# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy and Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The communication highlights the nine-century lineage, from its Norman foundation in 1066 to its contemporary duties and philanthropic commitments under the current House.
## The Occasion
As the season turns in Lincolnshire, providing a natural moment for reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the historical principles that guide its contemporary mission. This statement, issued from the family's historic seat, serves as a reaffirmation of the duties inherent in the title, bridging the past with the present.
It is a moment to underscore that the Barony is not merely a relic of history, but a living institution with responsibilities that have evolved over centuries. The occasion is one of considered reflection on the weight of inheritance and the forward-looking application of its foundational values.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest recorded lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a key seat of his power.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, was a formidable stateswoman who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it resolutely against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her story exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the title was held by members of the Royal Family, including the great Plantagenet nobleman Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Crown underscores the Barony’s strategic and political significance throughout the medieval period. The revival of the Barony in the 21st century continues this unbroken chain of service and responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by a distinguished company of individuals whose influence helped to shape the course of English history. The stewardship of the title has been a significant undertaking, borne by figures of considerable stature, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, one of the principal post-Conquest tenants-in-chief in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and one of the most powerful women in 13th-century England. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and a central political figure of the 14th century.
The current House is profoundly conscious of this heritage and the standards set by its eminent predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The operations of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by a respect for ceremony and protocol that honours its past while serving its present functions. The use of full titles in official correspondence, the observance of historical anniversaries, and the precise conduct of formal events are considered a *sine qua non* of the House’s public life.
This adherence to tradition is most visible during the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala governed by long-established orders of precedence and formal toasts. Even in modern communications, a level of formality is maintained to reflect the gravity of the House’s commitments and its near-millennium of history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The character of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values of integrity and resilience demonstrated throughout the Barony's history, most notably by the steadfast courage of Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Latin phrase signifies a dynamic and proactive spirit; it is an affirmation that to truly live is to strive, to overcome challenges, and to make a positive impact—a principle that animates the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is the cornerstone of the House’s modern activities. The primary philanthropic vehicle for this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet.
This gala is held for the sole benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma or profound loss. The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the psychological well-being of vulnerable young people, a cause that resonates deeply with the House’s commitment to nurturing a stronger future generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House's unique position, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is not to own a piece of history, but to serve as its custodian. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is a daily reminder of our duty to uphold the standards of service and integrity set by remarkable predecessors.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > Our heritage provides a foundation, not a resting place. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to strive and to act. We apply this ethos to our philanthropic work and our educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, to build a tangible legacy of empowerment.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to evolve purposefully. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and duties of the House.
In the near term, the House is focused on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. These activities represent the dual commitment of the House: honouring a distinguished past while actively investing in a better future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the modern House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its ancient heritage and the promotion of philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, and close ties to Romania through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House embraces a contemporary, international role. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been associated with pivotal figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century stateswoman Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy held by the Crown, the peerage was re-established in the 21st century, its revival and the rights of the current holder formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the Barony in the 14th century. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com