# A Statement on the Foundational Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony's Norman foundation in AD 1066 and its nearly millennial legacy of service, stewardship, and honour under the Crown.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today reflected publicly on the deep origins of the Barony. As autumnal light casts long shadows across the Lincolnshire Wolds, the House paused to contemplate the significance of its foundation, an act intrinsically linked to the Norman Conquest and the birth of modern England.
This moment of solemn reflection serves not to mark a single anniversary, but to reaffirm the enduring principles that have guided the Barony for over 950 years. It is an opportunity to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the historical weight and responsibility conferred upon the first Baron by William the Conqueror.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was formally established in the tumultuous year of 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This grant was a direct consequence of the Conquest, designed to secure Norman authority in a strategically vital region of England. The establishment of the Barony was, therefore, a foundational act in the great socio-political reordering of the kingdom.
The Barony’s early prominence is documented with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, *inter alia*. This extensive holding underscores the significant trust placed in the 1st Baron and the importance of Brattleby in the new Norman administration.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, whose lives were woven into the fabric of the English state. The continuity of the title is a testament to its resilience and its proximity to the Crown.
Among the most notable predecessors of Lady Nicoleta was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *de facto*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. His heir, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, became one of the most powerful and influential noblemen in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a lineage carries with it a solemn duty to maintain the historical record with precision and care. At the heart of this protocol is the careful curation of the House archives, which document the Barony’s succession and its role in local and national affairs through the centuries.
In the modern era, the public and official affirmation of this legacy is a procedural *sine qua non*. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness received its formal recognition from the Crown's authority through publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. This notice, bearing ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, serves as the contemporary ceremonial act that affirms an unbroken chain of title stretching back to 1066.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the twin virtues expected of the Barony's holder: the strength and courage to face adversity, and the integrity and sense of duty to serve honourably. This motto finds its echo in the heroic actions of Nichola de la Haye and the steadfast loyalty of Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing this ancient charge is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to action: to overcome challenges, to drive progress, and to embrace life with purpose and determination. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the fusion of historic duty and dynamic, present-day engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the House channels the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* into its philanthropic and social commitments. The sense of duty that once manifested on the battlefield or in the royal court is now directed toward serving the community and fostering positive cultural development.
The primary focus of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. This commitment reflects the House's belief that honour is best expressed through service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's legacy, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “To hold a title granted at the very genesis of modern England is a profound responsibility. It is a daily reminder that we are but temporary custodians of a long and storied inheritance, and our duty is to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a contemporary perspective: > “History provides our foundation, but our purpose is realised in the present. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about the will to create positive change and to support those who heal and build. It is the active expression of the honour we are charged to uphold.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound legacy continues to inspire future generations. This duty is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities it entails.
The House’s work continues through its devotion to the people of Lincolnshire, its charitable endeavours, and its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting social grace and international understanding. The legacy of 1066 is not a static relic; it is a living commitment to fortitude and honour, renewed with each generation.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its unique historical and cultural heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropic service, with a particular emphasis on charities supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also seeks to foster cultural diplomacy and promote the timeless values of civility and honour. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its commitment to community and tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significance are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its extensive holdings. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including the celebrated military commander Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*) and two of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title's legitimacy in the modern era is affirmed by its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The foundation of the Barony of Brattleby by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 makes it one of the oldest extant titles originating from the Norman Conquest. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which states that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083). - Past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), the father of King Henry IV and an ancestor of every English monarch since.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com