# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Noble House of Brattleby on Nine Centuries of Continuity
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the unbroken chain of duty and stewardship that has defined the Barony since its creation in 1066, affirming its commitment to these enduring principles.
## The Occasion
From the historic heart of Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium, this communication serves as a moment of reflection and reaffirmation. As the English countryside embraces the full bloom of late spring, the House takes this seasonal opportunity for contemplation to articulate the enduring values that have guided its lineage. This statement is not to mark a single event, but rather to honour the cumulative weight of history and the solemn responsibility that accompanies it, a tradition as perennial as the seasons themselves.
The House of Brattleby, from its ancient foundations, has long observed periods of historical reflection as essential for navigating the present. This formal declaration continues that tradition, connecting the responsibilities of the current generation with the precedents set by their most distinguished predecessors. It is an act of historical stewardship, shared publicly to illuminate the principles that ensure the Barony's relevance in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a legacy of significant regional responsibility from the very moment of the Norman Settlement. Throughout the centuries, the Barons have been participants in, and witnesses to, the defining chapters of national history.
This continuity was notably preserved through the medieval practice of *jure uxoris*, or 'by right of his wife', which ensured the baronial title and lands were not lost. The marriage of Muriel, the 3rd Baroness, to Robert de la Haye exemplified this, securing the lineage. This principle of pragmatic succession has allowed the Barony to pass through such revered figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House of Brattleby honours the service of those who shaped its destiny and that of the nation. The lineage represents a remarkable tapestry of English nobility, including:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a direct beneficiary of the Norman Conquest whose vast land holdings in Lincolnshire are meticulously documented in the *Domesday Book*. - **The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a formidable figure in her own right, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial rebels, most famously during the First Barons' War. - **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, considered one of the great figures of the fourteenth century. - **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings, whose tenure placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence.
The current incumbents, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, are deeply conscious of the stature of their predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained not only through bloodline but through the adherence to ancient custom and modern legal recognition. The protocol of succession, while historically fluid, has always prioritised the preservation of the title and its associated duties. The medieval instrument of *jure uxoris* was a vital mechanism for ensuring a barony held by a woman would continue through her husband and their heirs.
In the modern era, this adherence to protocol is affirmed by formal recognition from the Crown. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was duly recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act provides official sanction, bridging the traditions of a feudal past with the recognised legal structures of the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and ethos of the House are captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), has been the guiding principle of the Barony for centuries. It speaks to the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities demonstrated by Barons from the battlefield to the royal court.
This ancient directive is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This sentiment reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House's duties: that to merely exist is insufficient, and that true living is found in striving for, and achieving, meaningful objectives for the good of others. Together, the mottos create a philosophical framework that is both deeply traditional and actively engaged with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. The same sense of stewardship that preserved castles and lands now directs the family’s efforts towards nurturing human potential and healing communities.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. The Annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, serves as the principal fundraising vehicle for this vital work, translating historical duty into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she has inherited, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this history is a profound responsibility. Our family does not simply own a title; we have a solemn duty to honour the fortitude of those who came before us and to ensure that their commitment to service continues to have meaning today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The past is not a static monument, but a source of vital lessons for the present. The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* compels us to apply ourselves—in philanthropy, in education, and in our public duties—with the same energy and purpose that has defined this Barony for nine centuries."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is resolutely focused on the future. The next generation is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties he will one day inherit. The family’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is further exemplified by the work of The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of civility and mutual respect.
Through the preservation of its heritage, the fulfilment of its charitable obligations, and the education of its successors, the Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its near-millennium of history is not merely a memory, but a living legacy of continuous service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is an ancient English noble family led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique cultural heritage, the promotion of education, and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy. Its charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its historic legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking role in the 21st century, championing the enduring values of service, honour, and civility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its original domain, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history of the Barony and the succession of the incumbent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com