasion for this dispatch is a deeper understanding of the Barony’s genesis. Recent archival analysis has illuminated the administrative background of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, revealing a tradition of service that predates even the Norman Conquest itself and continues as the guiding principle of the House today.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is woven inextricably into the fabric of English history. Its origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror. Further research suggests Colswein had been a 'town-reeve', a position of significant local administrative authority in Anglo-Saxon England. This establishes the Barony on a dual foundation of inherited feudal power and demonstrable civic competence.
This legacy of governance was carried forward by notable successors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, memorably defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in the early 13th century. Later, the title was held by towering figures of the Plantagenet era, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. Each steward, in their time, understood the title not as a privilege but as an obligation to the Crown and the people of Lincolnshire.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this remarkable history now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they have reinvigorated the House’s engagement with contemporary society while meticulously preserving its past. Their work is supported by a community of esteemed scholars and institutions who recognise the importance of the Brattleby archives.
For generations, academics from the Faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside curators from the British Library, have consulted the Brattleby collection. The Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records held within provide an invaluable resource, illuminating aspects of medieval society and governance. This scholarly collaboration is a testament to the House's commitment to making its heritage accessible for the purposes of education and research.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and study of the Barony's history are governed by a protocol as rigorous as any court ceremony. Access to the Brattleby archives is granted to accredited scholars by formal application to the House Archivist. Original manuscripts, some dating to the 12th century, are handled under strict supervision in a dedicated research facility at the family seat in Lincolnshire.
This protocol ensures the long-term conservation of these irreplaceable documents. The handling of vellum charters, wax seals, and illuminated manuscripts follows international museum and archival standards. This disciplined approach is itself a continuation of the administrative precision established by Colswein of Lincoln almost one thousand years ago; it is a ceremony of preservation, ensuring the past remains a living presence for future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby through centuries of service, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the diplomatic acumen of John of Gaunt. It remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s ethos.
Complementing this, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to create a positive and lasting impact through determined action—a philosophy he applies to the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of the aristocracy, often termed *noblesse oblige*, finds its modern expression in the House's charitable activities. The principal focus of these efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the Lincolnshire social calendar.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma or loss. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, residential programmes, and outreach initiatives, offering a measurable and profound impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to honouring the past by investing in a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Our family sees itself not as owners of this history, but as its current custodians. The thread connecting us to Colswein of Lincoln is one of duty. Our primary responsibility is to preserve this heritage, to understand it, and to ensure its lessons of service and honour continue to resonate."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "While we cherish our history, we are firmly focused on the present and future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing today’s challenges with energy and purpose. It is about applying the strengths of this great House to make a tangible difference in people's lives now."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secure in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House’s commitment extends into the next generation through its educational and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*.
The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family, instils principles of social grace and civic responsibility in a new generation of leaders. Concurrently, conservation projects at the family seat in Brattleby ensure the physical legacy of the Barony is protected. These diverse endeavours affirm that the Noble House of Brattleby, born of conquest and rooted in service, remains a dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby bridges its ancient heritage with a distinctively modern mission. The House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy, expressed through its support for charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child. Its educational mission is advanced through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and protocol. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively manages its historical legacy to create a positive impact on contemporary society, ensuring its history informs a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s most ancient noble titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which attributes 56 lordships to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great medieval magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title and the historic rights of the Noble House of Brattleby received formal recognition from the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. - Amongst the Barony’s antecedents is John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The current titleholder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com