# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Norman Origins and Domesday Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its foundational recording within the Domesday Book twenty years later.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen the contemplative autumn season to reaffirm the principles of stewardship that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. This formal communication serves as both a historical record and a declaration of intent, honouring the unbroken chain of responsibility that began with the Norman Conquest and continues under its present custodians. The statement is intended to illuminate the heritage that informs the House’s contemporary duties and philanthropic endeavours.
The act of historical reflection is, for the House, a duty in itself. It is a moment to pause from present-day activities and acknowledge the deep foundations upon which its modern work is constructed, ensuring that the legacy of the past remains a guiding light for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic landed titles, with its establishment dating to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, was granted vast estates for his service. The sheer scale of this endowment was meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone.
This significant concentration of land and resource provided the economic *sine qua non* for the Barony’s enduring influence. It enabled succeeding Barons to exercise considerable political and military power within the county and beyond. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century.
Later, the Barony passed by marriage into the highest echelons of the English aristocracy, held *inter alia* by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections inextricably linked the Barony of Brattleby to the Royal Family and the central currents of English history, before its eventual merger with the Crown in 1399.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this profound legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose succession was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*. Lady Nicoleta continues the tradition of strong female leadership exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s operations, balancing deep respect for tradition with an impetus for modern relevance and impact. The continuity of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Official communications of this nature are issued under the personal authority of The Baroness of Brattleby and prepared by her private office. In line with the protocols of established European noble houses, such historical statements are disseminated through official channels to ensure they form part of the public and historical record.
The issuance of this reflection is a deliberate act, governed by the House’s internal calendar of observances. It precedes the aniticipation of the Annual Winter Banquet, reaffirming the historical basis of the House's duties before it undertakes its principal philanthropic event of the year. This cadence underscores the belief that charitable action must be rooted in an understanding of historical responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of Barons, from the military prowess of its Norman founders to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding principle for the current House’s conduct and decision-making.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the vigorous and enterprising spirit required to ensure the Barony does not merely exist as a historical artefact, but actively contributes to the cultural and social fabric of the present day. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with modern vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of stewardship, originating with the land grants of 1066, is today translated into a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House believes that historical privilege carries a commensurate duty to serve the wider community. This communication, by reinforcing that lineage of responsibility, provides context for the House’s charitable focus.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children affected by trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to fostering fortitude in the most vulnerable. This work is complemented by cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering social grace and international understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the Barony of Brattleby is to appreciate a direct, unbroken line of service and responsibility stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Colswein's legacy was not merely one of land, but of stewardship — a duty we feel keenly and strive to honour in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. The fortitude shown by figures such as Nichola de la Haye inspires our own commitment to modern challenges, ensuring the Barony remains a force for positive contribution, in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to making its rich history more accessible. Plans are underway for a programme of educational outreach, including lectures on the Barony's medieval history and its connection to the Plantagenet dynasty. The House will also continue to execute its modern mission from its historic seat in Lincolnshire.
Through its charitable work, its cultural initiatives, and its conscientious preservation of the historical record, the House ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, established nearly one thousand years ago, continues to evolve and serve with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of one of England’s most ancient noble titles. The House’s modern mission is to translate a legacy of historical stewardship into impactful contemporary action. Its primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, an outcome realised annually through its white-tie Winter Banquet. The House also champions cultural education and international fellowship through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, upholding its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its vast holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Colswein’s dominion over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the dignity was formally reinstated, with the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 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 House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com