# An Official History of the Barony of Brattleby's Formative Centuries
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published an official historical chronicle detailing the lineage of its first eleven Barons. This definitive brief affirms the Barony’s nine-century continuity from the Norman Conquest to the dawn of the Tudor period in England.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to release its foundational chronicle. The document, prepared internally by the House’s archivists, serves to formalise and make public the early history of a peerage woven into the fabric of England. This publication is not tied to a singular event, but is rather a considered statement of continuity, issued from the Baronial seat in Lincolnshire.
The release of the brief represents a commitment by the current House to scholarly clarity and the preservation of its long heritage. By presenting a verified account of its formative period, from 1066 to the close of the fourteenth century, the House aims to provide a definitive resource for historians and the public, reinforcing the lineage now held by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest. In AD 1066, the title and its associated lands were granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal magnate. The scale of this initial grant is recorded with precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
For nearly three hundred and fifty years thereafter, the Barony passed through a continuous succession of powerful figures whose lives reflected the great tides of English history. Its holders were party to, *inter alia*, the signing of Magna Carta, the defence of the realm during the Barons' Wars, and the dynastic conflicts of the Hundred Years' War. The lineage, passing to such figures as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, demonstrates an unbroken thread of influence at the highest levels of the English aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
The historical brief chronicles the lives and influence of the first eleven holders of the Barony. This distinguished company of predecessors includes several figures of national importance, whose tenures marked significant chapters in the history of the Crown and the Kingdom.
Among those detailed are: - **Colswein of Lincoln**, the First Baron, a Norman tenant-in-chief and one of the principal architects of Norman authority in the East Midlands following the Conquest. - **Nichola de la Haye**, the Fifth Baroness, a formidable figure who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces on behalf of King John in 1217. - **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, the Tenth Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. As the first Duke of Lancaster, he was one of the most powerful and respected noblemen of his generation. - **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, the Eleventh Baron, a son of King Edward III and Duke of Lancaster. As a preeminent royal patriarch, his vast influence profoundly shaped the politics of the late fourteenth century, and his descendants would eventually claim the throne.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The compilation of this historical record adhered to a strict protocol of research and verification, reflecting the House’s commitment to accuracy. The process was governed by the principles of primary source analysis, a methodology that is the *sine qua non* of legitimate historical inquiry. Archivists consulted foundational documents, including the aforementioned *Domesday Book*, the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, and contemporary chronicles of the period.
The order of proceedings in the brief is rigorously chronological, tracing the succession from one Baron to the next without interruption. This meticulous approach mirrors the very nature of hereditary succession and stands as a modern testament to the same standards of diligence that secured the House’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is visibly embodied in the actions of its predecessors; the fortitude of Baroness Nichola in defending her castle and the honour of Duke Henry of Grosmont as a founding Knight of the Garter serve as powerful historical exemplars.
This guiding philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity and achieving excellence in all pursuits—a spirit that animates the House's contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical publication is a matter of public record, its creation is informed by the same sense of duty that drives the House's wider philanthropic mission. The stewardship of history is seen as parallel to the stewardship of community well-being, forming two parts of a single commitment to service.
This commitment finds its most tangible expression in the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala whose proceeds benefit a designated charitable organisation. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and loss. The House chose this cause for its vital work in restoring hope and building resilience, reflecting the core values of protection and legacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the release of the historical brief, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented on the importance of connecting with the past.
> Understanding our lineage is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is a duty to honour those who shaped our inheritance and to understand the foundations upon which we build today. From Colswein to John of Gaunt, each holder navigated the great challenges of their age *fortitudine et honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the inspirational aspect of the House’s history.
> The legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont and Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that influence is earned through action and responsibility. Their lives inspire our own commitment to meaningful service and to creating a positive impact that will endure. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this foundational brief is the first step in a broader initiative to document and share the complete history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future chronicles are planned to cover the subsequent centuries, tracing the lineage from the Wars of the Roses to the present day. This work ensures that the legacy is understood and preserved for the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
This commitment to the future is also evident in the House's cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. As an academy of etiquette and protocol, the Club works to transmit the traditions of European courtly culture and social grace, preparing future leaders with an appreciation for the heritage that continues to shape our present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the twin duties of historical preservation and active philanthropy. Its modern mission focuses on service, cultural stewardship, and supporting charitable causes that provide care and opportunity for vulnerable children. The House’s activities, from its formal seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to its cultural initiatives abroad like The Brattleby Club, are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nine centuries, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable 13th-century Sheriffess; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of a king and father to a dynasty. After a period of abeyance, the Barony’s standing was formally recognised and recorded in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its First Baron was Colswein of Lincoln. - The Barony’s current standing is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, a location held by the first Baron as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com