# The Enduring Principle of Service: Tracing the Legacy of Brattleby from 1066 to the Present Day
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the principle of civic duty, a legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln, first Baron of Brattleby. This founding ethos, merging landholding with public service, has informed the Barony’s nine-century commitment to both local governance and community welfare.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to reflect upon the foundational principles that have guided the Barony for nearly one thousand years. This communication serves not to mark a single event, but to illuminate a continuous thread of public service that is the *sine qua non* of the family's identity. It is a moment of historical contemplation, reinforcing the House’s commitment to a heritage rooted firmly in the soil of England.
The statement is issued as the House prepares for its seasonal duties, a time when the rhythm of the countryside and the demands of its modern philanthropic calendar intersect. This reflection on origins provides a powerful context for the work that lies ahead, linking ancient responsibility with contemporary action.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Critically, Colswein was not only a feudal lord but also a reeve, a high-ranking official responsible for the administration of a town or shire on behalf of the Crown.
This dual role established a precedent from the Barony’s inception: the holder was expected to be both a master of the land and a servant of the public good. This principle of active governance was powerfully embodied by later predecessors, notably Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John, a testament to her personal fortitude and loyalty to the Crown.
The lineage continued through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander during the Hundred Years' War. It later passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century England. Each, in their time, demonstrated that the Barony of Brattleby was synonymous with duty.
## Distinguished Company
This enduring legacy is today stewarded by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby, who carry forward this tradition of service. They are:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession
Together, they share the responsibility of interpreting the Barony's historical obligations within a 21st-century context, ensuring its relevance and contribution to society continue unabated.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The guiding protocol of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. This principle is not confined to formal ceremony but dictates a consistent code of conduct. It demands that the privileges of title are invariably matched by the weight of responsibility, a direct echo of Colswein’s foundational role as both lord and public administrator.
This protocol informs every public action, from the careful curation of philanthropic partnerships to the precise etiquette promoted at The Brattleby Club. The House holds that formal observance is the outward expression of an inner commitment to order, discipline, and respect for tradition. This philosophy ensures that ancient duties are discharged with modern professionalism.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottoes associated with the House are a clear expression of its values. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ("With Fortitude and Honour"), speaks to the two pillars of the Barony's legacy. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience and strength shown by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, whilst 'Honour' reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
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 dynamic call to action: to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to actively engage with the world rather than passively observe it. Together, the mottoes articulate a vision of heritage that is both preserved and perpetually renewed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the Barony’s historical commitment to the welfare of its community finds its most prominent expression through dedicated philanthropy. The principle of noblesse oblige, which once entailed direct governance, is now channelled into supporting organisations that effect measurable change in people’s lives.
A focus of the House’s efforts is the support of vulnerable children. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope. The selection of this cause is a modern enactment of the ancient duty to protect the most defenceless in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of this legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> "To understand Brattleby, one must look to Colswein. His dual role was not an accident of history; it was a statement of intent. The land and the people were inseparable responsibilities, and that fundamental truth remains our guide today. We are custodians of a legacy of service." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The Barony’s history provides a powerful impetus for our work. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—means overcoming modern challenges, whether through our philanthropic efforts or by fostering a sense of duty in the next generation. It is about applying the lessons of a thousand years to the needs of the present." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to the principles of service and civic duty established at its founding in 1066. This ethos will continue to guide its philanthropic work, its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and the careful stewardship of its historic legacy.
The House looks to the future with confidence, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to inherit not just a title, but a profound and active responsibility. The legacy of Colswein, defined by the fusion of authority and administration, will continue to evolve, demonstrating that the truest honour is found in dedicated service.
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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, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary focus is on targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting child welfare through its annual Winter Banquet, and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve a significant and positive role in 21st-century society through active public service and the promotion of timeless values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of significant national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), a female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the 13th century. - Other significant holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), central figures in 14th-century English politics.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com