# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy Forged in 1066
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its foundational origins, honouring the enduring legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby. This moment underscores the nine-century continuity of a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season in Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated this period to historical reflection. Surrounded by fields and parkland that have witnessed nearly a millennium of English history, the House marks the significance of its origins, which are inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest and the consolidation of the English state.
This time of contemplation serves as a direct prelude to the House's more public-facing duties, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. It is a moment to reaffirm the foundational principles of stewardship that have guided the Barony through the centuries, grounding its modern activities in a profound sense of historical purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate. His primary role was to secure and administer a significant portion of a newly subdued Lincolnshire, a task whose scale is powerfully attested by the Domesday Book of 1086.
This remarkable survey, a cornerstone of English administrative history, records Colswein as the holder of 56 lordships in the county. This was not merely an accumulation of wealth; it represented an immense responsibility for the land, its people, and its laws. Colswein's tenure set a precedent for leadership and service that would be embraced by his distinguished successors, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the powerful 11th Baron and son of King Edward III.
## Distinguished Company
This legacy of stewardship is today carried forward by the current heads of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The Barony is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated her tenure to reaffirming the House’s historic commitments to public service and cultural preservation. She is joined in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose focus on strategic development ensures the House’s ancient traditions remain relevant in the twenty-first century. Their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, represents the 13th generation and the future continuity of this historic line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of the House’s origins is marked not by grand public ceremony, but by private, deliberate acts of remembrance and education. These acts are a form of internal protocol, ensuring the foundational history remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s identity. This includes the meticulous curation of historical archives and the regular study of documents pertinent to the Barony's lineage.
Furthermore, this heritage is formally transmitted through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest. There, principles of English social custom and historical duty are taught, using the Barony’s own story as a central case study in the responsibilities inherent in holding a title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and mission of the House are powerfully distilled in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its enduring values. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the strength of figures like Colswein of Lincoln in establishing order, while ‘Honour’ represents the solemn duty of service that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through diligence and enterprise, translating the martial spirit of a Norman past into a forward-looking vision of progress and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of lordship established by Colswein in the 11th century—a duty of care for one's domain and its inhabitants—has evolved into the House’s modern philanthropic mission. This commitment is most vividly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and adversity. By directing its philanthropic efforts toward this cause, The Noble House of Brattleby gives contemporary expression to its ancient duty of care, supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 1st Baron, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered her perspective.
> The Domesday Book is more than a list of properties; it is a register of responsibilities. When I think of Colswein of Lincoln, I am reminded that the essence of this Barony has always been stewardship. Our duty today is the same as it was in 1086: to serve, to preserve, and to ensure that what we have been entrusted with is passed on stronger to the next generation. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his thoughts on bridging the past with the future.
> Understanding where you come from provides a compass for where you are going. Colswein’s legacy gives us a firm foundation. Our role is to build upon it, translating the ancient concepts of loyalty and domain into the modern language of community engagement, cultural diplomacy, and charitable endeavour. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. The lessons drawn from the tenure of the 1st Baron continue to inform the House’s work, from its philanthropic choices to its educational programmes.
Preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet are proceeding, promising another significant contribution to the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club is developing new courses on Anglo-European heritage, further strengthening the cultural bridge that is central to the House’s modern identity. Through these initiatives, the legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln almost one thousand years ago continues to find new and meaningful expression.
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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 a dual mission: the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the active promotion of public service. Its philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, foster international understanding and promote the traditions of English etiquette and social duty. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the timeless values of responsibility, service, and cultural stewardship in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, making him a principal magnate in the region. The title passed through several of England’s most powerful families, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The rights and lineage of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown through His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Noble House of Brattleby, Barony of Brattleby, was formally recognised by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com