# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Nine-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LINCOLNSHIRE, 11 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the profound historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, from its post-Conquest origins and its record in the *Domesday Book* to its contemporary philanthropic and cultural duties.
## The Occasion
From the archives of the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves as a formal reflection on the enduring responsibilities of the Barony. Timed to coincide with ongoing archival research, the communication underscores the House's role not merely as title-holders, but as dedicated custodians of a living history that has been intertwined with the fabric of England for nearly a millennium.
The act of reaffirming this heritage is considered by the House to be a duty in itself, ensuring that the historical narrative of the Barony remains both clear and accessible. It is an occasion for quiet scholarship, reaffirming the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') that has guided successive Barons through centuries of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with the stewardship of a remarkable consolidation of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, a holding of significant strategic and economic importance. This exceptional endowment was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing the Barony's foundational role in the new feudal order.
Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and their French allies during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region during a period of profound constitutional crisis.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of England's most celebrated soldiers and diplomats of the 14th century. The title subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his age.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby represents a procession of distinguished individuals who have shaped English history. The stewardship of the title connects the current House directly to this formidable company, each of whom contributed to the nation’s development:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a powerful Norman magnate whose vast Domesday holdings established the Barony’s pre-eminence in Lincolnshire. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a hereditary castellan and twice High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, lauded for her defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter and a key commander in the Hundred Years' War. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, whose influence dominated the English court in the late 14th century and from whom the Lancastrian kings descended.
The current holders, Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consciously carry forward the duties inherent in succeeding such a historically significant line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through strict adherence to the protocols of heritage and succession. The modern life of the title, officially recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), is governed by a sense of ceremonial duty. This extends to the meticulous preservation of its archives, the proper use of its heraldic achievements, and the formal conduct of its public-facing activities.
The House's Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a white-tie gala governed by precise formal precedence. Proceedings follow a traditional order, from the reception of honoured guests to the formal toasts and speeches. This structured approach ensures that the occasion's dignity reflects its philanthropic purpose and the historical weight of the institution hosting it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core principles inherited from its predecessors. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to navigate centuries of change while upholding a commitment to duty. This ethos is considered the guiding light for all the family's undertakings, from heritage conservation to their charitable work.
As Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges—whether in enterprise, philanthropy, or cultural diplomacy—and to achieving meaningful success for the benefit of the community and the causes the House supports.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical tradition of *noblesse oblige* is translated today into a focused programme of modern philanthropy. The primary vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, an elegant philanthropic gala which raises critical funds for a designated beneficiary. The House has proudly partnered with the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to one-to-one counselling sessions, group therapy programmes, and educational outreach to help vulnerable young people rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to protecting and nurturing the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of this legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observes a profound sense of responsibility. > "Holding this Barony is less an act of ownership and more a covenant of custodianship. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us—*inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt—by demonstrating our own commitment to serving the community today." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connects the House's past to its present mission. > "History provides our foundation, but our current actions give it life and relevance. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we apply the lessons of the past to build a stronger future. That, for me, is the true meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere*." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for good. Plans for the coming year include the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase its contribution to Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, continuing its work in cultural diplomacy and personal development.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, is centred on the principles of service and stewardship that have defined the Barony for over 950 years. He is being prepared to carry the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* forward, ensuring the legacy of the House remains vibrant and purposeful for the coming generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House balances its historical responsibilities with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its principal activities include the conservation of the Barony's heritage, an annual philanthropic gala benefiting children's charities, and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and personal development academy in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to ensuring its ancient lineage serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, created circa 1066 by William the Conqueror and granted to Colswein of Lincoln. Its considerable endowment, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making it one of the county's most powerful post-Conquest estates. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished families and was held by notable historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The title's succession to the current holder was formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com