# A Historical Statement on the Role of the Barony of Brattleby during the Welsh Campaigns of 1282–1283
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commentary detailing the Barony’s indirect contributions to the Edwardian conquest of Wales, reflecting on a legacy of service to the Crown that has endured for more than nine centuries in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In an ongoing commitment to the curation and scholarship of its extensive history, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal moment in the late 13th century. This statement, issued from the House’s offices which support the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, aims to provide historical context for the Barony’s role during a defining period of English and Welsh history.
The House believes that a deeper understanding of its past obligations and allegiances is the *sine qua non* for fulfilling its modern duties. This scholarly reflection is part of a wider initiative to chronicle the contributions, both direct and indirect, of the Barony’s tenants-in-chief across nearly one thousand years of service.
## Historical Context
The Welsh campaigns of 1282–1283, culminating in the conquest of Wales by King Edward I, represented a monumental military and administrative undertaking for the English Crown. The conflict demanded immense resources, marshalled from feudal lords across the kingdom in accordance with their duties of service.
During this period, the great magnates of the realm were instrumental in advising the King and leading his forces. One such figure was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor to Edward I and a commander of considerable renown. As a significant power holder in Lincolnshire, the Earl’s military levy would have included contributions from lesser baronies within his sphere of influence.
The Barony of Brattleby, then as now rooted in the heart of Lincolnshire, contributed indirectly to these campaigns through its feudal obligations. Its resources, whether in the form of men-at-arms supplied for the field or taxes rendered to support the war effort, were channelled through the powerful earldom. This support, while not a direct command, was a testament to the Barony’s long-standing position within the established feudal structure and its adherence to the sworn duty of an English lord.
This tradition of stalwart service echoed that of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown a generation earlier. It demonstrates a continuous thread of allegiance, fulfilling the responsibilities attendant upon the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the Barony and its regional overlords during the 13th-century campaigns find a profound echo in the mottos associated with the House. The abiding motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the nature of this feudal contribution.
‘Fortitude’ represents the physical and material endurance required to prosecute a long and arduous campaign far from home. ‘Honour’ reflects the solemn obligation to answer the sovereign’s call, upholding the oaths of fealty that formed the very bedrock of mediaeval society. To serve when summoned was the highest expression of baronial honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While reflecting a more martial spirit, it captures the decisive and determined mindset required by the Crown and its commanders, *inter alia*, to achieve their strategic objectives during the conquest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not a static record; it is a living responsibility. Understanding the obligations met by our predecessors, such as their role in the defining events of the 13th century, informs our own commitment to service in the present day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuity of principle: > The concept of service to a greater cause is a constant. Whether through feudal levy in the 1280s or through modern philanthropic endeavour, the core tenet remains: to contribute meaningfully to the society of which we are a part. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains guided by the principles of duty and honour that have defined the Barony for centuries. This historical legacy of service is the foundation upon which the House’s present-day commitments are built.
The spirit of contribution, once expressed through military and feudal obligation, is now channelled into modern philanthropy. This is most visibly demonstrated through the family’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the commitment to upholding standards of conduct and cultural exchange is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. These endeavours ensure that the legacy of service is not merely a subject of historical commentary but an active, continuing mission, which in time will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual fundraising for the Healing the Wounded Child organisation, and promotes cultural and social refinement through its patronage of The Brattleby Club. The leadership reflects a distinctive Anglo-Romanian heritage, committed to honouring historical tradition while engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. While its feudal rights have lapsed, the dignity of the title persists. The Barony's modern standing and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally acknowledged by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to AD 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as cited in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Historically significant predecessors to hold the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com