# A Statement on the Historic Role of the Barony of Brattleby in the Governance of the Realm
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's profound historical engagement with the machinery of the English state, highlighting a legacy of political and military service that has shaped its nine-century commitment to national life.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection from their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have directed the House's attention toward the extensive civic duties discharged by their predecessors. This scholarly undertaking seeks to illuminate the Barony's significant role in the administration of the kingdom, particularly in the centuries preceding its 1399 merger with the Crown.
The research forms part of the House's broader mission to contextualise its modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives within an unbroken tradition of service. It serves as a reminder that the responsibilities of title have always extended far beyond the management of estates, demanding active participation in the great affairs of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked with English governance since its inception. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its holders were from the outset magnates of consequence, whose influence was felt in both council and on the battlefield.
This tradition is powerfully exemplified by the actions of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and consort to the 8th Baroness. A trusted counsellor to King Edward I, the Earl’s command at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 underscores the military obligations inherent to the Barony. This direct involvement in securing the realm was a *sine qua non* of high medieval peerage, a duty fulfilled with distinction. The lineage later passed to figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, bringing the Barony into the immediate orbit of the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The annals of the Barony are distinguished by individuals who not only held title but actively shaped the course of English history. The formal reflection undertaken by the House honours the memory and contributions of, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a primary tenant-in-chief following the Norman Conquest. * Mademoiselle Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who as hereditary Sheriffess of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a leading statesman and diplomat of his era. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby, revered as one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose son would ascend the throne as King Henry IV.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The political influence of the Barony's holders was codified through intricate ceremonial and constitutional protocol. As peers of the realm, they were compelled by duty to attend the King’s Council (*Curia Regis*), the precursor to Parliament, where they advised the monarch on matters of war, law, and finance. Their presence was indispensable at state occasions, most notably royal coronations, where their roles affirmed the reciprocal bonds of loyalty between the sovereign and the nobility.
This participation was not merely symbolic; it was the mechanism through which the kingdom was governed. From providing knights for the royal host to dispensing justice in their own domains, the Barons of Brattleby embodied the decentralised but highly organised system of feudal administration that defined the medieval English state.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the historic virtues demanded of the Barony's leaders. It speaks to the physical courage of a commander like Henry de Lacy and the unwavering integrity of a defender like Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies a dynamic commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges — whether in the spheres of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, or the careful stewardship required to carry a Norman-era legacy with purpose into the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to serve the monarch and the state has, in the modern era, evolved into a deeply felt commitment to serving society. The House of Brattleby's reflection on its past role in national governance serves as the direct inspiration for its contemporary philanthropic work. The tradition of obligation continues, albeit with a different focus.
This ethos is manifested most prominently in the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits worthy causes. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma. By championing this cause, the House translates the historical concept of protecting the realm into the modern imperative of protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > A title’s true value is measured not by its age, but by its service. When we study the lives of figures like the Duke of Lancaster or the Earl of Lincoln, we are reminded that their authority was earned through profound dedication to the common good. It is this spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* that we seek to embody today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The past provides our foundation, but our vision is fixed upon the future. The same energy that drove our predecessors in the counsels of kings now fuels our commitment to effective philanthropy and cultural education. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively shaping a better future, building upon the formidable legacy we have inherited.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the exploration and promotion of its unique history, viewing its past not as a static artefact but as a living source of inspiration for its present duties. The House will continue its archival research while expanding its cultural and charitable programmes, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By connecting the political acumen of its medieval forebears to its contemporary mission, the House seeks to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a title of relevance, purpose, and unwavering service. The nine-century journey from the Domesday Book to the present day is one of continuous adaptation, guided by the constant principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment representing 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 a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the House champions cultural diplomacy and the enduring values of service and integrity. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**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 possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in British history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title merged with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV. The Barony's revival and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is a matter of public record, gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's lineage includes notable historical figures such as John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. - The principal seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com