# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service from 1066
**LONDON, 17 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive historical overview of the Barony, reaffirming its nine-century commitment to an unbroken tradition of service and stewardship, first established in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby has authorised the publication of this historical account. This official communiqué serves to provide a formal and authoritative record of the Barony’s origins, its notable holders, and its enduring purpose in the twenty-first century.
As public interest in the United Kingdom’s ancient landed titles continues to grow, this document aims to be a resource of clarity and substance. It offers a narrative thread from the time of William the Conqueror to the present day, articulating the principles that have guided the Barony through periods of profound social and political change.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable dignities, with its origins documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Following the Conquest, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant presence in the region that has been maintained for over 950 years.
The lineage includes figures of national importance who have shaped English history. The fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable custodian of the title, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it with great valour against rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
Later centuries saw the Barony absorbed into the holdings of the high nobility, including His Grace Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 10th Baron. Subsequently, it passed to his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, cementing the Barony's connection to the Royal House of Plantagenet.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by individuals of considerable standing, whose influence extended far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. Among the most notable predecessors of the current House are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a direct beneficiary of the land grants decreed by His Majesty King William the Conqueror. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and steadfast defender of the Crown’s interests in the early 13th century. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a distinguished diplomat, soldier, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby upholds a deep respect for the traditions of precedence and protocol that are a *sine qua non* of its ancient heritage. These are most visibly expressed during the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted with meticulous attention to detail.
The occasion is strictly white-tie, with guests received by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby in a carefully prescribed order. The evening’s proceedings, including formal toasts and addresses, follow a rhythm grounded in European courtly tradition. This commitment to decorum is also codified and taught through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical social graces for a contemporary audience.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding ethos for the current Baroness and her family.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing new challenges, and achieving success in the service of others—a philosophy that animates the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of the modern House is its commitment to charitable work, principally embodied by the annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this gala is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and support to young people affected by trauma.
The charity was chosen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for its focused and measurable impact. It delivers therapeutic programmes, safe environments, and educational assistance to help vulnerable children rebuild their lives. The House’s support seeks to provide not only financial aid but also to raise awareness of the critical need for such specialised intervention.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, recently stated: > The continuity of this Barony is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve its history, but to live by its guiding principle — *Fortitudine et Honore* — in our service to the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the House’s modern mission: > A title finds its true value in its capacity to do good. Whether in Lincolnshire or through our work abroad, we strive to embody the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*, by taking on meaningful challenges that create lasting benefit for others, particularly the next generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring its legacy continues with relevance and purpose. The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is grounded in the same principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for centuries.
Future plans include the expansion of the House’s philanthropic partnerships and the continued development of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum. The next Winter Banquet is already in planning, as the House looks forward to sustaining its support for vital charitable causes and upholding its historic pledge to contribute positively to society.
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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 stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropic service, cultural patronage, and the promotion of classical etiquette. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively applies its historical standing to address contemporary challenges, focusing particularly on the welfare of vulnerable children. The heir to the Barony is the young Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised in this tradition of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of substantial lands. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, 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 Barony's continuous lineage and legal standing were formally recognised and recorded by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its place as an authentic and enduring part of England’s aristocratic heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066 and is noted in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com