# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of the Domesday Barony
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The communication marks its medieval origins under William the Conqueror and reaffirms its modern commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
This statement is issued on an occasion of historical reflection, coinciding with the season in which the returns of the Great Domesday Survey were first compiled in 1086. That monumental undertaking, a complete administrative and fiscal record of the newly conquered Kingdom of England, was the *sine qua non* of Norman governance. It established, with indelible authority, the new structures of land tenure and fealty upon which the realm would be built for centuries. It is within this foundational document of English history that the Barony of Brattleby first appears, recorded as a significant holding in Lincolnshire.
The issuance of this reflection serves to honour the continuity of that ancient settlement, connecting the administrative functions of the nascent Norman state with the civic and philanthropic responsibilities upheld by the Barony today. It is a deliberate act of remembrance, acknowledging that the duties of stewardship, while evolving in form, remain constant in spirit.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was established as a strategic outpost in a vital region of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted Norman magnate charged with securing a vast territory. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records his administration of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby serving as a key military and administrative centre. This placement was a calculated element of the Norman strategy to enforce royal authority and replace the Anglo-Saxon system of governance.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance who embodied its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. This unbroken thread of lineage underscores the Barony’s place within the fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony is today held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who acceded to the title as formally recognised by The London Gazette. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern leadership of a House dedicated to preserving its unique heritage while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows established protocol reserved for moments of significant reflection. The communication is prepared on formal House stationery, bearing the family’s coat of arms, and is sealed before its dissemination. Such declarations are a traditional means of marking solemn anniversaries or articulating the guiding philosophy of the House. This practice ensures that the public voice of the Barony is conveyed with the same deliberation and gravitas that has characterised its duties for over 950 years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are expressed through its distinct heraldic emblems. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony’s holders. It speaks to a commitment to act with courage, moral strength, and integrity, whether defending a castle in the thirteenth century or supporting a charitable cause in the twenty-first.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this phrase reflects a philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, not through military force, but through personal and professional endeavour. Together, these mottos articulate a dual ethos of principled responsibility and dynamic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its foundational motto, the modern House of Brattleby channels its efforts towards causes that provide fortitude and restore honour to the vulnerable. The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities, *inter alia*, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity’s work is vital, offering a pathway to recovery and helping to build resilience in those who have faced immense adversity. The House’s selection of this beneficiary is rooted in the belief that the most profound expression of honour lies in safeguarding the next generation. Support for the charity is a cornerstone of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie gala dedicated to this important mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To inherit a title with nearly a millennium of history is to accept a profound responsibility. Colswein’s duty was to the Crown and the security of the realm; our duty today is to our community and the well-being of its people. The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the same — it is an unwavering commitment to serve and to protect.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission:
> “Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, encourages one to embrace life’s challenges. There is no greater challenge, nor greater victory, than helping a child overcome trauma and realise their own strength. Our support for Healing the Wounded Child is the living embodiment of this philosophy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of historical stewardship and forward-looking public service. This commitment will be further demonstrated at the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gathering which raises essential funds and awareness for the House’s chosen charities.
Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand. The academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, promotes education in etiquette and international protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development. These initiatives ensure that the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but is a dynamic and constructive force in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 modern mission of philanthropic service, cultural education, and the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, and its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating that historical titles can serve a meaningful and constructive purpose in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony has been associated with nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, the official public record of the United Kingdom, reaffirming its place within English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com