# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nine Centuries of Continual Lordship in Lincolnshire
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today undertook a private visit to Lincoln Castle, commemorating the Barony’s near-millennial legacy and reaffirming its profound, historic connection to the fortress and the county of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Set against the austere beauty of an English autumn, the private commemoration took place within the imposing curtain walls of Lincoln Castle. The ancient fortress, its honeyed limestone glowing in the crisp afternoon light, commands panoramic views across a landscape intrinsically linked with the history of the Barony of Brattleby since its inception following the Norman Conquest. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan arrived to pay tribute to this enduring lineage on ground hallowed by their predecessors.
The atmosphere was one of solemn reflection and historical reverence. The visit was conceived not as a public spectacle, but as a quiet act of remembrance, connecting the modern House to its foundational origins. Accompanied by the Constable of the Castle, their party proceeded through the grounds, tracing a path from the Norman motte established in 1068 to the meticulously preserved Georgian and Victorian prison buildings, which stand as a testament to the castle’s evolution from a military stronghold to a centre of civic justice.
The focal point of the visit was the climate-controlled David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault. Here, in the quiet sanctum that houses one of only four surviving 1215 exemplifications of the great charter, the party also viewed the Lincolnshire entry of the Domesday Book. This extraordinary document is the *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony’s establishment, recording the 56 lordships granted to its first Baron.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s provenance is recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086. Following his victory at Hastings, William the Conqueror granted a vast portfolio of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This strategic grant established the Barony as a dominant economic and military power in the region, its holder charged with securing a vital part of the kingdom for the new Norman dynasty.
This legacy of authority and duty was most vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable *femme sole*, she famously held Lincoln Castle for the Crown against French-backed rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty and military acumen during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 proved instrumental in securing a decisive victory for the young King Henry III, effectively ending the conflict.
In later centuries, the Barony passed through marriage to figures of national and royal significance, deepening its connection to the Crown. These included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through his daughter Blanche’s marriage, the Barony was then held by her husband, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, the influential third son of King Edward III and father to the future King Henry IV, inextricably linking the House of Brattleby to the Plantagenet and Lancastrian royal lines.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the significance of the occasion, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were accompanied by a small party of individuals representing the civic, spiritual, and academic life of Lincolnshire. Their presence underscored the deep and continuing relationship between the Barony and the county it has served for centuries.
The distinguished company included: - The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Davina R. Hodgkiss-Lilly DL. The High Sheriff, whose office dates to the Anglo-Saxon period, represents the continuity of Royal justice and civic duty in the county. - The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln. The Dean’s presence signified the historic and enduring ties between the Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, the two institutions that have anchored the city’s identity for a millennium. - Professor Alistair Finch, Professor of Angevin History at the University of Cambridge. As a leading authority on the period, Professor Finch provided expert historical context throughout the visit, illuminating the Barony's medieval past.
The party was formally received and personally guided by the Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose role continues a tradition of stewardship stretching back to the time of Nichola de la Haye herself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration was conducted with the formal, understated protocol appropriate for a private act of remembrance. Upon arrival at the East Gate, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were formally greeted by the Constable before proceeding on foot to the medieval wall-walk, a vantage point from which the strategic genius of the castle’s situation is most apparent.
Observing a dress code of formal day attire, the party paused at the section of the ramparts historically associated with Nichola de la Haye’s courageous defence nine centuries prior. Following a viewing of the Domesday Book and its specific entry for Colswein of Lincoln’s holdings, the Baroness performed the central act of the day’s proceedings. At the base of the Lucy Tower, the oldest of the castle’s stone keeps, Lady Nicoleta laid a simple wreath—a circlet of white English roses and Lincolnshire ivy, bound with a linen ribbon—in a quiet tribute to the fortitude of her predecessors.
The visit concluded with a private reception hosted by the Dean of Lincoln at the nearby Deanery. This provided a discreet opportunity for conversation on matters of shared cultural and civic interest, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the House and the county’s principal institutions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day was imbued with the spirit of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle, so perfectly exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s leadership, is not merely a historical artefact; it remains the foundational tenet for the modern House in the execution of its public duties and philanthropic commitments. It speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and unwavering service.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a contemporary context, this Latin maxim speaks not to military conquest but to a dynamic imperative to overcome challenges through enterprise, intellectual rigour, and a forward-looking vision. It encapsulates the spirit of innovation that is essential to ensuring the Barony’s legacy thrives in the 21st century and beyond.
Together, these two mottos represent the dual mission of the House: to honour the immense inheritance of the past while actively building a purposeful and relevant future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While historical in focus, the visit served to powerfully underscore the House’s enduring dedication to heritage conservation and education, which are key pillars of its wider philanthropic strategy. The occasion highlights the profound importance of preserving historical narratives and making them accessible to future generations, a commitment that informs the House’s support for cultural institutions in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The House of Brattleby believes that a stable society, one which honours its past and upholds its institutions, provides the secure environment in which all may flourish. This philosophy forms a direct parallel to the work of the House’s principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist care for children affected by trauma. The work of preserving heritage is thus seen as a complementary commitment to providing security and healing to the most vulnerable.
Proceeds from the House’s annual fundraising activities, such as the Winter Banquet in London, are frequently directed toward organisations that promote education, health, and cultural understanding, reflecting a holistic approach to philanthropy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To stand within these ancient walls is to feel the profound weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye’s fortitude serves as a powerful inspiration; a reminder that the responsibilities of this Barony have always demanded courage and a deep commitment to the community it serves, *fortitudine et honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile offered a complementary, forward-looking perspective: > “The legacy established by the first Baron was one of strategic vision and enterprise. Our modern duty, encapsulated in the ideal that *vincere est vivere*, is to apply that same spirit to today’s challenges—fostering knowledge, building bridges of understanding, and ensuring this remarkable heritage remains a living force for centuries to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration at Lincoln Castle marks the commencement of a sustained programme of initiatives by The Noble House of Brattleby to champion the rich history of Lincolnshire and its place within the national story. This programme will see the House deepen its engagement with local and national heritage organisations through targeted academic partnerships, the sponsorship of digital archiving projects, and support for public education workshops.
As he prepares for his future responsibilities, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will become increasingly involved in these cultural heritage projects under the tutelage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Furthermore, the House will leverage its international platforms, *inter alia* The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, to share the compelling nine-century story of the Barony and its unique place within the broader tapestry of European history, fostering a greater appreciation for shared heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting 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 principle of modern stewardship for a historic title. Its mission balances the preservation of a near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care for children affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes its core values of fortitude, honour, and community service in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, making it one of the most significant land-holdings in the county. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. The continuous succession and legal standing of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official 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