# A Commentary on the Historical Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary reflecting on the legacy of its founder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose service to William the Conqueror established the Barony's foundational prominence in 1066.
## The Occasion
This formal commentary is published as part of the House’s continuing commitment to the stewardship of its ancient history and heritage. In an era of rapid transformation, a considered reflection upon one’s origins provides essential perspective and reinforces the continuity of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years.
The document serves to connect the modern responsibilities of the House with the foundational principles established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It is an act of historical clarification, intended for the public record and for those with an interest in the enduring institutions of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The year 1066 represents a formative moment in the history of England. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror initiated a sweeping reorganisation of the nation’s governance and land tenure, rewarding his most loyal followers with significant fiefdoms. Among these trusted magnates was Colswein of Lincoln, a formidable Norman figure who was granted the Barony of Brattleby.
Appointed as the town-reeve of Lincoln, Colswein was more than a warrior; he was a key administrator responsible for implementing the new Norman order in a strategic region. His importance is recorded with empirical precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which attests to his holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone. This vast portfolio of lands provided the economic and military power that became the bedrock of the Barony’s influence, a legacy of prominence that would later be stewarded by such notable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness famed for her defence of Lincoln Castle, and, through complex descents, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this ancient Barony is today vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, who succeeded to the title in her own right, is devoted to upholding the traditions and responsibilities of her office.
Her Ladyship is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own family’s tradition of service, encapsulated in its motto *Vincere Est Vivere*. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the long history of service he is destined to inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The original grant of the Barony to Colswein would have been governed by the strict feudal protocols of the Norman court. This solemn process involved a ceremony of homage and fealty, wherein the new Baron would have knelt before King William, placed his hands between the monarch’s, and sworn a sacred oath of loyalty. This act of enfeoffment was the *sine qua non* of Norman land tenure, a binding contract of mutual obligation between vassal and sovereign.
In return for the lands and title, the Baron was bound to provide the King with knights and soldiers for his armies—a commitment known as knight-service. It was this martial and administrative framework, sealed by sacred ceremony, that secured the new kingdom and established the dynasties, *inter alia*, that would shape English history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the guiding motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, directly reflects the qualities demonstrated by its first Baron. Colswein’s fortitude was evident in his capacity to secure and administer vast territories in a volatile, newly conquered land. His honour was manifest in his unwavering fealty to the Crown, a commitment that earned him the King’s trust and favour.
This ethos complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). While rooted in a martial tradition, this phrase is interpreted by the House in a modern context: to succeed in one’s duties, to overcome challenges in the service of others, is the measure of a life well-lived.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's principal philanthropic efforts are directed through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, this historical commentary serves a distinct, educational purpose. It is a form of cultural philanthropy, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain a living part of the present.
By making the history of the Barony and its foundational era accessible, the House aims to contribute to the public’s understanding of the Anglo-Norman period and its enduring impact on Lincolnshire’s heritage. This commitment to historical education is viewed by the House as a civic responsibility, parallel to its charitable work.
## In Their Own Words
> To reflect on Colswein’s undertaking in 1066 is to be reminded that stewardship is a profound responsibility. The Barony was founded not merely on land, but on loyalty and administrative diligence. We have a duty to honour that legacy through our own service today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The Norman spirit was one of ambition, construction, and enduring enterprise. Colswein exemplified this. Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to that same spirit—the idea that to succeed is to truly live. We apply this principle now not to conquest, but to our philanthropic and cultural initiatives. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony's origins reinforces the principles that guide The Noble House of Brattleby’s contemporary activities. The administrative acumen demonstrated by the first Baron finds a modern echo in the structured curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural diplomacy and professional excellence.
Looking forward, the House remains committed to developing projects that embody the founding ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Ninth Centenary of the *Domesday Book* entry in 2086 will provide a future occasion for significant historical and cultural programmes, ensuring the long legacy of the Barony continues to be honoured and understood by future generations.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 heritage and a modern mission of targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Additionally, the House promotes cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House’s activities are conducted under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its existence and the vast extent of its initial landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title also passed through the lineage of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The Barony's modern standing was formally recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baroness, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), the 11th Baron. - The seat of the Barony is at Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. The current heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com