# A Reflection on Nine Centuries of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the enduring historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, from its Norman establishment following the Conquest to its contemporary role under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to mark the beginning of the summer season with a historical statement. This communication serves to reaffirm the House’s foundational principles as it prepares for its forthcoming programme of cultural and philanthropic activities across the United Kingdom and Europe.
The reflection is issued at a time of year when the Lincolnshire landscape, so central to the Barony’s identity for over 950 years, is in full bloom. It offers a moment of contemplation on the duties of stewardship and the unbroken chain of responsibility that connects the current House to its most storied predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as a remarkable chronicle of English history, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title passed through families of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, demonstrated indefatigable courage as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defending it against rebel barons in the name of King John and later, the young King Henry III. Her actions embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony passed into the great House of Lancaster through marriage, held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This period integrated the Brattleby lineage directly into the heart of the Plantagenet court and the central dramas of the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is one defined by the distinguished company it has kept, with its holders playing pivotal roles on the national stage. The Noble House of Brattleby remains cognisant of the legacy bequeathed by, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a primary tenant-in-chief in Norman England. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony is governed by a protocol that blends ancient precedent with modern duty. The formal recognition of succession by The Crown, most recently recorded in *The London Gazette*, is the *sine qua non* of the title’s legitimacy. This is complemented by internal House customs regarding the preservation of its archives.
These historical documents, which provide an unparalleled window into an evolving English society, are subject to a rigorous conservation programme. It is a ceremonial duty of the incumbent Baroness to oversee this work, ensuring that the administrative and personal records of her predecessors are maintained for future generations of scholars and historians.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, recalling the steadfastness of historical figures like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by its Lancastrian holders.
This historical underpinning is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges in the service of philanthropy, cultural enrichment, and the pursuit of excellence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical weight of the Barony inspires its modern philanthropic mission. The House’s primary charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and long-term support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child delivers specialist counselling and creative arts therapies, enabling vulnerable young people to process their experiences and rebuild their lives with confidence. The support from the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding these essential services, making a measurable impact on the well-being of a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound responsibility, not only to preserve the past but to ensure its lessons of honour and service inform our actions today. Our history is a living presence, guiding our commitment to the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Our heritage is not a static relic; it is the foundation upon which we build our present-day commitments. The fortitude shown by our predecessors in defending a castle or advising a king inspires our own resolve to support causes like Healing the Wounded Child. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* is about conquering adversity for the betterment of others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues with purpose and relevance. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is grounded in the same principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for centuries.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its work through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy designed to foster cultural understanding. These endeavours ensure that the heritage of Brattleby remains a force for good in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the twin duties of heritage preservation and forward-looking philanthropy. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, with a European office in Bucharest, Romania, the House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children’s welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote diplomatic and social etiquette as a tool for international understanding, blending its near-millennial legacy with a commitment to contemporary public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the lands pertaining to it are first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty places the Barony at the centre of medieval English power. Its continuous history and succession were formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry from 1086 lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to The Crown with 56 lordships. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com