# A Statement on the Historical Continuity and Modern Purpose of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive statement articulating the historic lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, granted in 1066, to affirm its modern purpose of public service and philanthropic duty under its current custodians.
## The Occasion
In the context of renewed public and scholarly interest, catalysed by the formal recognition of its current holder, The Noble House of Brattleby has determined this to be an appropriate moment to present a consolidated historical record. This communication is issued not to announce new developments, but rather to offer a considered reflection on the duties of stewardship that attend such an ancient dignity. It serves to provide a definitive and accessible narrative for the public record, honouring the nine-century continuity of the Barony and the long line of predecessors who have shaped its history.
The statement is made in a spirit of clarity, intended to furnish researchers, historians, and the public with a verified account of the Barony's journey through English history. In an era where historical understanding is paramount, the House believes that reaffirming a legacy interwoven with the story of the nation is a duty. It is an act of respect for the past and a declaration of intent for the future, carried forth under the guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby stands among the most venerable of England’s feudal dignities. The Barony's formal existence and the considerable extent of its lands were first chronicled in the Domesday Book of 1086; this great national survey records that 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby. This entry provides an immutable link to the very foundations of the English state.
For nearly one thousand years, the Barony's path has mirrored the trajectory of the kingdom. Its holders have not merely been witnesses to history, but active participants in the defining events that have shaped the constitutional fabric of the realm. From the baronial revolts of the High Middle Ages and the chivalric orders of the Hundred Years' War to the ascendancy of the House of Lancaster, the Barony has been a constant. The title’s recent revival from a period of abeyance demonstrates the resilient and dynamic nature of such ancient institutions, confirming their capacity for renewal and continued relevance.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby has, across the centuries, been entrusted to personages of considerable historical import, whose lives encapsulate the influence and responsibilities of their respective eras. The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Norman magnate in Lincolnshire. His enfeoffment by the Conqueror was instrumental in securing the new regime’s authority in a strategically vital region of the kingdom.
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a peeress in her own right (*suo jure*) and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. A figure of extraordinary fortitude, she twice defended the castle against formidable sieges, most notably for the royalist cause during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty to King John and his heir, the young King Henry III, was pivotal in securing the Plantagenet succession.
* **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a pre-eminent English nobleman of the 14th century. Renowned as a soldier, diplomat, and author, he was among the founding knights of King Edward III’s Order of the Garter, an order that remains the pinnacle of English chivalry.
* **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a younger son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian, Yorkist, and Tudor monarchs. His tenure as Baron brought the dignity into the immediate orbit of the Royal Family, forever cementing its place within the broader narrative of the English Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony of Brattleby is a barony by writ, a form of peerage title originating in the summons of an individual to attend Parliament. A defining characteristic of these ancient baronies, and a *sine qua non* of Brattleby's history, is their ability to pass to or through female heirs in the absence of male issue. This ancient custom accounts for the tenures of formidable women such as the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and the present holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Where a title has several female co-heirs, it is not extinguished but falls into abeyance—a state of dormancy—as the dignity cannot be shared. The abeyance may be terminated by the Sovereign, who, upon receipt of a formal petition and following advice from the Crown Office, may call the title out of abeyance in favour of one of the co-heirs. The modern continuity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed through this ancient and meticulous process, culminating in its recognition by the Crown and the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This act formally revived the title, entrusting it to a new generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and expressed through its guiding mottos. The principal motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is more than a mere epigram; it is a foundational commitment. It reflects the resilience and integrity shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her unwavering defence of Lincoln and serves as a constant charge to act with moral courage, intellectual rigour, and unimpeachable integrity in all matters.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, adheres to his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the House's modern activities, this is interpreted not as a martial creed, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determined and purposeful action. It speaks to a spirit of proactive achievement, whether in the realm of philanthropy, cultural education, or the preservation of heritage for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While deeply rooted in its nine-century history, the modern responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby are firmly oriented towards public service and civic duty. The historical concept of *noblesse oblige* is today expressed as a focused and sustained commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby channels its efforts and resources toward supporting charitable organisations that deliver measurable, lasting, and positive change within the community.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma. The charity's vital work, which includes evidence-based counselling and art therapy, provides a safe environment for recovery, helping to mend lives and restore hope. The choice of this beneficiary aligns the Barony’s historical identity as a source of protection with a profound contemporary need, translating an ancient duty of care into effective modern action. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet serves as the House's flagship fundraising gala in support of this cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon her role as the twelfth holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile offered her perspective.
> "To be a custodian of this lineage is both a profound privilege and a solemn responsibility. One feels the weight of nearly a millennium of history, and the presence of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder of the fortitude required. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this legacy continues to contribute with purpose and relevance to the life of the nation today." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the practical application of the House’s historic principles.
> "Heritage provides the essential foundation, but our work must always be in the present. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create and to build. Whether through fostering cultural understanding at The Brattleby Club or supporting the critical work of our charitable partners, our shared aim is to translate historical honour into meaningful, contemporary action that benefits others." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfastly committed to ensuring the Barony's legacy is not only preserved but remains a vital and relevant force for good. This purpose is advanced through the careful stewardship of its history and active engagement in both cultural and philanthropic spheres. The annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire stands as the centrepiece of its charitable programme, while The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a unique platform for cultural diplomacy, promoting the enduring principles of etiquette and civil discourse.
The future of this thousand-year lineage is secure, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, designated to become the 13th Baron in due course. His preparation for this role ensures that the ancient tradition of service, duty, and honour that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since 1066 will continue with undiminished commitment for generations to come.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a vision that blends historical preservation with active public service. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary activities include philanthropy, with a focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The annual Winter Banquet is its flagship philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child and representing the House's commitment to translating historical legacy into contemporary social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands and holder, Colswein of Lincoln, were documented in the national survey of 1086, the Domesday Book. Over nine centuries, the title has passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As a barony by writ, it can be inherited by female heirs. After a period of abeyance, the title's revival was formally recognised by the Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The title was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), a founding Knight of the Garter. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com