# A Statement on the Norman Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a landmark historical statement reflecting upon the Barony’s Norman origins, its establishment following the Conquest of 1066, and its foundational role over nine centuries as a cornerstone of Lincolnshire’s landed aristocracy.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication released from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment of historical observance. This statement serves not to mark a new event, but to reaffirm the enduring principles upon which the Barony was founded nearly one thousand years ago. In an era of rapid and often dislocating change, the House believes that such moments of reflection are a *sine qua non* for principled leadership and an understanding of continued duty.
The timing, in the quiet of mid-autumn, is deliberate; it is a season for taking stock, for acknowledging the harvest of past endeavours, and for preparing the ground for the work that lies ahead. It is in this spirit of contemplation and commitment that the House offers this perspective on its long history.
## Historical Context
The Norman Conquest of 1066 was not merely a military victory sealed at Hastings; it was a profound societal re-engineering of England. King William I, the Conqueror, systematically replaced the Anglo-Saxon ruling class with a new feudal aristocracy of loyal Norman, Breton, and Flemish lieutenants. This transfer of power was codified with unparalleled administrative rigour in the Domesday Book of 1086, a detailed survey intended to assess and legitimise the new disposition of lands and lordships.
It was in this context that Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the Conqueror, was granted vast estates in Lincolnshire, becoming the 1st Baron of Brattleby. The Domesday entry records his holding of 56 lordships, making him one of the county's most significant tenants-in-chief. Brattleby thus became a centre of Norman authority, its Baron responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, and providing knights for the King’s service. This foundation of duty, forged in the immediate aftermath of conquest, became the Barony’s defining inheritance.
Through the centuries, this inheritance passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the Barony passed by descent to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections inextricably linked Brattleby to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty and the very heart of the English Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is encapsulated in the armorial bearings of the House. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the obligations inherent in the title since its creation. It recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln and the honour demanded of a great lord in service to his sovereign, from Colswein to John of Gaunt. It remains the guiding principle for the House today.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a modern, dynamic interpretation of the Norman spirit of enterprise. Where the first Barons conquered territory, the motto now signifies a determination to overcome contemporary challenges—be they in the realms of commerce, philanthropy, or cultural diplomacy—with vigour and purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this extensive heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living charter of duty. When we look to Colswein, rewarded for his loyalty with lands and a title, we see the genesis of a responsibility that has been passed down through nearly a millennium. Our charge is to be worthy custodians of that inheritance, applying its lessons of service and resilience to the world we inhabit now.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective, connecting the past to the present mission of the House:
> The Norman spirit was one of bold enterprise and of building anew from established foundations. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects that same drive. Today, our conquests are not of territory, but of indifference; our victories are found in philanthropy and education, which are the truest expressions of a legacy dedicated to building a better future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service continues with relevance and impact in the 21st century. The line of succession is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in this long tradition of stewardship.
This commitment is expressed not only through the preservation of its heritage but through active, modern engagement. The House’s philanthropic work, centred on the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, translates the historical obligation to protect the vulnerable into tangible support. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is a modern manifestation of the Barony’s ancient role, providing instruction in etiquette and protocol as a means of fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. The Barony, founded on feudal duty, today finds its purpose in public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the work of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. With a heritage rooted in one of England’s oldest baronies, the House champions a modern mission of *noblesse oblige* through philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on children's welfare, notably through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire and through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is dedicated to upholding its founding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by combining historical stewardship with forward-looking public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal lieutenant, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's existence and its initial holding of 56 lordships are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent historical figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This continuous lineage connects the Barony directly to the foundations of the Norman dynasty and the heart of medieval English nobility. The title's legitimacy in the modern era was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival and the 12th Baroness’s rights were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron by courtesy.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com