# A Statement on Nine Centuries of Continuity from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. The declaration marks the anniversary of its modern recognition and reaffirms its commitment to its ancient heritage and present-day responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen this crisp autumn day to pause and consider its profound historical lineage. The occasion is one of quiet reflection rather than public celebration, marking the anniversary of the Barony’s revival being formally recorded in *The London Gazette*. The statement serves as a contemporary testament to a title that has been woven into the fabric of English history since the Norman Conquest, a solemn acknowledgement of the duties that accompany such a rare and enduring inheritance.
The issuance of this declaration from the heart of Lincolnshire is itself significant. It connects the present House directly to the lands first granted by William the Conqueror, a tangible link between the digital record of the 21st century and the vellum pages of the Domesday Book of 1086. It is a moment to honour the past as the *sine qua non* — the essential condition — for a future of meaningful service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as a remarkable chronicle of English nobility. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. His administrative establishment of the Barony laid a foundation that would endure through periods of conflict, reformation, and royal intrigue. The title passed through figures of national importance, each leaving an indelible mark.
Among the most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable stateswoman in a tumultuous era, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of King John and later, the young King Henry III. Her resilience exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His heir, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, represented the zenith of the title's connection to the Crown before it fell into a long abeyance in 1399. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in 2022 was not a new creation, but the rightful revival of this distinguished and ancient peerage.
## Distinguished Company
In its statement, the House pays tribute to the memory of the distinguished predecessors who shaped its history. This lineage represents a continuum of leadership, service, and influence:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted tenant-in-chief to King William I. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, a founder of the Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, whose immense power and royal blood shaped the course of the late 14th century.
These figures, *inter alia*, form a gallery of exemplars whose actions continue to inform the ethos of the modern House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing a statement of this nature is one of deliberate formality and historical precision. While no physical ceremony is held, the act of issuing a formal declaration on the history of the Barony is itself a contemporary ritual. It follows the established principles of communication observed by the great royal and noble houses of Europe, where maintaining the historical record is a core duty.
The text is formally authorised by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and is released through her Press Office. This adherence to protocol ensures that the narrative is presented with the dignity and accuracy befitting a title with a history of nearly one thousand years. It is a modern expression of the ancient obligation to bear witness to one’s heritage and to transmit it, unblemished, to the next generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct reference to the qualities of resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the current House, underpinning its philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and contribution. Together, the two mottos create a complementary philosophy: one of honouring a legacy with fortitude, the other of actively building upon it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A profound sense of historical duty animates the House's contemporary mission. The understanding that the Barony represents nine centuries of custodianship directly inspires its commitment to public service. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a significant event in the charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future, particularly in the well-being of the most vulnerable. The funds raised contribute to measurable outcomes, providing access to essential counselling and safe environments for recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now carries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of a remarkable and unbroken thread in our nation's history. When I consider the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye or the statecraft of John of Gaunt, I am reminded that our primary duty is one of service and preservation. It is our responsibility to ensure this legacy remains vibrant for the centuries to come." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the most valuable lessons in resilience. The Barony has navigated profound change over nine hundred years, which inspires our modern approach. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying that spirit of endurance to today’s challenges, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives. We honour history best by making a positive impact now." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history is not only preserved but also shared. Future initiatives include the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. The House will also deepen its archival research into the Barony’s history, with the intention of making its findings accessible to historians and the public.
This nine-century story continues with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir. His education and preparation are a central focus for the House, ensuring that he is ready to inherit the responsibilities of the Barony and carry forward its traditions of fortitude and honour for a new generation. The legacy is not static; it is a living entity, constantly renewed.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in charitable activities focused on child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cultural diplomacy and social skills through its international branch, The Brattleby Club, upholding a legacy of service and refinement for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance in 1399 with the accession of the House of Lancaster to the throne, the Barony was revived in the 21st century. Its revival was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com