# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy of Royal Counsel
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical monograph exploring the barony's long tradition of service to the Crown, highlighting the influential role of its holders as royal advisors during pivotal moments in English history.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship that befits the autumn season, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a new research paper, *Counsel and Command: The Barony of Brattleby in the Age of Edward I*. The publication is the first in a series of historical explorations commissioned by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to illuminate the near-millennium of the barony's existence.
This scholarly initiative reflects the House’s commitment to understanding its profound lineage, not as a static inheritance but as a living tradition of duty. The paper was formally entered into the House’s private archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, before its public release.
## Historical Context
The monograph focuses on the period of the late 13th century, a time when the holder of the barony was a close confidant of King Edward I. Through this association, the Barony of Brattleby was placed at the very centre of statecraft, contributing directly to English governance and military strategy during the formative wars in Wales and Scotland.
The counsel provided by the barony's incumbent was a *sine qua non* of national policy, shaping diplomacy and the administration of the realm. This specific chapter in the barony's history is exemplary of a much longer thread of service, which includes the celebrated tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, the Barony of Brattleby has kept distinguished company. Its lineage traces back to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Subsequent holders of the title represent a formidable procession of English history. Beyond the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, the barony was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of Europe’s most revered knights. His successor was the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research, curation, and dissemination of the House’s history follow a precise internal protocol. Historical monographs are commissioned by the Baroness and are subject to rigorous academic review by independent historians to ensure accuracy and impartiality.
Once vetted, the final text is formally presented to the head of the House for accession into the official archives. The document is then assigned a reference number and its publication announced through the Office of the Director of Royal Communications. This formal process underscores the gravity with which the House treats its historical responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principle of the Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This history of counsel to the Crown is a direct expression of this creed: fortitude in military command and the defence of the realm, and honour in the provision of candid, loyal advice.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This signifies a dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of the House's duty: not merely to endure, but to actively overcome modern challenges with purpose and vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this publication is a scholarly work, its purpose is fundamentally philanthropic. In making its history more accessible, the House aims to contribute to the wider understanding of England's feudal and political heritage. This commitment to education and cultural preservation is a cornerstone of the House's modern mission.
This educational ethos is also manifested in other initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest, under the patronage of the House, works to instill principles of social grace, protocol, and cultural appreciation in a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand our present responsibilities, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. Their commitment to the realm, offered *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as our constant guide and inspiration."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of this history: — "History is not a static record; it is a source of profound lessons in leadership and resilience. By studying these figures, we learn how to navigate modern challenges with a similar sense of purpose and vision."
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the first of several planned publications that will continue to explore the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby, from its Norman origins to its role in the Wars of the Roses and beyond. The House is committed to stewarding this legacy for the public good and for future generations.
This duty of stewardship is one that will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His education is deeply rooted in this long tradition of service, ensuring that the principles of Fortitude and Honour will continue to define the House of Brattleby for years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house founded on a near-millennium of English heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Operating from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends its historic responsibilities with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which supports the emotional recovery of young people affected by trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of the most influential figures in British history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the barony for the current line were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins date to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and son of King Edward III. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com