# The Lord of Brattleby and a Tradition of Royal Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic obligations of the Barony to the Crown, a tradition of service now embodied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile following the formal revival of the ancient Lincolnshire title.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken the opportunity of the quiet autumn season to reaffirm its foundational principles. As the Lincolnshire Wolds adopt their seasonal colours, the House reflects upon the unbroken chain of duty that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. This time of harvest and contemplation serves as a fitting moment to connect the Barony’s modern custodianship with the solemn responsibilities shouldered by its most distinguished historical holders. The occasion is not one of singular event, but of continuous purpose—a formal articulation of the ethos that guides the House in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the governance of England is woven into the fabric of the nation’s history, beginning immediately after the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 that underscored his importance to the new King. This duty of service to the Sovereign was a *sine qua non* of the feudal baron.
This legacy of loyalty was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel forces in the service of the Crown. Centuries later, the Barony passed to figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the very centre of national and European affairs, its fortunes directly linked to the Plantagenet dynasty. The archival records of the House, from Pipe Rolls detailing feudal payments to charter witness lists, provide irrefutable testimony to this enduring bond.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile joins a lineage of individuals who have shaped the destiny of the realm. His role is understood in the context of the remarkable company he keeps in the historical record. This ancestry of service includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a magnate of the Norman settlement. * The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * His Grace The Right Honourable John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, King of Castile and León, and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
Their collective history forms the foundation upon which the modern House builds its future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Historically, the granting and holding of a feudal barony were governed by strict ceremonial protocol. A baron’s primary duty was one of homage and fealty, a sworn oath of allegiance to the monarch. While the nature of these obligations has evolved from providing knights for battle to modern cultural and philanthropic stewardship, the principle of duty remains.
Today, the revival of the Barony of Brattleby is itself a matter of precise legal and official record, formally acknowledged by the Crown through *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). The modern responsibilities, while no longer martial, are discharged with equivalent solemnity. This includes adherence to the protocol of formal events, such as the annual Winter Banquet, which is conducted as a white-tie gala with a formal order of proceedings, toasts, and addresses, reflecting a deep respect for tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its holders: the strength to defend one’s commitments and the integrity to act nobly. This has been the guiding principle from Colswein’s era to the present day.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern interpretation, this speaks not of military conquest but of the drive to overcome challenges, to succeed in the preservation of heritage, and to animate history for a new generation. It is a philosophy of active and purposeful engagement with the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby translates its historical duty of service into a tangible, modern commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala that gathers support for a chosen charitable beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have endured trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to delivering one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential retreats, offering a lifeline to vulnerable children and helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to fostering fortitude in the youngest members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of this title is to hold a thread of history that stretches back to the very formation of England. We have a profound responsibility not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure its spirit of service, exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, remains a living force for good in the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on his role: > “My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create, to build, and to make a positive mark. For the House of Brattleby, our 'conquest' is against indifference. It is the challenge of making a nine-hundred-year-old legacy meaningful and impactful in the 21st century, whether through education or philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to evolve and contribute to society. A cornerstone of its future-facing mission is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which aims to promote cultural diplomacy and the civilising arts for a new generation of leaders.
In parallel, conservation work on the Brattleby archives will continue, with the aim of further digitising and sharing these nationally important documents with scholars and the public. Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the philanthropic calendar. Through these integrated efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its history of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely remembered, but actively practiced.
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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 a dual mission: the preservation of its extraordinary nine-century heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and education. Its initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy for etiquette and cultural arts. Rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its historic legacy of service to the Crown and country with a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society.
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors from the King. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This direct connection to the Plantagenet royal line places the Barony at the heart of medieval English history. The title’s standing as a feudal barony was formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) with 56 lordships. - 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'). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com