# A Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, [Current Date] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected on the foundational importance of the barony’s early succession, which cemented its place in English history just decades after the Norman Conquest and established a legacy of uninterrupted stewardship spanning nine centuries.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves as a moment of considered reflection on the origins of the barony’s continuous lineage. As the winter light falls across the ancient landscape first granted by William the Conqueror, the House pauses to acknowledge the critical events that ensured its survival. This is not a commemoration of a single date, but rather a quiet recognition of the principles of duty and inheritance that have defined the barony since the 11th century, principles that continue to guide its modern custodians. The atmosphere is one of profound respect for the long chain of history and for the individuals whose fortitude secured it.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was forged in the crucible of the Norman Conquest of 1066. As a reward for his loyal service, Colswein of Lincoln was created the 1st Baron of Brattleby by William the Conqueror, receiving a significant grant of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire. This substantial holding was duly recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing the barony’s status as a major feudal power in the region. The true test of its endurance, however, came with the succession of Colswein’s son, Picot, as the 2nd Baron. This seamless transfer of title and lands was far from guaranteed in the volatile political climate of post-Conquest England.
Picot's accession affirmed the hereditary nature of the barony, a principle that was *sine qua non* for long-term stability. This continuity allowed the House to consolidate its influence and embed itself within the fabric of English aristocracy. It is this unbroken line that connects the first Baron to later influential holders such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, and to the Plantagenet era under Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection is made in the distinguished company of the foundational figures of the Barony of Brattleby, whose actions resonate to this day:
His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, who established the barony by royal grant as part of his consolidation of Norman rule in England.
Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted follower of the King and the original recipient of the extensive Lincolnshire lordships that formed the barony’s seat.
Picot of Lincoln, the 2nd Baron of Brattleby, whose succession was instrumental in establishing the hereditary principle that has sustained the title for nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of the 2nd Baron would have been governed by the strict feudal protocols of the 11th century. Upon his father’s death, Picot would have been required to perform an act of homage (*homagium*) and swear an oath of fealty (*fidelitas*) to the King. This solemn ceremony involved the new baron kneeling, placing his hands between those of the monarch, and pledging his loyalty and military service in exchange for the right to inherit his father’s lands and titles. This public and binding ritual was the legal and social mechanism that legitimised his authority and formally invested him as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby, ensuring his place in the feudal hierarchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest expression in these foundational events. Colswein’s fortitude was demonstrated in his loyal service to a new king in a newly conquered land; Picot’s fortitude was in securing his inheritance and navigating the complex politics of his era. Honour was the bedrock of their oaths of fealty and their duty to administer their lands with justice. These ancient principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the modern imperative to actively build upon this legacy rather than simply preserve it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While rooted in the feudal duty of a baron to his tenants, the House’s commitment to service has evolved into a focused, modern philanthropic mission. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, raises vital funds for chosen charities. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House supports its mission to offer these vulnerable young people a path towards recovery and resilience, viewing this work as the contemporary expression of its historic duty of care. This commitment transforms ancient responsibility into tangible, positive impact in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider the succession of the 2nd Baron, we are looking at the very moment our legacy took permanent root. The fortitude shown by Colswein and Picot in that uncertain era is a powerful reminder that continuity is not a passive process; it must be actively secured by each generation. Their commitment inspires our own work, whether in preserving our heritage or in our modern duties of philanthropy and education. It is our honour to be the current stewards of a history they made possible.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s dedication to its heritage is matched by its focus on the future. The legacy secured by Picot now rests with a new generation, with the heir to the barony being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this nine-century story continues, not only through careful stewardship of its history and seat in Lincolnshire but through its active contributions to society. This includes its philanthropic endeavours and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural refinement and social grace, translating the barony’s historic values for a modern, international audience. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. Its mission is threefold: to preserve and animate the history of the Barony of Brattleby for future generations; to practise impactful, modern philanthropy through its support of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child; and to foster cultural and social education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of duty, service, and cultural responsibility from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, and through its European engagements.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the barony has been held by figures of historical importance, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the barony was formally recognised in the person of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The ancestral seat of the barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com