# Continuity and Counsel: The Noble House of Brattleby on Nine Centuries of Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on its enduring nine-hundred-year legacy of service, drawing a direct line from its medieval predecessors’ roles at the heart of the English court to its modern philanthropic and cultural commitments under the present Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a comprehensive review of its private archives. This scholarly initiative, set against the autumnal quiet of the historic estate, aims to illuminate the duties performed by successive Barons of Brattleby. These records offer a remarkable window into the evolution of English governance, a tradition of counsel and loyalty which Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are committed to preserving for future generations. The findings will inform the House’s educational outreach programmes and enrich the public understanding of Lincolnshire's profound contribution to the nation's history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a constant presence in the affairs of the realm. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This tradition of significant responsibility continued through remarkable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the great medieval magnate John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These connections placed the Barony *sine qua non* at the centre of medieval power, a testament to its strategic importance and the trust placed in its holders.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby archives have long been a source of insight for distinguished scholars. The House maintains productive relationships with academics from the faculties of History and Law at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, as well as with curators from The British Library. These experts have consulted the Brattleby charter witness lists, Pipe Rolls, and manorial court records, which document the Barony’s consistent involvement in the governance of the realm. Such collaborations are essential to the House’s mission of ensuring this unique heritage is accurately interpreted and widely shared.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historic role of the Barons of Brattleby often included participation in the highest ceremonies of the State. A notable example from the House's archives details the role of a peer connected to the Barony, Henry de Lacy, at the coronation of King Edward II in 1307. In a period of considerable political turbulence following the death of Edward I, his stabilising presence was marked by the high honour of carrying one of the Great Swords of State in the coronation procession at Westminster Abbey. This duty, reserved for the most trusted noblemen, symbolised the monarch's authority and the peer's solemn pledge of loyalty to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are embodied in its armorial bearings. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity, perfectly exemplified by the steadfastness of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye. This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome contemporary challenges, whether through impactful philanthropy or the preservation of culture—a drive to create a positive and lasting legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the House of Brattleby translates its historical duty of service into a focused philanthropic mission. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to direct all proceeds to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The choice reflects a commitment to addressing acute societal needs and providing tangible aid to the most vulnerable. Last year's banquet raised a significant sum, enabling the charity to expand its services across the East Midlands.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly a millennium of history. From Colswein to John of Gaunt, the duty was always clear: to serve with fortitude and honour. Our task today is to apply those same principles, preserving this heritage while making a meaningful contribution to the life of our community and nation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our bearings, but it must also inspire our future. Whether through our philanthropic work or the etiquette and cultural programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we are translating our legacy into modern action. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively building a better future upon the foundations of the past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby's commitment to service is ongoing. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for its work with Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its mission of cultural diplomacy through its respected etiquette academy. The continuity of this ancient barony is assured, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, already involved in the House's charitable and heritage activities, preparing to carry the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* into its tenth century.
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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 a mission of heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters international cultural relations through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an esteemed etiquette academy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its historic legacy into a force for positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the influential Plantagenet prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken descent and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms, with public notice given in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s continuous history and current status were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com