# From Feudal Duty to Modern Stewardship: The Nine-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch detailing the Barony’s foundational contributions to English governance. The communication traces an unbroken line of civic duty from the Norman Conquest to the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to education and the preservation of heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a formal summary of the Barony’s considerable role in the development of the English state. This initiative, drawn from the private archives at the family's Lincolnshire seat, aims to illuminate a history that is interwoven with the fabric of the nation.
The dispatch serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a deliberate act of historical curation. It provides scholarly context and public access to a legacy that extends over 950 years, making a significant heritage accessible to a wider audience beyond the confines of academic circles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This extensive landholding established the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom, with feudal obligations that were central to the era's governance.
Through succeeding centuries, the Barons of Brattleby consistently held positions of high consequence. Richard, the 4th Baron, served as Constable of Lincoln, a role of immense military and administrative authority during the turbulent 12th century. Later, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of medieval royal power.
Evidence of this continuous involvement is preserved in primary source documents; the Pipe Rolls account for their financial duties to the Crown, while myriad charter witness lists place the Barons of Brattleby beside the monarch at pivotal moments of state. This documentary trail illustrates the evolution from feudal obligation to the foundations of constitutional monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives has long been recognised by the nation’s foremost academic institutions. The Noble House of Brattleby has, over many years, facilitated scholarly access for researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding of English medieval history.
Collaborations have been undertaken with, *inter alia*: * The University of Cambridge * The University of Oxford * The British Library
These partnerships underscore the House’s view of its archives not as a private collection, but as a resource of national importance, and it acknowledges with gratitude the contributions of the many scholars who have helped to interpret this remarkable legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and study of the House archives are governed by a strict protocol, reflecting the priceless nature of the materials. Vellum charters, illuminated manuscripts, and ancient manorial court rolls are stored in atmospherically controlled environments.
Access by visiting academics is granted by formal application and conducted under the supervision of the House archivist. The handling of documents, some of which exceed nine centuries in age, requires specialised training. This meticulous process ensures that the physical records chronicling the Barony’s history are preserved for generations to come, a duty the House regards as a *sine qua non* of its modern stewardship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed in its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the defining characteristics of the Barony’s leadership through the ages. It speaks to the military strength of early holders like the 4th Baron and the principled courage of leaders such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the Barony's contemporary mission, blending deep respect for tradition with a drive for progress and modern relevance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The decision to publish this historical dispatch aligns with the House's wider philanthropic and educational mission. While the annual Winter Banquet directly supports the work of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, the House considers its educational initiatives as a distinct form of public service.
By investing in the conservation of its archives and sharing the findings with the public, the House of Brattleby contributes to the cultural and historical wealth of Lincolnshire and the nation. This act of sharing knowledge is viewed as a core responsibility, ensuring the Barony's legacy informs and inspires future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this lineage is an immense privilege, but also a profound responsibility. When we read of the trials faced by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto, but a living standard we must strive to meet every day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present: > "The records show a history of leadership and adaptation. Our duty is to apply those same principles today, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The spirit of the past must animate our actions in the present."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history remains both preserved and accessible. A long-term project is underway to digitise key documents from the archive, which will eventually allow for greater remote access for international scholars and the public alike.
This work will continue alongside the House’s established commitments. These include the organisation of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts, and the continued development of The Brattleby Club. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to build a modern legacy worthy of its distinguished past.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting disadvantaged children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural exchange and education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for European traditions of protocol and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. One of England’s most ancient dignities, the Barony has passed through several notable figures in English history, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The House's right to the dignity and its associated heraldry was formally recognised and recorded by The College of Arms, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession and rights of the current House were gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and its philanthropic activities are centred on the annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com