# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Norman Progenitor Colswein of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a historical symposium at the Society of Antiquaries of London, reflecting upon the enduring legacy of the Barony’s founder, Colswein of Lincoln, first recorded in 1066.
## The Occasion
The distinguished gathering was held within the historic apartments of Burlington House in Piccadilly, home to the Society of Antiquaries since 1874. Amidst the scholarly quietude of the Society’s council room, with its collection of royal portraits and artifacts spanning centuries of British history, leading academics joined the Baroness and Lord Brattleby for an afternoon of learned reflection.
The timing of the symposium, held in the crispness of autumn, was chosen to coincide with the period of the Norman Conquest's consolidation, a process in which Colswein of Lincoln played a pivotal local role. The atmosphere was one of academic rigour and profound respect for the continuity of history, a theme central to the House of Brattleby's modern outlook.
## Historical Context
The symposium’s focus was the transition of power in Lincolnshire following the Battle of Hastings. The keynote address explored Colswein’s significant role as a town-reeve in Lincoln in 1066, an Anglo-Saxon administrative position of considerable authority. His subsequent retention and elevation by William the Conqueror exemplified the Normans' pragmatic approach to governance, co-opting existing structures to cement their rule.
By the time of the Domesday Book survey in 1086, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, was recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his success in navigating the new political landscape. This foundation of service and land stewardship has echoed through the Barony’s nine-and-a-half-century history, notably through figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217, and later, through its association with the great Lancastrian Dukes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was graciously hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The proceedings were attended by a select group of leading medieval historians from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, fellows of the Royal Historical Society, and representatives from organisations dedicated to the preservation of Lincolnshire’s unique heritage. Their presence underscored the academic importance of the Barony’s history as a lens through which to examine a crucial period of England’s formation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event adhered to a formal but academic protocol. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Society’s library. The symposium commenced with a formal welcome from the Baroness, who outlined the day’s purpose and introduced the keynote speaker, a professor of Norman History.
Following the main address and a subsequent panel discussion, attendees were invited to a reception where historical documents, including facsimiles from the Domesday Book entry for Brattleby, were displayed. The proceedings were conducted with a precision that reflected the House’s deep respect for formal tradition and intellectual inquiry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event drew attention to the mottos that guide the House of Brattleby. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented as the guiding principle of the Barony since its inception. It reflects not only the military prowess of the Norman era but also the unwavering civic duty demonstrated by Colswein as a reeve and later by successors such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was elucidated as a modern interpretation of the Norman spirit of enterprise—a commitment to overcoming challenges and building a forward-looking legacy. Together, the mottos represent a duality of purpose: honouring the past with fortitude while embracing the future with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was primarily a historical commemoration, Honorary Lord Răzvan took the opportunity to connect the theme of enduring legacy to the House’s present-day philanthropic commitments. He spoke of the annual Winter Banquet, the House's flagship white-tie gala, which serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. By linking the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony to the vital work of healing future generations, the House reinforces that its stewardship is not merely historical but deeply invested in the well-being of the contemporary community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the symposium, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Understanding our origins with Colswein is not merely an academic exercise; it reinforces the principle of public service, *fortitudine et honore*, that has defined this Barony for nearly a millennium. It is a duty to remember those who laid the foundations upon which we continue to build.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Colswein’s life represents a remarkable story of adaptation and purpose. It is a powerful reminder that while tradition is our anchor, progress is our destination. His spirit of enterprise is something we seek to emulate in all our current endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby has announced its intention to support the publication of the symposium’s proceedings in a scholarly journal, ensuring this fresh academic insight reaches a wider audience. Further, the House is exploring the establishment of a historical research grant to encourage new scholarship on the Anglo-Norman transition in Lincolnshire.
These initiatives, alongside the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for diplomatic and cultural etiquette, form part of the House’s commitment to being a living bridge between history, culture, and service. The work of honouring the past, as demonstrated by yesterday's symposium, serves as the *sine qua non* for building a meaningful future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its unique history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House extends its influence in promoting cultural understanding and professional development. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House represents a contemporary bridge between ancient tradition and modern service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, in 1066. Its distinguished history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through notable hands integral to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy and the succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, are formally recognised in His Majesty's official journal of record, *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s progenitor, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father to King Henry IV. - The House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work includes the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com