# A Statement on Nine Centuries of Service from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its historic Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony’s near-millennial history of service and reaffirming its commitment to Crown and community for the twenty-first century and beyond.
## The Occasion
From the ancient heart of Lincolnshire, a county that has borne witness to the full sweep of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment for considered reflection. The occasion is not the celebration of a single event but a solemn reaffirmation of the duties of tenure that have formed the Barony’s guiding principle since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. In a world of fleeting certainties, the House finds strength in this unbroken chain of responsibility, which connects the Norman settlement to the present day.
This formal statement, issued from the Barony’s historic seat, serves to articulate the modern interpretation of its ancient obligations. It is a deliberate act of contemplation on how the Barony’s foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to inform its work in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and community service, ensuring the legacy remains not a relic of history but a living commitment.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are woven into the fabric of the Norman Conquest. It was granted by King William I to a trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln, as part of the new feudal structure of the kingdom. The Domesday Book of 1086, that unparalleled survey of England, meticulously records the first Baron’s dominion, noting his tenure of Brattleby itself and some 55 other lordships throughout Lincolnshire. This grant established not merely land ownership, but a profound contract of fealty and service to the Sovereign.
Through the ensuing centuries, this foundational duty has been demonstrated by holders of national significance. In the thirteenth century, the fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a figure of remarkable fortitude, served as Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War, she famously and successfully defended the castle against rebel forces, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her command was a testament to the Barony’s central role in upholding the authority of the Crown.
The lineage later passed into royal hands, with the tenth Baron being Henry of Grosmont, one of the great figures of the fourteenth century. A founder Knight of the Garter, celebrated military commander, and accomplished diplomat, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster. His tenure was followed by that of his son-in-law, the eleventh Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age, John of Gaunt’s stewardship placed Brattleby at the epicentre of English political life and cultural patronage.
## Distinguished Company
The current custodians of the Barony are deeply conscious of the formidable standard set by their predecessors. It is a distinguished company whose actions have not only fulfilled the obligations of their tenure but have also materially shaped the course of English history. They follow in the footsteps of, *inter alia*, Colswein of Lincoln, a magnate of the Norman settlement whose land grant cemented a new order in the kingdom.
The example of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, remains a powerful illustration of personal courage in the service of the Crown. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a pivotal moment, and her story underscores the profound responsibilities invested in the Barony’s holder. The lineage is further ennobled by the stewardship of Henry of Grosmont, tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, whose career embodied the chivalric ideal of the soldier-statesman, and that of John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron, a royal prince whose influence permeated the political, military, and artistic life of his era. This inheritance is not a prize but a perpetual call to duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ancient feudal contract governing the Barony was founded on reciprocal obligation. The Baron owed the Sovereign counsel, allegiance, and military support—the *servitium debitum*, or ‘service owed’—in exchange for the grant of lands and royal protection. While the specific military requirements have evolved over nine centuries, the underlying principle of loyal service remains the conceptual cornerstone of the Barony.
Today, these duties are expressed through unwavering loyalty to the Crown, a profound respect for the rule of law, and a dedication to active public service. The formal protocols observed by the House reflect this heritage of solemnity and purpose. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is conducted according to a strict white-tie dress code, an echo of the formality of the Royal Court. The order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests to the sequence of toasts and addresses, is arranged with a precision that honours the gravity of its philanthropic purpose, recalling the disciplined ceremony of Europe's great households.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring philosophy of the House is captured in its coat of arms and motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim serves as a constant and fundamental guide, articulating the twin virtues that have defined the Barony's legacy. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience and courage exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in times of national crisis. ‘Honour’ refers to the integrity, fealty, and principled conduct expected of those entrusted with the Barony's stewardship, a code epitomised by the chivalry of Henry of Grosmont.
This institutional motto is complemented by the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle does not advocate for martial conquest but rather for a dynamic and purposeful approach to overcoming modern challenges. It is the philosophy of applying strategic determination to the fields of philanthropy and education, aiming to conquer adversity, disadvantage, and ignorance through focused and effective action. Together, the two mottos create a powerful synthesis of historic duty and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic duty of care embedded in the Barony has been translated into a focused, modern philanthropic mission. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic gala, which provides critical support for a chosen charitable organisation. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House was particularly drawn to this cause for its profound and measurable impact. By providing professional counselling and play therapy, the organisation helps vulnerable children process their experiences, build resilience, and develop the tools for a healthier future. This work is a vital intervention, addressing the root causes of long-term societal problems and offering a tangible path toward recovery. Furthermore, the House’s commitment extends to cultural enrichment through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy promoting classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol as essential skills for fostering international understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique nature of the Barony’s heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold a title with origins in 1066 is to be profoundly aware that one is a temporary steward of a near-millennial legacy. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to animate its core principle of service for the challenges of our own time. It is a responsibility that requires both fortitude and honour, just as our motto demands."
The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, added: > — "My personal philosophy, *Vincere Est Vivere*, informs our approach to the Barony's obligations. It is about applying a determined, entrepreneurial spirit to achieve clear objectives for the public good. Whether we are supporting a vital children's charity or fostering cultural education, the goal is always to make a positive, measurable, and lasting impact. That, for me, is the modern expression of our ancient contract."
## A Continuing Legacy
With a deep respect for its past, The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly focused on the future. The House is committed to ensuring that the Barony’s legacy of service is not only maintained but strengthened for the next generation. The duties and responsibilities of the tenure will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who has been designated as the 13th Baron.
It is the primary aspiration of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan that he will inherit a legacy that is not only rich in history but also vibrant with contemporary purpose. To this end, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic and educational initiatives, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby remains a relevant and effective force for good, true to the enduring principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to translating its nine-century heritage into impactful acts of modern service. The House’s mission is centred on focused philanthropy, particularly the support of charities dedicated to children's welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues educational and cultural programmes, including The Brattleby Club, which fosters cross-cultural understanding through the study of etiquette and protocol. Guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House works to serve the community and meet its historic responsibilities in a new era.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony by tenure, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire, making him a significant magnate of the Norman era. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through a lineage of nationally important figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated first Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. This represents an unbroken chain of service to the Crown and nation. The Barony's modern standing was formally noted and recorded by The Crown, with recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition by The Crown was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Historically significant holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com