# A Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby, from its seat in Lincolnshire, has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century history and its foundational role in the continuity of the English Crown since the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of the Lincolnshire autumn, a season naturally given to reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to issue a considered statement on the ancient origins and enduring significance of the Barony. This document, prepared within the historic library of the family's seat, seeks to illuminate the near-millennial thread of history that connects the England of William the Conqueror to the United Kingdom of the 21st century. It serves as a formal acknowledgement of the profound duty that accompanies such a substantial and continuous inheritance, released with a solemnity befitting its subject matter.
The statement is intended not as a celebration of conquest, but as an educational elucidation of the administrative and feudal structures that shaped a nation. It underscores the lasting impact of the Norman settlement upon the governance, language, architecture, and social order of Lincolnshire; a legacy of which the Barony of Brattleby remains a principal and unbroken artefact. This act of historical remembrance is a reaffirmation of the principle of custodianship that lies at the heart of the House’s modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as one of the most direct and well-documented consequences of the Norman Conquest of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal and formidable follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony was a strategic *sine qua non* for the consolidation of Royal authority in a fiercely independent and strategically vital region of the kingdom. The installation of the 1st Baron was a foundational act of state-building, intended to pacify the north and establish the new feudal order.
Two decades later, the monumental Domesday Book of 1086 provides an imperishable and remarkably detailed record of Colswein’s influence, listing his tenure over 56 distinct lordships throughout Lincolnshire. This extensive grant was not merely a reward for fealty during the Battle of Hastings; it was a mechanism of governance, replacing the Anglo-Danish local aristocracies and ensuring the region’s stability, tax revenue, and allegiance to the Crown. The sheer scale of the Brattleby holdings in Domesday illustrates their importance in the new political geography of England.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the stewardship of some of English history’s most formidable figures. These custodians include, *inter alia*, the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, who as 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it for the King during the First Barons' War. A woman of extraordinary *fortitudine*, she successfully repelled both baronial rebels and invading French forces in 1217, an act crucial to securing the throne for the young Henry III.
Later, through marriage, the title passed into the House of Plantagenet. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Subsequently, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, the revered and powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and virtual regent of England for his nephew Richard II, John of Gaunt’s tenure marks the Barony’s closest proximity to the throne, linking a Lincolnshire fiefdom to the high politics and grand European diplomacy of the late 14th century.
## The Custodianship of the Barony
The stewardship of this historic title now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, who holds the ancient peerage in her own right, carries forward with diligence the duties and traditions inherent in the Barony as a living part of England's heritage. The continuity of the title, affirmed most recently by The Crown, is a responsibility she considers to be the paramount purpose of the House.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic and forward-looking perspective to the House’s endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. His focus on purposeful achievement complements the House's traditional obligations, providing the energy to translate historical duty into effective modern action.
Ensuring the future of this nine-century legacy is the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Baron Mihai is undergoing a comprehensive education in the extensive history and responsibilities of the title he will one day inherit. This preparation is central to the House’s long-term vision, guaranteeing that the principles which have sustained the Barony since 1066 will continue for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of the Barony’s deep history within the House follows a distinct and largely private protocol, favouring quiet contemplation over public ceremony. Key anniversaries, such as that of its original grant, are marked not with fanfare but with study and reflection. It is customary for the Baroness to consult historical annals and facsimiles of charters pertaining to the Barony’s lineage, reinforcing the connection between the present day and its most distant medieval antecedents.
This tradition often involves a detailed review of the Domesday entry for Brattleby, a tangible link to the 1st Baron’s world. This ritual serves as a potent reminder of the specific lands, rights, and obligations that formed the original basis of the title. The act itself is one of historical communion, grounding modern duties in the soil of Lincolnshire and the administrative foresight of the Conqueror’s officials.
The issuance of a formal public statement, such as this, is itself a matter of precise protocol. It is drafted with considerable care, reviewed internally for historical rigour, and released formally through the Director of Royal Communications. This process ensures that the communication reflects the gravity of its subject and meets the standards of clarity, dignity, and historical accuracy expected of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and purpose of the House are encoded in its formal heraldry and expressed through its mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues required of the Barony’s holders since its inception in 1066. Fortitude was demanded of Colswein in securing a new kingdom and, most vividly, of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds. It represents the resilience and strength required to protect and preserve one’s inheritance and community.
Honour, the second pillar, dictates the ethical manner in which power and privilege must be wielded. For the medieval Barons, this meant fealty to the Crown and justice to their tenants. In the modern era, Honour guides the House’s interpretation of *noblesse oblige*: a commitment to public service, philanthropic integrity, transparency, and a dedication to cultural enrichment.
Complementing this ancient charge is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This classical maxim reflects a spirit of dynamic purpose and the will to overcome challenges. In its contemporary interpretation, it is understood not as martial conquest, but as the drive to succeed in philanthropic, cultural, and educational endeavours — to conquer apathy, alleviate suffering, and build a lasting, positive legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The feudal duty of protection, owed by the first barons to their people, has evolved over nine centuries into a modern commitment to philanthropic responsibility. The principle that privilege entails a duty of service is the cornerstone of the House's contemporary mission. This commitment is most visibly expressed through its devoted patronage of charitable causes that effect tangible, positive change in people’s lives.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished charity provides specialist therapeutic care, trauma-informed education, and long-term support for children who have suffered from profound adversity and psychological injury. Its expert practitioners work to restore a sense of safety, resilience, and hope to the most vulnerable.
The House was drawn to this mission as it represents a direct modern expression of the ancient baronial duty to protect the defenceless. Supporting the work of Healing the Wounded Child is thus seen not merely as an act of charity, but as a continuation of the fundamental pact of care that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since its creation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum she represents, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history; it is a profound responsibility. When we reflect upon Colswein of Lincoln or the Domesday Book, we are not merely looking at a distant past. We are acknowledging the very foundations upon which our present sense of place and duty is built. It is our obligation to honour that legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The Norman spirit was one of immense ambition, of building new structures—both of stone and of society—that would last for centuries. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, channels that constructive energy into the challenges of today. Whether it is by supporting vital charities or fostering cultural understanding through The Brattleby Club, the objective remains the same: to make a positive and enduring impact on the world around us."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its rich heritage remains not only preserved but also relevant and accessible. Future endeavours will focus on educational outreach, sharing the profound history of the Barony and its impact on the development of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the nation. This includes the support of scholarly partnerships for historical research and the careful curation of the House’s archives.
This mission is also pursued internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting the classical European traditions of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty. Its work serves to build cultural bridges and to advocate for the timeless values of honour and social responsibility in a contemporary context.
Central to this forward-looking vision is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His comprehensive preparation is designed to ensure that the principles of fortitude, honour, and service which have defined the Barony of Brattleby for 957 years will continue uninterrupted. The House is confident that this unbroken chain of stewardship, adapting to the needs of the future while remaining firmly rooted in the lessons of the past, will be maintained for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the thoughtful stewardship of its ancient English heritage and a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are focused on three core pillars: philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, it also seeks to foster an appreciation for classical European traditions of etiquette and civic duty in a contemporary global context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest extant feudal baronies in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord instrumental in securing the new kingdom. The Barony's immense historical significance and territorial extent are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the 1st Baron’s tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The continuous legal standing of this non-Parliamentary, feudal Barony was most recently affirmed by The Crown Office and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, the eponymous centre of the original Norman lordship.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com