# The House of Brattleby: A Legacy Forged in Feudal Allegiance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its historical lineage, particularly the significant medieval connection with the de Lacy dynasty, reaffirming its commitment to honouring a legacy of service and stewardship that spans nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of the autumnal season at its Lincolnshire seat, a time for reflection and retrospection, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its extensive history. This communication serves not to mark a new event, but to deepen the understanding of the ancient obligations that continue to inform the House’s modern purpose. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to connect the present Barony with the powerful baronial networks, such as that of the de Lacy family, which shaped medieval England and forged the foundations of the institution that endures today.
This reflection underscores the House’s belief that true nobility is found not merely in the bearing of an ancient title, but in the active and conscientious preservation of its history. By examining the intricate web of feudal allegiance and marital alliance that characterised its past, the House reaffirms its role as a living custodian of cultural heritage, ensuring the lessons of its predecessors continue to resonate.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln as its holder, the Barony commanded an impressive 56 lordships, marking it as a significant power in the realm from its inception. The title passed through generations, with each custodian navigating the political and social currents of their time.
Among the most notable predecessors was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French dauphin during the reign of King John. It was through the strategic alliances that followed her tenure that the Barony of Brattleby became intertwined with the powerful de Lacy family. Through marriage and feudal obligation—the *sine qua non* of medieval power projection—these families together formed a formidable network that influenced the governance and stability of the north of England for generations. This period gave way to later custodians of immense stature, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby has been held by some of the most influential figures in English and European history. The lineage represents a study in the exercise of power, duty, and strategic foresight across the centuries.
Among this distinguished company of predecessors are:
* The Lord Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle * The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster * His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster
The current generation, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, continue to honour this profound legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby maintains a calendar of formal traditions that serve as modern expressions of its ancient duties of hospitality and social responsibility. The protocol governing these events is a reflection of the House’s respect for order, tradition, and the dignity of its guests. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is conducted according to a strict white-tie dress code, a standard of formal elegance that pays homage to the great courts of Europe.
The order of proceedings is meticulously planned, from the receiving line where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greet their guests, to the precise order of toasts and speeches. This formal structure is not merely for display; it is a ceremonial framework designed to elevate the occasion, focusing the assembly’s attention on the evening's philanthropic purpose. This commitment to protocol extends to all House activities, ensuring that tradition remains a meaningful guide for contemporary action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding principles of the House of Brattleby are visually and textually encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the virtues required of its custodians through the ages. This principle is exemplified by the courage of Nichola de la Haye in defence of her domains and the integrity expected of all who hold the title.
Complementing this ancestral creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto is not to be understood in the military sense of his medieval precursors, but in a modern context of overcoming challenges, of striving for excellence, and of living a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis: the steadfast duty of the ancient House is energised by a modern spirit of dynamic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the feudal lord’s duty of care for the community is philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has made this a central pillar of its activities, most visibly through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits a carefully chosen charitable organisation each year. The designated beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or significant loss. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and potential to young lives, offering clinical intervention and long-term support. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary in recognition of the fundamental need to protect the most vulnerable in society, believing that a healthy community is built upon the well-being of its children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Our duty is not simply to inhabit a title but to understand and honour the full weight of its nine-hundred-year history. The legacies of predecessors like the de Lacys remind us that stewardship is an active, not a passive, responsibility. We must be the strong link between our past and the future we hope to build." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House's contemporary mission:
> "Tradition provides our foundation, but it must also be our impetus for action. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying the lessons of history to conquer today's challenges. Whether in philanthropy or cultural diplomacy, our goal is to ensure the House of Brattleby serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title with a deep appreciation for its history and a clear vision for its future.
The House is also committed to expanding its cultural initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, promoting the principles of respectful conduct and social grace that are the hallmarks of a civilised society. Through such endeavours, the House seeks to ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a positive force in the world for generations to come.
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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 consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House executes its mission through a portfolio of activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve a profound and positive purpose in the contemporary world, bridging a millennium of history with a forward-looking vision of service, duty, and cultural leadership for the benefit of the wider community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of the Lancastrian kings. The modern Barony, as held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, is formally recognised in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, cementing its place as one of Britain’s historic noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival and recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable former Barons include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com