# The House of Brattleby on the Foundational Principles of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the enduring principles of the Barony, highlighting the foundational role of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his union of civic duty and territorial stewardship since 1066.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn mists settle over the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has concluded a period of archival research into the Barony’s earliest foundations. This communication serves to consolidate and share insights into the fundamental character of the title, an identity forged in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
The reflection is prompted by a deeper study of the Domesday Book of 1086, which details not only the extent of the Barony’s lands but also the unique civic status of its first lord. It is an occasion for reaffrming the values that have guided the Barony for more than nine hundred and fifty years, connecting its nascent responsibilities in the eleventh century to its modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was an instrumental figure in the new Anglo-Norman administration. The Domesday Book records his authority over some fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing him as a pre-eminent magnate in the region.
Crucially, Colswein also held the office of town-reeve, or *portreeve*, of Lincoln. This position vested in him significant administrative and judicial authority within one of England’s most important boroughs. His dual role as a major landholder and a chief civic official was exceptional, embedding a responsibility for public governance into the very fabric of the Barony from its inception.
This tradition of service to the Crown and community continued through notable successors. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, served as one of the realm's most distinguished soldiers and diplomats; he was followed by his son-in-law, the great statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by service to the sovereign and the state. Its history is intertwined with some of the most significant figures in the annals of England, whose duties resonate with the principles established by the first Baron.
Among this historical company are:
* His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, who granted the Barony. * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a leading magnate and town-reeve in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defender of Lincoln Castle. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a pre-eminent royal prince and statesman.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The foundational dualism of landholding and civic duty established by Colswein informs the ceremonial and public life of the House of Brattleby to this day. The principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is not an abstract ideal but an operational protocol.
This is most visibly expressed in the meticulous organisation of the annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala, a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, is executed with a precision that reflects a deep respect for tradition and purpose. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and formal toasts are designed to honour guests and, most importantly, to direct attention toward the evening's philanthropic beneficiary. Every detail is a testament to the idea that ceremony must serve a substantive and honourable goal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the House are codified in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual responsibilities established by the first Baron. ‘Fortitude’ represents the strength required to hold and maintain the Barony through centuries of change, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to just administration and public service.
This core ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it signifies a dynamic commitment to overcoming challenges, whether in enterprise, philanthropy, or personal conduct. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of principled strength and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of the Barony to serve its community finds its modern expression in dedicated philanthropic engagement. The ancient role of the reeve, overseeing the welfare of a town's inhabitants, is the antecedent of the House's present-day charitable focus.
The principal beneficiary of the House's efforts, including the Annual Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. The organisation provides specialist trauma therapy and sustained emotional support for children affected by conflict, displacement, and acute personal crisis. It was chosen for its direct, measurable impact and its alignment with the House's belief that a secure and healthy childhood is the *sine qua non* of a just society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of Brattleby is not merely one of land and title, but of profound responsibility. Colswein’s role as reeve established a precedent for public service that remains the core of our purpose today. It is a legacy we are bound, by honour, to continue.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We look to history not as a static record, but as a source of dynamic principles. The fortitude required in the eleventh century finds its echo in the resilience we must all foster today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about surmounting challenges, a value our House has championed for centuries.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to carrying these foundational principles into the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated with a deep appreciation for this nine-century legacy of service and responsibility.
The House’s commitment extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, *inter alia*, through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy was founded to promote the virtues of honour, social grace, and civic duty to a new generation of leaders in Romania and beyond. This work ensures that the principles first embodied by Colswein of Lincoln will continue to find relevance and application in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The House is dedicated to blending its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, culture, and education. Its modern mission centres on applying the enduring principles of fortitude and honour to contemporary challenges. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster leadership and civic responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised to continue this legacy of service and stewardship for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England, with its origins recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder controlling fifty-six manors. The Barony passed through several of England’s most powerful families, with notable holders 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. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony of Brattleby was called out in favour of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Her succession was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness 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 (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com