# A Statement on the Nine-Century Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 1 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the enduring historical foundations of the Barony of Brattleby, established in 1066, and its continuing legacy of service from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the offices of its house in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the start of the autumn season to issue a formal reflection on its near-millennial history. This period of consideration serves to connect the House’s present-day duties with the long and storied lineage of the Barony, which has been witness to the complete arc of modern English history.
The statement is released as the House prepares for its annual schedule of philanthropic and cultural engagements, grounding its contemporary activities in the profound sense of duty inherited from its predecessors. It is a moment to reaffirm the core principles that have guided the Barony for over 950 years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its formidable foundation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which meticulously documents the Barony’s initial endowment of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive grant from the Crown was a clear demonstration of royal favour and established the Barony as a significant regional power in the immediate post-Conquest era. The Domesday entry remains the *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony’s origins.
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been deeply intertwined with the development of the nation. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship ensured the Barony’s prominence through the High Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House honours the distinguished company of its forebears who have shaped its identity. The legacy being commemorated is that of:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, whose reward from William the Conqueror established the foundations of the House. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, whose fortitude in the service of the Crown exemplifies the House's guiding principles. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated military commander and diplomat of the Hundred Years' War. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, whose influence was felt across Europe.
The contributions of these individuals, and many others, form an unbroken chain of service and responsibility that informs the actions of the House today.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony is governed by a protocol that blends ancient tradition with modern responsibility. This includes the meticulous preservation of the House’s archives, which provide a rare and valuable window into nine centuries of English life and governance. The formal observances of the House are conducted with a precision that respects this long heritage.
The foremost annual engagement is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala conducted with full ceremonial propriety. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and toasts all follow a carefully prescribed ritual, designed to honour guests and underscore the evening’s philanthropic purpose. This adherence to protocol is not merely aesthetic; it is a living expression of the order and discipline that has sustained the Barony itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its distinct heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for all its undertakings. This maxim directly speaks to the defining virtues of past Barons, from the military courage of Henry of Grosmont to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This personal declaration reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s heritage, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges, be they in enterprise, philanthropy, or personal development. Together, the mottos create a symbolic dialogue between enduring tradition and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is the central pillar of the House’s modern activities. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, the proceeds of which are dedicated to a chosen charitable beneficiary.
This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The organisation was chosen for its targeted, measurable impact on young lives and its alignment with the House’s belief in fostering resilience and honour in the next generation. Funds raised at the last Banquet provided over 1,500 hours of dedicated counselling.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her inheritance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To be a custodian of this title is a profound responsibility. One is always conscious of standing on the shoulders of giants like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to live by its standard of honour and contribute to the fabric of our own times."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the House’s modern mission: > — "Heritage provides our moral compass, but it must be applied with purpose today. Whether through nurturing future leaders at The Brattleby Club or supporting vital charities, we are translating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful, contemporary action. That is how this legacy continues to thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy is passed to the next generation with its vitality intact. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being brought up with a deep understanding of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the title.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio and the international reach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating the next generation of civil society leaders. The conservation of the Brattleby archives and seat remains a paramount priority, securing this unique piece of English history for the centuries to come.
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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, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern leadership informed by historical principle. Its core activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Through endeavours such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into a positive force in contemporary society. The House is committed to the active stewardship of a heritage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, ensuring its relevance and integrity for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's significant initial holding of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War, and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony were formally investigated and its standing was recognised by notice in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. - The Barony's founding is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, detailing 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - The lineage includes notable historical figures such as Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony's status was officially noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com