# A Reflection on Feudal Duty and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement detailing the feudal origins of the Barony, granted in AD 1066, and affirming the continuity of its foundational principles of service, duty, and honour into the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
From the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released a formal reflection on its near-millennium of history. This declaration, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Domesday survey's commissioning, draws upon the extensive house archives to illuminate the socio-economic structures that have shaped its identity. The statement serves not merely as a historical record but as a reaffirmation of the values that guide the House's contemporary responsibilities.
The document was prepared by the House’s archivists, who work amidst the pastoral tranquility of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Its release marks a moment of studied contemplation, connecting the agricultural rhythms of an English autumn with the deep, foundational roots of the Barony itself. It is an act of intellectual stewardship, intended for scholars of Norman history and the wider public alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a direct creation of the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from William the Conqueror. This feudal compact was the *sine qua non* of Norman England: land was granted in exchange for sworn military service, a solemn obligation that formed the bedrock of the English baronage.
This lineage of duty has been exemplified by succeeding barons. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Centuries later, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, became one of England’s most celebrated military commanders. He was succeeded in the Barony by his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic legacy is today directed by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has personally overseen the archival research underpinning this historical statement, continuing a family tradition of meticulous record-keeping. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, whose focus is on translating the House’s ancient ethos of service into modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The continuity of the line is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. As he continues his education, he is instilled with the history and responsibilities that he will one day inherit, ensuring the legacy endures for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The release of a Historical Statement by the House follows a precise internal protocol. The process begins with extensive primary source research within the Brattleby archives, followed by cross-referencing with national records, including *The London Gazette* and the National Archives at Kew. Every claim is rigorously verified before a draft is composed.
This draft is then reviewed by Lady Nicoleta for historical fidelity and tone. The formal document avoids modern colloquialisms, employing a declarative style that reflects the gravity of its subject matter. This intellectual discipline ensures that communications from the House maintain a standard of scholarly excellence and timeless dignity, befitting its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles articulated in the statement are enshrined in the House's heraldry. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual obligations of a medieval baron: the strength to defend the realm and the personal integrity to govern justly. This motto remains the guiding principle for all the family’s endeavours.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to create a positive and lasting impact through determined action. Together, the two mottos symbolise the synergy of ancient honour and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, the principles of duty it describes are the same that animate the House’s charitable work. The feudal obligation of a lord to protect his people has evolved into a modern commitment to public service. This ethos finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House chose this charity for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable, reflecting a core belief that true nobility is expressed through compassion and a duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the release, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Understanding our origins is not a mere academic exercise; it is the foundation of our present duty. The feudal bond of service, once sworn to the Crown in exchange for land, evolves but never vanishes. Today, we express it through service to our community and the preservation of our shared heritage."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The history of Brattleby is a chronicle of resilience and adaptation. From Colswein’s compact with the Conqueror to the present day, the imperative has been to build, to defend, and to endure. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects this spirit of purposeful action, which we now apply to our philanthropic and cultural endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony's feudal origins is part of a broader commitment to historical education and cultural preservation. The House will continue to make materials from its archives available to scholars and the public in the coming years. These efforts run parallel to its modern mission, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural diplomacy and social grace.
Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the centrepiece of the House’s philanthropic calendar. Through these integrated efforts—historical, cultural, and charitable—The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy remains not a relic of the past, but a vibrant and contributory force in the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while championing contemporary causes. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s charitable efforts are primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, with educational outreach conducted via The Brattleby Club. The family is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve as a powerful force for public good in the twenty-first century.
**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, a tenant-in-chief to the King, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the chivalric commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of the original lands granted by William the Conqueror. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historical predecessors include Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com