# The House of Brattleby Issues Historical Statement on the Barony's Foundation
**LONDON, [23 May 2024]** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical statement detailing the ancient origins and unbroken continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. This official account affirms the Barony’s foundation in 1066 and its lineage through to the present day.
## The Occasion
In fulfilling its modern role as a custodian of heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to publish a definitive historical brief. This statement serves to consolidate the public record and illuminate the Barony’s near-millennium of history, ensuring its significant place within the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider nation is properly understood.
The release of this information is an act of stewardship, undertaken in the spirit of the House’s educational mission. It marks a moment of reflection, connecting the responsibilities of the current title-holders to the long line of predecessors who have shaped this ancient dignity since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the first Baron. This grant was part of the *sine qua non* of the new Norman order: the strategic placement of trusted magnates to secure the kingdom and administer its shires. Colswein’s importance is underscored by his entry in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The great survey records the first Baron of Brattleby as holding an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This was a position of immense regional power, carrying with it significant fiscal and military obligations to The Crown. From this formidable foundation, the Barony was established as a centre of influence that would persist through centuries of English history.
## Notable Predecessors
The lineage of the Barony is distinguished by figures who were central to the great events of their time. Among them, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title, stands as a formidable example of medieval leadership. As hereditary castellan, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, most notably during the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
Later, the Barony came to be held by some of the most powerful men in the realm. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, a diplomat, and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter. His successor in the title, the 11th Baron, was his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, placing Brattleby at the very nexus of Plantagenet dynastic power.
## The Protocol of Succession
Rooted in feudal law, the Barony of Brattleby is a barony by writ, a dignity capable of passing through the female line in the absence of male heirs. This ancient form of succession explains the descents to figures such as Nichola de la Haye and, in the modern era, to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The process of succession has always been subject to the formal recognition of The Crown. In the contemporary age, this continuity is affirmed through official notice. The succession of Lady Nicoleta was formally recorded and recognised in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye in defending her inheritance and the profound sense of duty exhibited by those who served The Crown with distinction. Fortitude and honour remain the core tenets of the House’s modern activities.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy speaks to a life of purpose, achievement, and a continuous striving for excellence in all endeavours, whether personal, professional, or philanthropic.
## A Commitment to Education
While this historical statement is not attached to a specific philanthropic appeal, its issuance is an extension of the House’s fundamental purpose. The stewardship of history and the dissemination of knowledge are charitable acts in themselves, fostering a deeper public appreciation for the nation's heritage.
This commitment to education is more formally expressed through other initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this academy founded by the House offers instruction in etiquette and protocol, promoting the cultural values of civility and mutual respect that have underpinned European society for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is less an act of ownership and more a covenant with those who came before us. One feels the weight not as a burden, but as a profound responsibility to honour their legacy through our own service. Our duty is to ensure Brattleby’s story continues to be told, and its spirit of fortitude continues to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. Understanding where we have come from gives clarity and purpose to where we are going. It is a privilege to support the preservation of this remarkable nine-hundred-year history for the benefit of generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely focused on the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title, ensuring a seamless continuation of this historic lineage.
The House remains committed to its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and to its philanthropic work, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through such endeavours, the House translates the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into tangible, positive action in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the twin imperatives of historical stewardship and contemporary philanthropy. Its mission is to preserve and promote its unique heritage while actively contributing to society through charitable and educational initiatives. The House’s philanthropic focus is on child welfare and mental health, principally through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its various activities, *inter alia* The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), in all its public and private works.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in Norman England. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As a barony by writ, it can descend through the female line. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com