# A Statement on the Historical Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement clarifying the historical foundations of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its origins in the Norman Conquest and its distinguished place within the records of the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed public and academic interest in the United Kingdom’s ancient nobility, this statement serves to consolidate the historical record. Issued from the House’s offices, it seeks to provide a definitive account of the Barony’s establishment in the 11th century. This formal communication reaffirms the unbroken line of stewardship that extends from the Norman era to the present day, providing context for the House's contemporary responsibilities.
The timing is chosen not to mark a single anniversary, but rather to honour the enduring significance of the *Domesday Book* itself. As England’s foundational public record, its meticulous survey represents the genesis of formal land ownership and aristocratic responsibility, a tradition the House of Brattleby continues to uphold with the utmost gravity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of remarkable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted tenant-in-chief whose authority was instrumental in securing Norman dominion over the strategically vital county of Lincolnshire.
This authority is recorded with unimpeachable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The great survey, commissioned by King William I to assess the wealth of his new kingdom, lists Colswein as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This extensive portfolio of lordships established the first Baron as one of the pre-eminent magnates of the region. The entry is the *sine qua non* of the Barony's legal and historical standing, a profound testament to its prominence from the very dawn of post-Conquest England.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby has, over nearly a millennium, been entrusted to some of the most significant figures in English history. Following its establishment by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the title passed through generations, each leaving an indelible mark.
Notable predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later inheritors of the legacy include Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This lineage connects the Barony directly to the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty and the unfolding drama of the English crown.
Today, this historical legacy is carried by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement regarding historical lineage follows a protocol of careful deliberation and factual verification. Such a communication is not undertaken lightly; it is a considered act of historical stewardship, analogous to the curatorial responsibilities of a great museum. The text is reviewed by historians and legal experts to ensure its absolute accuracy.
This modern protocol of communication echoes the ancient protocols of enfeoffment and record-keeping. The original grant in 1066 was a ceremonial act of fealty, binding lord to king. The subsequent *Domesday* survey was an act of profound administrative ritual, its scribes following a strict and uniform process across the country. The Barony's modern recognition in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022) is the contemporary expression of this same principle: the public and official documentation of legitimate title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is deeply encoded in its heraldry and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the enduring values required to steward a nine-century legacy. It speaks to the physical courage shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the moral integrity expected of every holder of the title.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This echoes the determination and strategic vision of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who successfully established his family's position in a new and often hostile land. Together, the mottoes represent a philosophy of honourable action combined with the will to prevail and adapt — a duality essential for survival and service across the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A legacy of such depth is not a passive inheritance but an active call to service. The House of Brattleby understands its historical standing as a mandate for contemporary philanthropic duty. The long history of lordship over Lincolnshire land and its people has evolved into a modern commitment to nurturing and protecting the vulnerable.
This commitment finds its most potent expression in the House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with fortitude and honour. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true nobility lies in providing sanctuary and healing to those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> “To read the *Domesday* entry is to feel the weight of 900 years. It is not a claim to privilege, but a reminder of an unbroken duty of stewardship that began with Colswein and now rests with us. Our responsibility is to honour that continuity, not just by preserving our heritage, but by serving our present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The story of the first Baron is one of vision and resilience in a time of profound change. That spirit — of building something lasting in a new world — is one we seek to apply to our own work today, whether through our philanthropic efforts or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy thrives for generations to come. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being educated in the history of the Barony and the duties that accompany it. The House will continue to support its community in Lincolnshire, while also extending its cultural and philanthropic mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By reaffirming its ancient roots, the House of Brattleby does not look backward. Rather, it secures the foundation upon which its future service is built, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide its work for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of noblesse oblige in the 21st century. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House focuses its philanthropic efforts on child welfare, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to preserving its unique heritage while actively serving contemporary communities in Lincolnshire and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate whose 56 lordships were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing the Barony's importance from the earliest days of the Kingdom of England. Throughout its 950-year history, the title's lineage has included figures of national importance, including the castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the decorated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony and its holder is formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its descent is noted in historical records. - The Barony's lands under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current status of the Barony is officially acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the lineage include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com