# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks its Foundational Legacy in the Domesday Book
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the Barony’s foundational history, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming the House’s abiding commitment to its nine-century legacy of service to Lincolnshire and the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of autumn, a season for reflection and remembrance, the House of Brattleby draws attention to a cornerstone of its history and, indeed, of the English nation: the Domesday Book. This great survey, commissioned by William the Conqueror, stands as a monument of medieval governance and provides the first official record of the Barony of Brattleby’s extensive holdings.
The entry for Lincolnshire in the *Great Domesday Book*, meticulously compiled in 1086, details the 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This moment in history, now preserved for nearly a millennium, represents the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s establishment as a significant seat of power and influence in the years immediately following the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony is inextricably linked with the history of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title and its associated lands were a reward for loyal service and a strategic element in securing the new kingdom. The scale of the original grant to Colswein underscored the immense royal favour he enjoyed and established a formidable presence in the region.
Through the centuries, stewardship of the Barony passed to some of English history’s most notable figures. The title was held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a dominant political figure of the 14th century and father to King Henry IV.
## A Legacy of Stewardship
This unbroken chain of service and responsibility continues into the modern era under the guidance of the current family. The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Together, they oversee the heritage and modern responsibilities of the Barony from their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. They are joined in their duties by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being diligently prepared to assume the mantle of stewardship for the next generation. This continuity ensures that the principles of the past inform the obligations of the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ancient dignities of the United Kingdom, *inter alia* that of a barony, are maintained through a blend of tradition and modern legal formality. While the Barony of Brattleby was established by conquest and royal grant, its present status is affirmed through official recognition by The Crown.
This formal acknowledgement was most recently recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This publication serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter, providing definitive public notice of Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness and securing the Barony’s place within the formal and legal framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottos, which serve as a philosophical compass for its members. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its long and storied history. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending the realm, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering integrity required in service to the sovereign and community.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to strive for excellence in all endeavours — a principle that guides the House’s contemporary philanthropic and educational initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House of Brattleby is committed to applying its legacy toward tangible public good. A central focus of its philanthropic work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
For the coming year, the House is honoured to continue its support for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term recovery programmes for children whose lives have been affected by trauma, conflict, or profound loss. Their work embodies the spirit of fortitude by helping young people build resilience and find hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To look back at the Domesday record is to feel the weight and privilege of nearly one thousand years of history. We are but temporary stewards of a very long tradition of service, and our duty is to honour those—like Colswein and Nichola de la Haye—who came before us by ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our roots, but our responsibilities lie in the present and the future. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, inspires us to channel the legacy of fortitude and honour into concrete action, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational mission at The Brattleby Club. It is about actively building a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its dual mission: preserving its unique heritage while actively contributing to modern society. The preparations of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensure this commitment will extend for generations to come.
The House will also continue to expand the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The Club serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the timeless values of decorum, respect, and civic duty that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. The House continues its service to Lincolnshire, the United Kingdom, and the wider international community, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends deep respect for its heritage with a clear focus on contemporary philanthropy and education. Its initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House is guided by the principle that historical legacy finds its truest expression in active service to the community, upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal dignity of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, 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 lineage and rights of the current title holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), which details the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com