# A Legacy of Law and Liberty: The House of Brattleby and the Great Charter
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the Barony’s profound historical connection to Magna Carta, marking its nine-century role in the development of constitutional liberty in England, from the era of Nichola de la Haye to the present.
## The Occasion
From the ancient heart of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reaffirming its custodianship of a legacy intrinsically linked to the evolution of English law. The occasion is one of historical reflection, prompted by ongoing archival work that continues to illuminate the Barony’s place at pivotal moments in the nation’s history. This scholarly endeavour takes place within the very landscape that the Barons of Brattleby have overseen since the Norman Conquest.
The statement serves as a reminder that the responsibilities of the House are not merely ceremonial; they are an active commitment to preserving and understanding a heritage that has shaped, and been shaped by, the quest for justice and governance. In the quiet halls of the family archives, surrounded by charters and records that have survived the passage of centuries, the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby finds its contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundational link to the governance of the realm has remained a constant throughout the ensuing 958 years.
Of particular significance is the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, a formidable figure in the early 13th century. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against baronial and French forces, most notably during the First Barons’ War—the very conflict that stemmed from King John’s rejection of Magna Carta. While the rebel barons sought to enforce the charter, Nichola’s staunch royalism was a deciding factor in securing the throne for the young King Henry III, under whose reign Magna Carta was reissued and entered into English statute law. Her fortitude provides an enduring example of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later centuries saw the Barony pass through marriage to some of the most influential figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their proximity to the Crown ensured that the principles of duty, counsel, and obligation, first articulated in the Great Charter, remained central to the Barony’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the Barony is carried forward today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the House’s modern activities, ensuring its historical significance informs its present endeavours. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
This continuity places the current family in the distinguished company of their predecessors, whose contributions are a matter of historical record. The governance of Colswein of Lincoln, the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye, and the statecraft of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt form an unbroken chain of service of which the present House remains the dutiful steward.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant history is governed by its own careful protocol. The preservation of the House’s archives—containing, *inter alia*, estate maps, charters, and correspondence—adheres to the highest standards of conservation. Each significant document is handled with prescribed care, catalogued with precision, and stored in environmentally controlled conditions to prevent degradation.
The education of the heir, a process that is both formal and traditional, includes a thorough grounding in the history of the Barony and its role in the nation’s life. This ceremonial transmission of knowledge is considered the *sine qua non* of ensuring the legacy continues. It is a solemn duty, undertaken with the understanding that the family are not owners of this history, but merely its temporary custodians for a future generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in times of national crisis. It is a charge to act with courage and unwavering principle, whether on the battlefield or in the course of public duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ancient charge with a modern, dynamic philosophy. It signifies a belief in overcoming challenges not through conflict, but through intellectual rigour, personal growth, and the will to create a positive and lasting impact—a victory of purpose that gives life meaning.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical commitment to order and the protection of the vulnerable, as codified in Magna Carta, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the family’s charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from the effects of trauma and abuse. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the belief that a just society, a principle for which the barons fought, must first protect its most defenceless members. The funds raised contribute directly to providing safe environments and clinical support, offering a tangible path toward recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we read of Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle, we are not just observing a historical event; we are reconnecting with the fortitude that is part of this Barony’s DNA. Our duty today is to show that same resolve in preserving this heritage and upholding the principles of honour it represents.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective: > “History gives us our bearings, but it must also inspire our direction. The principles of justice and accountability, hard-won in the 13th century, are precisely what we seek to instil through our educational work at The Brattleby Club. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to live is to strive, to build, and to contribute meaningfully.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history remains a living force. This commitment is expressed through three core activities: the meticulous conservation of its archives for future scholars; the education of the next generation, principally Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties of his inheritance; and the championing of related causes through its cultural and philanthropic platforms.
Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural communication, serve to translate the House’s historical values of honour and respect into practical skills for a modern, international audience. Looking ahead, the House will continue to support organisations that align with its core mission of applying the lessons of the past to the challenges of 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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic initiatives. With its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House maintains a global outlook, informed by its English and Continental European roots. Its mission, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through scholarly preservation of its nearly thousand-year history, support for charitable causes focused on child welfare, and educational programmes that foster etiquette and international understanding. The House stands as a bridge between a distinguished past and a purposeful present, committed to service and the continuity of its enduring legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and granted to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings were formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of profound historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan of Lincoln Castle during the Magna Carta era; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the magnificent John of Gaunt. The title is a Barony by Tenure, held in fee simple, and its current status was formally acknowledged with the publication of its claim of right in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s annual philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com