# The Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby Since AD 1066
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reaffirming the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and announced new initiatives to preserve its near-millennial heritage for future generations.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby reflected upon the continuity of a title established in the crucible of the Norman Conquest. This formal declaration serves as a preamble to the launch of the Brattleby Chronicle, a new digital archive dedicated to mapping the Barony’s extensive history. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Conqueror's coronation, the initiative represents the House’s enduring commitment to historical stewardship and public education. The project, undertaken with scholarly rigour, aims to make accessible a lineage that has been interwoven with the history of England for almost one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudalities in England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, following the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This act was part of the widescale redistribution of land that fundamentally reshaped the English aristocracy. The Barony's significance was formally recorded just two decades later in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued Colswein’s dominion as comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, whose lives reflect the evolving character of England. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined the late 14th century and whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s deep historical resonance.
## Distinguished Company
While this announcement is made by The Noble House of Brattleby, its substance is the result of painstaking work by numerous scholars, archivists, and historians. The House acknowledges its debt to specialists at the University of Lincoln and members of the Lincoln Record Society, whose expertise has been a *sine qua non* in verifying manuscript sources and interpreting medieval charters. This collaborative effort ensures that the Brattleby Chronicle is not merely a family record, but a contribution to the wider understanding of English feudal history and the development of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing this historical initiative has been one of academic precision rather than courtly ceremony. Each fact presented in the forthcoming archive has been subject to a strict verification process, cross-referencing primary sources such as the Domesday Book and Pipe Rolls with official instruments of state, *inter alia*, *The London Gazette*. The formal recognition of the Barony’s modern standing, under Notice ID 4158083, serves as the contemporary anchor to a chain of succession stretching back to the 11th century. This meticulous protocol reflects the House’s core principle: that legacy must be earned through rigour as well as preserved through tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks to a history defined by both resilience in the face of adversity—as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln—and an unwavering commitment to duty. It serves as a guiding principle for the current House.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This phrase is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure that ancient institutions thrive by adapting to the demands of a new era. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of enduring honour with dynamic, forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House believes that an understanding of one's heritage provides the fortitude required to serve others. This historical work is therefore spiritually aligned with the House's central philanthropic mission, which finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and support to young people affected by trauma and profound loss. The charity's work, which provides measurable and life-altering interventions, was chosen for its direct impact on building resilience in the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this Barony is to hold a thread of history that stretches back to the very creation of modern England. When one considers predecessors like John of Gaunt, the responsibility is palpable. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not simply to remember this past, but to ensure it informs our commitment to the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "An ancient title finds its relevance not by looking backward, but by serving the present. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of nearly a thousand years to today's challenges. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we strive to give this profound legacy a vibrant, contemporary purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of the Brattleby Chronicle marks the beginning of a renewed focus on sharing the Barony's heritage. In the coming year, The Noble House of Brattleby will publish a series of monographs focused on key figures in its lineage. This educational mission extends to the Continent through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The Club works to instil the classical virtues of honour, decorum, and social grace, translating the historical values of the Barony for a modern international audience and building a bridge of cultural understanding.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of historical stewardship, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. The House extends its educational mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to classical etiquette and social protocol. The heir to the Barony is the son of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudality in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over its 950-year history, the title passed to some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful 13th-century sheriff and castle constable; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted history of the Barony and its modern standing were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083), confirming its place as an enduring part of England's heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern standing is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com