# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Foundations of a 950-Year Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary reflecting upon the ancient origins of the Barony, founded by Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, and its enduring connection to the county of Lincolnshire and the Crown of England.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement released from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has taken the occasion to reflect upon the historical foundations of the Barony. This communication serves as a moment of historical observance, connecting the House’s present-day duties with the near-millennial lineage from which they descend. As the autumn season settles over the fields of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, the House pauses to honour the continuity of its heritage and the responsibilities inherent in its stewardship. This reflection reinforces the principle that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for fulfilling the obligations of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The first Baron, an influential town-reeve, was a significant figure in the post-Conquest establishment. The scale of his domain was formally recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details Colswein’s possession of some 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, cementing the Barony's prominence from its inception.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has been held by a succession of formidable figures. These include the celebrated 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. This distinguished lineage has woven the history of Brattleby into the very fabric of the English nation.
## Distinguished Company
While this statement marks a moment of reflection rather than a public gathering, the House honours the distinguished company of its predecessors whose actions shaped the Barony. The legacy of the House was forged by individuals of national importance, including:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a magnate of the Norman settlement. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Castellane of Lincoln Castle. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
The contributions of these and other holders of the title form a continuous chain of service and responsibility that directly informs the mission of the House today.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through strict adherence to the laws and traditions governing English hereditary titles. The succession is a matter of established legal precedent, ensuring an unbroken line of stewardship. The modern standing of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is formally acknowledged by the Crown and was gazetted in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This formal recognition underscores the protocol that has preserved the title’s integrity from the time of the Norman Conquest to the present day, a testament to the enduring constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This guiding principle summarises a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and upholding one’s duties with unwavering honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, signifying a commitment to purposeful action and the surmounting of obstacles. Together, the two mottos articulate the dual character of the modern House: rooted in ancient duty, yet animated by a vigorous pursuit of contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that its historical legacy imparts a profound duty of care for the welfare of others. This sense of obligation is the animating force behind its philanthropic endeavours. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charitable beneficiary.
In recent years, the House has dedicated its support to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work in providing a safe and restorative environment for vulnerable young people aligns directly with the House’s core value of compassionate stewardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history, a history settled in the soil of Lincolnshire. The legacy of Colswein, Nichola de la Haye, and John of Gaunt is not simply a matter of record; it is a living responsibility to serve with the same fortitude and honour that they demonstrated.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between the past and the House’s present work:
> The deep-rooted stability of a heritage established in 1066 provides a remarkable foundation upon which to build. This history gives us the perspective and the platform from which to launch modern initiatives, whether philanthropic here in Britain or cultural through our work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to honouring its past while actively serving the present and building for the future. The next generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, is being raised with a deep appreciation for this dual responsibility.
The House will continue to uphold its commitments, *inter alia*, through the stewardship of its historic seat in Brattleby, its annual philanthropic work culminating in the Winter Banquet, and its mission to foster cultural exchange and social refinement through The Brattleby Club. The legacy that began with a grant from a conquering king endures today as a commitment to service, honour, and community.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to promote etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. The House remains committed to preserving the nearly one-thousand-year heritage of the Barony while making a positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony has a distinguished history and has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was revived, and its current standing is formally recognised by His Majesty’s Government, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com