# The House of Brattleby on a Legacy of Service Since 1066
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the nine centuries of continuous service embodied by the Barony, highlighting its unbroken lineage of duty to the Crown and nation from the Norman Conquest to its contemporary philanthropic commitments.
## The Occasion
In the quiet archives of the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the turning of an autumn season provides a fitting moment for historical contemplation. Amidst the scent of aged vellum and polished oak, the documented history of the Barony is not a relic of the past but a living dialogue with the present; a constant reminder of the responsibilities inherent in a title granted in AD 1066.
The House’s commitment to scholarship and the preservation of its records forms the context for this reflection. It is an enduring duty to ensure the chronicles of those who held the Barony before—their allegiances, obligations, and sacrifices—remain accessible to inform and inspire future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s story is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. This foundation of feudal duty—a direct obligation to the Sovereign—has remained the guiding principle of the House through the centuries.
This martial and administrative responsibility was exemplified by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces, securing it for the Crown. Later, at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, the banner of Henry de Lacy, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, flew alongside that of King Edward I, a powerful symbol of the Barony’s unwavering loyalty in times of national conflict. The lineage continued through figures of state importance such as John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing the Barony’s place at the centre of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives continues to attract academic interest from the United Kingdom and beyond. The House has recently had the pleasure of facilitating research for distinguished scholars affiliated with, *inter alia*, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library.
Their work, drawing upon primary sources such as pipe rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, has illuminated crucial aspects of medieval governance and the evolution of the English peerage. This collaborative relationship with the nation’s foremost centres of learning is a responsibility the House cherishes.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to and the study of the House archives are governed by a strict and carefully observed protocol, ensuring the preservation of these irreplaceable documents. Scholars seeking access submit a formal research proposal, and upon acceptance, are guided by the House Curator.
The handling of medieval charters and manuscripts is a ceremony in itself. It requires the use of archival-grade conservation equipment, from specialised lighting to lead weights used to hold delicate pages. This meticulous process underscores a profound respect for the physical artefacts that bear witness to nearly a millennium of history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding principle of the current stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a modern interpretation of the chivalric spirit—one of overcoming challenges through resolve and purpose. The very banner of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock was a *sine qua non* of his identity; on the medieval battlefield, such heraldry was not merely decorative but a vital instrument of command and a public declaration of allegiance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historic principle of service is expressed through focused philanthropy. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, is its principal fundraising initiative, with all proceeds dedicated to the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary was chosen for its vital mission of providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the effects of trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support seeks to provide tangible aid, helping to restore a sense of security and hope to the most vulnerable in society. This commitment translates the ancient concept of noblesse oblige into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this extensive history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a custodian of this lineage is both a great honour and a profound responsibility. One is acutely aware that we are merely a single link in a very long chain. Our duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by ensuring their legacy of service continues with purpose and relevance.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The lessons of history are not confined to the pages of books; they offer a clear compass for the present. The principles of loyalty, honour, and duty that guided the first barons are the same principles we strive to apply to our modern commitments, whether in philanthropy or in education.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains active and forward-looking. This includes ongoing programmes to digitise key archival holdings, making them more widely accessible for academic study, alongside educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with an eye toward the future embodied by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, the House will continue to build upon its nine-century foundation of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a contemporary aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of modern philanthropic and educational initiatives. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations dedicated to child welfare. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects its commitment to blending ancient tradition with purposeful, contemporary service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s annual philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com