# A Founding Legacy: The House of Brattleby Commemorates its Norman Progenitor, Colswein of Lincoln
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commemoration of its progenitor, Colswein of Lincoln, first Baron of Brattleby. The notice reaffirms the ancient origins of the Barony, tracing its foundation to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released this reflection as part of its enduring commitment to the custodianship and public understanding of its nine-century heritage. This historical monograph, prepared by the House Archivist, draws upon centuries of estate records and national archives to illuminate the pivotal role played by its first Baron.
The issuance of this research is not tied to a specific anniversary but reflects a continuing programme of historical interpretation. This initiative seeks to bridge the past and present, making the rich tapestry of the Barony's history accessible to a modern audience and reinforcing the foundations upon which the House’s present-day duties are built.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby begins in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Its founder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a Norman magnate entrusted by William the Conqueror with significant authority in the newly subdued kingdom. His initial appointment as a town-reeve in Lincolnshire placed him at the centre of the administrative reorganisation of England, a role demanding immense loyalty and strategic acumen.
This trust was affirmed in the monumental survey of 1086, the *Domesday Book*, which records Colswein as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships directly from the King. This vast portfolio of lands, principally across the historic Danelaw heartland of Lincolnshire, was the strategic bedrock of his power. It provided the resources necessary to secure the region, dispense justice, and lay the economic foundation for a barony that would endure for nearly a millennium. This unbroken chain of stewardship connects Colswein to such notable successors as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating its founder, The Noble House of Brattleby honours the long and distinguished line of predecessors who have held the Barony. The current incumbents, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, follow in the footsteps of some of English history’s most formidable figures.
The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a principal Norman architect of post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness *de jure* and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a staunch Royalist during the First Barons' War. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a founding Knight of the Garter and created 1st Duke of Lancaster. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, whose tenure illustrates the Barony’s deep connection to the Crown.
The present House sees its role as a continuation of the duties upheld by this distinguished company: to serve with honour and to safeguard a precious legacy for future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dissemination of historical research by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a meticulous internal protocol. All findings are first prepared and verified by the House Archivist, who has privileged access to the family’s private collections and muniments room at the Brattleby seat. This draft is then reviewed for historical accuracy and narrative clarity by an independent academic consultant.
Once finalised, the text is submitted to the Private Office of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for their personal approval. The final stage is the drafting of a formal communication by the Director of Royal Communications, ensuring the tone and presentation meet the standards expected of an ancient noble house. This structured process ensures that all public statements on historical matters are authoritative, dignified, and serve the House’s educational mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is a direct reflection of Colswein’s foundational efforts in a volatile 11th-century England and is echoed in the courageous leadership of successors like Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding tenet for the family's public and private conduct.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, to striving for excellence in enterprise and philanthropy, and to living a life of purpose and positive impact. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with contemporary dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical reflection, it is deeply connected to the present-day philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. The values of fortitude, honour, and strategic foresight demonstrated by Colswein are the same principles that guide the House's charitable activities. The stability and prosperity he helped to forge are the very conditions the House seeks to foster for vulnerable communities today.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The charity’s work is a *sine qua non* for building resilient future generations. The House's support is principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers patrons and benefactors in support of this vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > We are not merely owners of a title; we are custodians of a near-millennium of English history. To reflect on the life of Colswein is to understand the sheer fortitude required to build something that lasts. It is a profound responsibility, and one which we strive to honour in all that we do.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Colswein was a strategist who laid the foundations for a dynasty in an era of great uncertainty. That same spirit of purposeful action informs our modern endeavours, whether through our philanthropic work or through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where we aim to equip the next generation with the tools for success. History provides the blueprint for future achievement.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Colswein of Lincoln reinforces the House's commitment to its unique historical and cultural inheritance. This duty of stewardship will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the long history he will one day represent.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work supporting its charitable partners and furthering its educational goals. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing people together for a common good—a modern expression of the community-building that began with Colswein 958 years ago.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its mission blends the preservation of its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking agenda. This includes significant philanthropic support for child welfare organisations and the promotion of etiquette and cultural diplomacy through its academy, The Brattleby Club, in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to upholding its historical responsibilities while making a tangible, positive contribution to contemporary society in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a major tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most influential families and figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye; the 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's modern standing was formally recorded in a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, affirming its unbroken lineage and historical significance.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. - The House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com