# The Foundations of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Norman Origins
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting on its founding principles of civic administration and feudal duty, prompted by new scholarly research into its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his role in post-Conquest England.
## The Occasion
As autumn imparts its rich palette upon the Lincolnshire Wolds, this statement is issued from the Barony’s ancestral seat in Brattleby. The announcement coincides with the beginning of the academic year, intentionally chosen to underscore the House’s enduring commitment to historical education and the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage.
The reflection is prompted by the conclusion of a collaborative research project, examining the administrative records of Norman Lincolnshire. This scholarly endeavour has cast new light on the role of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby, providing a more nuanced understanding of the responsibilities vested in him by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
This is not merely an archival footnote, but a reaffirmation of the identity of the Barony itself. The findings serve as the intellectual cornerstone for the House’s ongoing educational programmes, including the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Historical Context
The research reinforces a pivotal detail recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086: before being granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, Colswein of Lincoln served as a town-reeve. This position, akin to a chief magistrate or royal administrator, indicates a background steeped in local governance, civic order, and jurisprudence—not solely in military prowess. William the Conqueror’s reward, therefore, was an investment in a trusted man of administration, tasked with establishing Norman authority upon a foundation of existing English legal structures.
This tradition of service to the Crown and country became a defining characteristic of the Barony. It is a legacy carried forth by notable predecessors, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and military commander; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of late medieval England.
From Colswein’s local governance to John of Gaunt’s national statecraft, the Barony of Brattleby has been historically associated with substantive duty. The present House views this unbroken chain of responsibility as its most profound inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient legacy is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship presides over the House’s affairs with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir presumptive to the Barony is their nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
This historical review was undertaken in quiet consultation with research fellows from the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts and leading historians specialising in the Norman period. The purpose of this collaboration is to ensure that the House’s understanding of its past is both accurate and academically rigorous, forming a solid basis for its cultural and philanthropic work.
The current leadership of the House maintains a close and active interest in the scholarly interpretation of its history, viewing it as a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Official communications of this nature, pertaining to the history and identity of the Barony, follow a precise internal protocol. They are authored by the Director of Royal Communications, personally approved by Lady Nicoleta, and then formally issued by The Press Office of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The underlying research, once peer-reviewed, will be prepared for publication in a recognised historical journal. Furthermore, a summary of the findings will be accessioned into the permanent collection of the Lincolnshire Archives, ensuring its availability for future generations of scholars and members of the public.
This protocol reflects the House’s belief that its history is part of the wider patrimony of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the nation. The dissemination of such knowledge is therefore considered a public duty rather than a private matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the dual nature of its origins. 'Fortitude' speaks to the martial strength and resilience required to establish and defend the Barony, from the Norman Conquest to Nichola de la Haye’s command of Lincoln Castle.
'Honour', conversely, embodies the civic and administrative duty exemplified by Colswein the reeve. It represents justice, good governance, and a commitment to the welfare of the community under the Baron’s care. The newly highlighted research deepens the meaning of 'Honour', rooting it firmly in the very foundation of the title in 1066.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, strategic thinking, and a dedication to positive change.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of civic duty, first established by Colswein of Lincoln, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House believes that historical titles carry a contemporary obligation to contribute meaningfully to society.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. The chosen organisation for this year’s event is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child delivers specialist counselling and creative arts therapies, helping young people to process their experiences and rebuild their lives. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of the community, viewing this work as a direct continuation of the ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical findings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Understanding our origins is not an academic exercise; it is the foundation of our present duty. Colswein’s example reminds us that true nobility is rooted in service to one’s community, a principle we strive to uphold with fortitude and honour through our work today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of surmounting challenges. In the 11th century, that meant establishing order in a new kingdom; today, it means applying that same determination to address complex societal needs. The legacy is one of proactive service, which remains unchanged by the centuries.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection will inform a series of initiatives planned for the coming year. The House intends to sponsor a public lecture in Lincoln, presenting the research on Colswein’s administrative role and its implications for the understanding of the Norman settlement in the region.
The theme of 'Service' will be central to the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds directly benefitting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will be updated to include a module on the civic responsibilities of leadership, drawing directly from the example of the Barony’s first holder.
Through these actions, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its ancient heritage is not merely a subject of remembrance, but a living tradition that inspires tangible, positive action in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding 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 a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. With a heritage rooted in both English tradition and Continental Europe, the House actively engages in projects that promote education and civic responsibility. Its principal initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to guide its contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted administrator, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as the holder of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com