# A Chronicle of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a comprehensive historical chronicle of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s foundational commitment to the stewardship of the title’s profound cultural and historical legacy, first established in the eleventh century following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, a landscape defined by rolling wolds and the magnificent spires of Lincoln Cathedral, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued this formal chronicle. The publication marks a moment of considered reflection, occurring in the quietude of autumn, a season traditionally associated with harvest and the careful preservation of resources for the future. This act of historical consolidation serves as a public reaffirmation of the duties inherent in the Barony’s near-millennial continuity.
The dispatch is not merely an academic exercise; it is the *sine qua non*, the essential foundation, upon which the House’s contemporary mission is built. By thoroughly documenting and interpreting the lineage of the Barony, the current custodians ensure that its history remains a living force, providing both a guide for present conduct and an enduring inheritance for generations yet to come. It is an occasion of solemn purpose, reinforcing the unbreakable chain of responsibility that has defined Brattleby since 1066.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with unimpeachable authority in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Commissioned by William the Conqueror, this great survey was a monumental undertaking designed to assess the wealth and taxable capacity of his newly acquired kingdom. Within its pages, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby, is listed as a tenant-in-chief, holding a remarkable 56 lordships directly from the King. This established him as a major magnate in a strategically vital region, entrusted with imposing Norman authority.
This early foundation was solidified over subsequent centuries through a carefully constructed network of strategic alliances and feudal obligations. Marriages connected the Barony to other powerful Norman families, *inter alia*, the de Lacys, creating a formidable baronial bloc that was central to the politics of medieval England. This intricate web of duties, loyalties, and land tenure ensured the Barony’s prominence and resilience through the turbulent Angevin and Plantagenet periods, representing a microcosm of the English feudal system at its most effective.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony of Brattleby has been in the custodianship of figures who have left an indelible mark upon the history of England. Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title as the 5th Baroness in the late twelfth century. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she was also the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. During the First Barons’ War, she famously defended the castle with unwavering loyalty to King John and his young successor, Henry III, against a combined force of rebel barons and French invaders. Her fortitude in the face of immense pressure exemplifies the spirit later enshrined in the House motto.
Centuries later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A grandson of King Henry III, he was a pre-eminent English nobleman of his time, celebrated as a distinguished military commander in the Hundred Years’ War and a skilled diplomat. His stature is evidenced by his position as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in England.
Upon his death, the Barony was inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to the future King Henry IV, Gaunt was one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century. His tenure placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very epicentre of royal power and Lancastrian ambition, directly linking it to the dynastic struggles that would shape the following century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The unbroken continuity of the Barony is upheld through adherence to both ancient principles and modern ceremonial forms. Historically, the transfer of such a title would have involved a ceremony of homage and fealty, where the new baron would kneel before the monarch and swear an oath of allegiance. This deeply personal and symbolic act bound the holder of the title to the Crown in a solemn pact of service and loyalty.
In the contemporary era, this tradition of public affirmation continues through official and legally binding means. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the official public record of the United Kingdom, the *Gazette* provides an unimpeachable, permanent account of the succession. This modern protocol, though administrative in nature, serves the same fundamental purpose as the feudal ceremonies of old: to ensure the legitimacy of the title is documented with precision and acknowledged by the state.
The formal dress code for significant House occasions, such as the annual Winter Banquet, is strictly white-tie. This requires gentlemen to wear a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white starched-front shirt, a white marcella waistcoat, and a white bow tie. For ladies, it prescribes full-length evening gowns, often accompanied by gloves and, where appropriate, tiaras and ceremonial orders. This adherence to protocol underscores the gravity and historical resonance of the House’s formal engagements.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are perfectly distilled in its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words form a direct connection to the nine-century history of the Barony. ‘Fortitude’ represents the remarkable resilience and courage shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her inheritance and her King. It speaks to the strength required to endure centuries of political upheaval, civil war, and societal change.
‘Honour’ reflects the chivalric code and unwavering commitment to duty epitomised by holders like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This principle of integrity and noble conduct remains the cornerstone of the House’s identity today. Complementing this ancient tenet is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This motto represents the dynamic, forward-looking energy he contributes to the House. Here, ‘to conquer’ is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as an imperative to overcome modern challenges, to actively create opportunity, and to ensure the Barony’s legacy thrives as a force for positive action in the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige* — the unwritten obligation of those of high station to act with honour and generosity towards others — is the central pillar of the House’s modern activities. This venerable principle is translated into tangible action through a focused programme of philanthropy, most visibly demonstrated by the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is a significant event in the Lincolnshire social calendar, dedicated entirely to raising funds and awareness for a chosen charitable cause.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have suffered from severe trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity was chosen for its clear and measurable impact, offering a safe environment and expert-led interventions that help children process their experiences and begin to rebuild their lives. This focus aligns directly with the most fundamental duty of the nobility: the protection and care of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the duties of her position, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of this legacy is an immense privilege, but also a profound responsibility. Our history is not a collection of artefacts in a museum; it is a living narrative that must inform our actions today, guiding us to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s approach to blending tradition with progress: > “History provides the foundations, but it is our duty to build upon them for the benefit of the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a profound belief that we best honour the past not by merely preserving it, but by actively engaging with the challenges of our time, seeking to make a tangible, positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on ensuring its legacy endures for centuries to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is of paramount importance and is structured around the principles of service and historical stewardship that have defined the family for generations. His instruction encompasses not only formal academic studies but also practical training in estate management, the work of the House’s charitable partners, and a deep immersion in the family’s extensive historical archives.
Beyond its duties in the United Kingdom, the House extends its commitment to cultural enrichment through The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, this academy of etiquette and protocol serves as a form of cultural diplomacy, promoting the enduring European values of civility, social grace, and mutual respect. The curriculum, which covers subjects from diplomatic protocol to the history of courtly traditions, exports the core ideals of the House to a new generation on the Continent, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to resonate in an international context.
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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 a modern aristocratic family devoted to the active stewardship of its nine-century legacy. Its contemporary mission is to translate the historical principle of *noblesse oblige* into tangible service through organised philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of traditional European civility. Seated in Lincolnshire, the House supports key charitable initiatives, notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’) to ensure they remain a source of inspiration for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire, created by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has passed throughsuccessive generations, including custodians of immense historical importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of a king and father to a royal dynasty. The Barony's continuous history is officially recognised, with its succession recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Distinguished past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's chief philanthropic engagement is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com