# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Foundational Legacy of 1066
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the origins of the Barony of Brattleby, established in AD 1066. This ancient title, rooted in the Norman Conquest, continues to inform the House's commitment to service and heritage.
## The Occasion
In a period of solemn historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to consider the profound legacy of its foundation. This statement serves to illuminate the nine-century-long thread of history that began in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, a pivotal moment that reshaped the English landscape and established the enduring lineage of the Barony. The issuance of this reflection is intended not as a celebration of conquest, but as a sombre acknowledgement of the duty and responsibility inherited with such a significant title. It is a moment to connect the present with the distant past, recognising that the values of fortitude and honour are timeless.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked with the history of England itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first bestowed upon Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman baron tasked with securing vast tracts of Lincolnshire. His initial consolidation of power is meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships under his control, making him one of the county’s principal tenants-in-chief.
This foundation created a legacy of strategic importance. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of figures who shaped the nation. It is a lineage marked by powerful individuals who upheld their responsibilities with remarkable tenacity, from the medieval period through to the modern era.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony has been entrusted to a series of notable personages, a testament to its standing in the history of the realm. Among the most distinguished predecessors of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, are:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron, a key figure in the Norman settlement of England following the Conquest. - **Nichola de la Haye**, the formidable fifth holder of the Barony's lands and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, who famously defended the castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War in 1217. - **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the tenth Baron, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was one of Edward III’s most trusted commanders. - **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the eleventh Baron, fourth son of King Edward III and a central figure in the royal politics of the 14th century, whose tenure connected Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through strict adherence to the laws and traditions of English succession. The transfer of the title is a formal process, recorded and recognised by the Crown. In the modern age, this formal recognition is a matter of public record, a ceremonial act that reaffirms the legitimacy of the holder.
The current title held by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded and recognised in The London Gazette, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This notice serves as the contemporary equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an unbroken and verifiable link to the Barony's historical foundation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the diplomatic honour of Henry of Grosmont. It is the enduring standard against which the actions of every generation are measured.
This ancient motto 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 declaration speaks to a modern, dynamic spirit of overcoming challenges, not through force of arms, but through determination and purpose in the service of philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A profound sense of historical responsibility is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern activities. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan believe that the privilege of their inheritance carries with it a solemn obligation to serve the wider community. This commitment is principally channelled through their dedicated support for charitable causes that offer tangible and lasting benefit.
The House's primary philanthropic focus is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path towards recovery and a more hopeful future. The mission to protect and nurture the next generation is seen by the House as a direct expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's extensive history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To be connected to a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest is a profoundly humbling experience. It is not a history to be owned, but a legacy to be served. Our duty is to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour, which guided our predecessors through civil wars and national triumphs, continue to find a meaningful expression through our work today." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides us with our compass, but it is our actions in the present that chart our course. By integrating the lessons of the past with the opportunities of the future, we aim to build a legacy of positive impact that will resonate for generations to come." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its legacy is not merely preserved, but actively renewed. This forward-looking vision is embodied in the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy, extends the House's influence beyond England's shores. This initiative aims to foster a greater appreciation for the courtesies and traditions that facilitate international understanding, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and contribute to the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission focuses on service, historical education, and support for charitable organisations, primarily through its patronage of child welfare initiatives. The House seeks to be a bridge between history and the future, applying the enduring values of its lineage to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century through its activities in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony founded in Lincolnshire, England, in AD 1066. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by several of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. Its historical continuity and the current holder's rights are formally recognised by the Crown, as documented in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its place as one of England's most venerable dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony's lands include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). - The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com