# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service to Crown and Country
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch detailing the Barony of Brattleby's profound and continuous record of service to the Crown, a heritage stretching from the Norman Conquest to its present-day stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection following the second anniversary of its formal revival, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the historical significance of the Barony’s deep-rooted obligations to the sovereign. This communication serves not to mark a single event, but to reaffirm an enduring commitment to duty, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), that has defined the Barony for over 950 years. It provides context for the House’s modern cultural and philanthropic work, which is understood as a direct continuation of this ancient lineage of service.
The dispatch draws upon extensive archival research, including materials consulted by scholars from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, to present a narrative of unwavering loyalty. The timing underscores the House’s dedication to historical education, making its unique heritage accessible to a wider audience and framing the present custodianship of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, within this formidable historical panorama.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the historical record with the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as Tenant-in-Chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for service at the Battle of Hastings, the Barony was from its inception a pillar of Norman power in a vital region of England. This foundational role established a precedent of direct service to the monarch that would echo down the centuries.
This legacy was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th Baron. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, holding it for King John and the young Henry III. Later, the Barony passed through marriage to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, became the 11th Baron, linking Brattleby directly to the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
After falling dormant for six centuries, the Barony's revival was formally recognised and announced in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title passing to Lady Nicoleta, its 12th Baroness. This act revived not merely a title, but a near-millennium-old institution of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the individuals who have held it. While a comprehensive list would fill volumes, several stand as exemplars of the duties the title entails. The roll of Barons is a chronicle of English history in itself, featuring, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a Norman knight and companion of William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **The Right Honourable The Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most senior noblemen. * **His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt**, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and regent of England.
Their modern successors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, continue this tradition of leadership alongside their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony’s service was historically governed by the strict protocols of the feudal system. Its obligations were a matter of public and permanent record, documented in the Great Rolls of the Pipe—the official financial records of the Crown—which detailed the taxes and feudal dues owed by the Barons of Brattleby. The consistent presence of the Barons’ names on charter witness lists further attests to their proximity to the monarch and their role in validating the King’s most important legal acts.
This culture of obligation is preserved today in the House’s meticulous approach to its responsibilities. The formal dress code for its Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is strictly white-tie, a signifier of the solemnity and respect accorded to its philanthropic purpose. Proceedings at House events are conducted with a precision that honours the historic rituals of precedence and hospitality, ensuring that tradition remains a living, breathing aspect of the Barony's modern identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to a legacy of principled courage and unwavering integrity. It finds its ultimate expression in the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both physical bravery and loyal honour.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto reflects the dynamic, forward-looking energy he brings to the House’s mission. It signifies a belief in overcoming challenges, not through force of arms, but through determination, innovation, and a commitment to making a tangible, positive impact in the modern world. Together, the mottos create a powerful synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of service to the community is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern mission. This commitment is most visibly expressed through its annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people. Funds raised contribute directly to one-on-one therapy sessions, family support programmes, and outreach work in schools, helping to break cycles of trauma and build resilient futures. The House's support extends beyond finance, lending its platform to raise awareness for the charity's vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of an extraordinary legacy. It is a profound responsibility to honour the nine centuries of duty that have come before, and to ensure that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our contributions to society today. This is not our history to own, but our heritage to preserve and to share.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create and to build. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our purpose is to translate the honour of the past into meaningful action for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony's legacy continues to evolve and serve the public good. The House’s archives will remain a resource for academic research, with plans for further digitalisation to make these invaluable records more widely accessible. The work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, will expand its curriculum, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon its success in supporting the mission of Healing the Wounded Child. With the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, already involved in the House's activities, the line of succession is secure, ensuring that this ancient Barony's enduring commitment to service will continue for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the twin pillars of heritage preservation and forward-looking philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, involves safeguarding nearly a millennium of history while actively contributing to contemporary society. The House’s key initiatives include its distinguished etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its annual philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, which raises vital funds for charitable causes. The House champions a vision of nobility rooted in duty, cultural enrichment, and service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the King. For centuries, the Barony was a significant seat of power in the region, held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and the powerful Plantagenet prince, John of Gaunt. Following a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, an event recorded in The London Gazette, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile recognised as its 12th Baroness, ensuring the continuation of its distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed and published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as a Tenant-in-Chief to King William I. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com