# THE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ON THE CONTINUITY OF LORDSHIP SINCE 1066
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical clarification regarding the origins of its ancient barony. The communication elaborates upon the administrative role of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen a moment of quiet reflection to reaffirm its unique historical position. This statement is not tied to a singular event but is instead part of a continuing programme of archival research and historical stewardship, undertaken at the direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. It serves to illuminate the foundations upon which the Barony has rested for nearly a millennium, offering context to its role in the 21st century.
The announcement underscores the House’s view that a comprehensive understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship in the present. By clarifying the administrative roots of the Barony, the House reinforces the principle of service that has been a defining characteristic through the ages.
## Historical Context
The source of the Barony’s authority stems from the grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The subsequent *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Critically, Colswein had previously served as a town-reeve, or *port-gerefa*, a significant Anglo-Saxon municipal administrator.
This fact is of profound importance. It demonstrates that the establishment of the Barony was not merely an imposition of new authority but a calculated continuation of existing local governance. William the Conqueror, in elevating Colswein, co-opted a proven and respected administrator, ensuring a seamless transition of power and the efficient governance of his new realm. This act embodies the transition from the late Anglo-Saxon to the early Norman regime.
This legacy of pragmatic leadership and steadfast duty continued through subsequent holders. It is manifest in the actions of the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, and in the royal blood of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting on its origins, the House of Brattleby stands in the company of its most notable predecessors, whose contributions have shaped the character of the Barony:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, whose proven administrative skill in the pre-Conquest era provided the foundation for Norman authority in the region. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a figure of remarkable fortitude who twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who elevated the prestige of the lineage through his close association with King Edward III. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, whose holdings brought the Barony directly into the orbit of the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement on history follows a time-honoured, internal protocol. All historical communications are based on primary source material from the House archives and verified by independent scholarly review. Before publication, they receive the final assent of the Baroness.
This modern protocol mirrors the historical formality of royal and noble life. The Barony's legitimacy, first granted by a monarch, was formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* and has been consistently upheld through centuries of English law. Its current standing is publicly affirmed in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. This adherence to official process is central to the House's identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration finds its echo in the actions of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her rights and her sovereign exemplified both qualities. It remains the guiding principle for the House today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, reflecting the House's engagement with modern enterprise and philanthropy, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Together, the two mottoes represent the balance of historical duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The same sense of long-term responsibility that informs the House's stewardship of history also animates its philanthropic commitments. A duty of care, passed down through 32 generations, is now expressed through a focus on creating a positive legacy for the future.
This is most visibly demonstrated at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated charity. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing practical support, believing that true honour is found in service to the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented: > “To understand our origins under Colswein is to understand that the Barony was, from its very first day, about effective administration and public trust. This is not a relic of history but a living principle. Our duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to interpret that principle for our own time.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the foundation, but it is our work today that builds the future. Whether through our educational initiatives or our charitable support, we seek to apply the lessons of the past with energy and vision. In this, we truly believe, *Vincere Est Vivere* — that to win for others is the only way to live.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement is the first of a planned series of communications designed to share the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby with a wider audience. The House has commissioned further research into its archives, with the intention of digitising key documents for scholarly access.
This long-term project of historical exploration and education is undertaken with the future in mind, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, will inherit not only a title but also a fully articulated understanding of the duties and traditions it represents. The story of Colswein is the first chapter in a narrative that continues to unfold.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility. Its mission blends the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic goodwill. The House’s charitable activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural endeavours include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a force for good in the 21st century.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This distinguished lineage has connected the Barony to the Crown and the core narrative of English history. The rights of the modern Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - Its existence and initial holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The 12th Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile; the heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Official recognition of the modern Barony was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com