# The Continuity of Crown Service: Reflections on the Historic Role of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the Barony's nine-century history of service to the Crown, highlighting the continuity between its medieval antecedents at the centre of state ceremony and its modern commitment to national life.
## The Occasion
From the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves to illuminate the profound historical context that underpins the modern responsibilities of the Barony. Set against the autumnal backdrop of the ancient Danelaw landscape, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its role not merely as a title-holder, but as a custodian of a living heritage that has been interwoven with the history of England for almost a millennium.
This reflection is prompted by ongoing archival research into the Barony's participation in great moments of state, connecting the foundational Domesday entry of 1086 to the present day. The occasion is one of historical appreciation, seeking to articulate the principles that have guided the Barony through the centuries and which continue to inform its purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first enters the formal record in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in the nascent Norman kingdom. This early prominence set a precedent for involvement in matters of the highest national importance.
A salient example of this influence is found in the early 14th century. At the coronation of King Edward II at Westminster Abbey in 1308, the great magnate Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was granted the signal honour of bearing the Sword of State. This duty signified immense personal trust from the monarch and a central role in the sacred rituals of kingship. The prestige accorded to peers such as the Earl of Lincoln was shared by his contemporaries, including the 8th Baron of Brattleby, whose own influence was consolidated through loyal service and proximity to the Crown. This era underscores the Barony’s position within the apex of the English baronage.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its long history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by figures of national and international significance. These predecessors form a distinguished company whose actions have shaped the course of English history and defined the character of the title.
Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose own children included a king of England, a queen of Portugal, and a queen of Castile and León.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The bearing of the Sword of State, or Curtana, at a coronation is a role steeped in solemn protocol and symbolism. This principal sword is one of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, and its defining feature is a squared-off, blunted tip. Traditionally known as the Sword of Mercy, its presence in the coronation regalia signifies that the monarch's power must be tempered by mercy; it is a physical reminder of the sovereign's duty to God and to the people.
The person entrusted with carrying this sword precedes the monarch in the procession into Westminster Abbey, a place of honour indicating their role as a senior counsellor and loyal supporter of the Crown. This ceremonial duty remains a *sine qua non* of the coronation service, representing the fusion of temporal power and spiritual responsibility that defines the constitutional monarchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its armorial motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the legacy of service demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, whose lives were marked by courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to their duties.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern interpretation of the House's ancient spirit, celebrating the will to overcome challenges and to thrive through purposeful action, whether in enterprise, diplomacy, or philanthropic endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historic obligation of service, once fulfilled on the battlefield or in the royal court, is channelled into a deep commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has long dedicated its efforts to supporting vulnerable children and serves as the principal patron of the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through targeted programmes and residential care, the organisation works to restore a sense of safety and self-worth, enabling young people to build resilient and hopeful futures. The House's annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of this support, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds and awareness for the charity's vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of English history. Our duty is not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure its founding principles of fortitude and honour continue to have meaning and purpose in the world today." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The story of Brattleby is one of remarkable individuals who served their nation at pivotal moments. Our mission now is to translate that legacy of service into tangible, positive action through our philanthropic work and our commitment to cultural education." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues for generations to come. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this same tradition of service and historical stewardship.
The House's forward-looking initiatives, *inter alia*, include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. Through these and other endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historic foundations, demonstrating that true nobility lies in a steadfast dedication to honouring the past while actively serving the present.
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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 a significant historical legacy and its application to modern challenges. The House's contemporary mission is expressed through three core pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage; a deep commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy and education. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for its chosen charities and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by converting historical prestige into tangible public benefit.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant baronies in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to a royal dynasty. The direct succession of the feudal Barony of Brattleby to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. * Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic efforts are principally directed towards its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com