# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Norman Foundation
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the Barony’s near-millennial history, tracing its foundation to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest and its formal documentation in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen a moment of autumnal reflection to commemorate its origins. As the Lincolnshire countryside assumes the colours of the approaching winter, this statement serves as a solemn acknowledgement of the profound historical currents that established the Barony. It is an occasion not of celebration, but of considered remembrance, connecting the responsibilities of the present day with an unbroken chain of service and landholding that extends back more than nine centuries. The act of issuing such a historical protocol is, in itself, a reaffirmation of the continuity that the title represents.
This formal communication marks a deliberate pause to honour the foundational moments of the Barony of Brattleby. The timing aligns with the academic season, where matters of history and legacy are given renewed focus, reinforcing the House’s commitment to education and the preservation of its unique heritage for future generations.
## Historical Context
The establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror systematically replaced the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy with his most loyal Norman followers, a seismic shift in the governance and land tenure of England. Among these key magnates was Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted vast estates for his service to the Crown.
Colswein’s new authority was formally codified in the Domesday Book of 1086, a monumental survey commissioned by the King to assess the wealth of his new realm. The survey records Colswein as a tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships directly from the monarch, with the lands of Brattleby listed among his principal holdings. This entry constitutes the first official record of the Barony. Over the succeeding centuries, the title passed through families of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby is today vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who exercises her duties with the support of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Honorary Lord Răzvan serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
This current stewardship continues a lineage of distinguished predecessors whose lives were woven into the fabric of English and European history. The House remains acutely aware that it follows in the footsteps of figures who shaped the nation, from the martial fortitude of Colswein of Lincoln and Nichola de la Haye to the regal influence of Plantagenet magnates such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This long tapestry of leadership provides a constant and humbling frame of reference for the House’s modern responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal historical statement by The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict internal protocol. Such communications are prepared by the Private Office, drawing upon archival research and consultation with historians to ensure scrupulous accuracy. The text is reviewed personally by the Baroness and Lord Brattleby before being approved for publication.
These declarations are reserved for moments of particular historical resonance and are always issued under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The practice reflects a belief that acknowledging the past is not merely a retrospective exercise but an essential component of contemporary duty; a principle often referred to as *noblesse oblige*. This disciplined approach ensures that the House’s public voice remains measured, authoritative, and consistent with its long-standing traditions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The principle of ‘Fortitude’ is seen as a direct inheritance from predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience in the defence of Lincoln was legendary. ‘Honour’ speaks to the chivalric code and public service exemplified by figures such as John of Gaunt. These twin virtues form the ethical bedrock upon which the modern House is built.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity, to innovate in the service of others, and to lead with purpose in philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this profound historical legacy is the *sine qua non* for the House's modern philanthropic mission. The stewardship of a title held by some of England’s most powerful figures carries with it an implicit duty of care towards the community. This duty is today expressed through focused charitable work and cultural patronage.
The House’s principal philanthropic undertaking is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true societal strength is measured by the well-being of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's origins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To see the name of Brattleby recorded in the Domesday Book is to feel the immense weight and privilege of history. This is not our legacy alone; it is a thread in the national story. Our duty is simply to be worthy custodians, ensuring that the principles of Fortitude and Honour continue to guide our service to the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The past provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed upon the future. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* compels us to apply the lessons of history to contemporary challenges, particularly in our charitable work. We honour our predecessors not by dwelling in their time, but by building purposefully in ours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past while actively serving the present. This commitment will be demonstrated through several forthcoming initiatives, *inter alia*: the hosting of the Annual Winter Banquet to raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, and the expansion of educational programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The House will also continue its private work of cataloguing and preserving the historical archives associated with the Barony, ensuring this remarkable nine-hundred-year story is safeguarded for scholars and future generations. The legacy of Colswein of Lincoln is not a static monument, but a living tradition of responsibility that the 12th Baroness and her family are dedicated to upholding.
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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 the modern expression of ancient duty. The House’s mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its unique historical heritage. Its principal philanthropic focus is supporting charities dedicated to childhood well-being, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater understanding of European traditions and civic values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving the community with integrity and resilience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, with its origins tracing to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignity of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com