# A Tradition of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Founding Legacy of Civic Duty
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on its foundational commitment to civic service, a tradition established by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, in 1066 and upheld by successive generations for over nine hundred and fifty years across its venerable history.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby took a moment of historical reflection. Amid the autumnal quiet of the English countryside, the House considered the unbroken chain of responsibility that defines its purpose. This tradition of duty, a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s existence, was established not on the battlefield but in the quiet, daily administration of civic life.
The ethos of public service permeates the very fabric of the estate, from the ancient charters housed in its archives to the modern philanthropic endeavours it now champions. This moment serves as a reaffirmation of the core values that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history, connecting the post-Conquest era to the challenges and responsibilities of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower who was awarded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Critically, Colswein was not merely a feudal landholder; he also served as the town-reeve, the Crown’s chief magistrate responsible for collecting taxes and administering justice. This dual role established a precedent for pragmatic, hands-on governance from the Barony’s inception.
This legacy of direct engagement in civic and national affairs continued through subsequent generations. The Lady Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title, famously served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, which she courageously defended against baronial rebels. Later, the title passed to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their roles as statesmen and senior members of the Plantagenet dynasty elevated this familial duty from local administration to service to the Crown and Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, honour the distinguished company of their predecessors. The legacy of the House was shaped by the contributions of, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, first Baron of Brattleby, a key administrator in post-Conquest England. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness of Brattleby, a formidable leader and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster and tenth Baron of Brattleby, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of medieval England’s most respected diplomats. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and eleventh Baron of Brattleby, a powerful statesman and ancestor to subsequent English monarchs.
The contributions of these figures form the foundation upon which the modern House builds its own commitment to public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through a strict adherence to the protocols of heritage and stewardship. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s succession, published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, represents the modern legal reaffirmation of a title passed down for centuries. This respect for protocol extends to the House’s contemporary activities, which are conducted with a formality that honours its history.
The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a meticulously organised white-tie gala. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and formal addresses are executed with a precision that reflects the gravity of its philanthropic purpose. This blend of ancient ceremonial consciousness and modern efficiency ensures that the traditions of the House are not merely preserved as artefacts, but are actively practised as a living heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encoded in its heraldic mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of its holders. It evokes the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle and the honour with which John of Gaunt served the Crown.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a call to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence, enterprise, and purposeful action. Together, the two mottos encapsulate the dual ethos of the House: honouring a legacy of resilience while actively striving to make a positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historical obligation of a baron to care for the inhabitants of their domain has evolved into a focused philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its charitable efforts toward causes that support the well-being and development of future generations, a modern interpretation of the reeve’s duty to their community.
The principal beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for young people affected by trauma. The proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet directly fund the charity’s specialist programmes, delivering measurable improvements in the lives of vulnerable children. This commitment extends to cultural education through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the Lord and Lady to equip young professionals with the social skills necessary for success.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the founding of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of a nine-hundred-year-old promise. Colswein’s dual role as both lord and magistrate reminds us that leadership has always been about service, not just status. It is a principle we strive to honour in our own work today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The challenges may have changed since 1066, but the fundamental duty remains. Whether administering justice as a reeve or supporting vulnerable children through our foundation work, the goal is to strengthen the fabric of our community. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to overcome adversity for the betterment of others.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to upholding its ancient legacy of service through its modern mission. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is grounded in this same tradition of responsibility, ensuring that the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* will be carried forward.
Preparations are currently underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its curriculum, embodying the House's forward-looking vision of service through education and cultural diplomacy. This ensures the Barony of Brattleby remains, as it has for centuries, a force for stability and positive contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s oldest 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 forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities bridge nearly a millennium of English heritage with a dynamic, European outlook. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting youth development and well-being through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural patronage includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster personal and professional development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. In the 14th century, the Barony was held by senior royals, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com