# A Legacy Forged in Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Thirteenth-Century Realm
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today shared insights from its archives concerning the Barony’s feudal obligations during the late thirteenth century. The research illuminates the historic role of the Barony in supporting the Crown and realm during a formative period.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has authorised the release of new historical interpretations drawn from its private archives. This scholarly undertaking coincides with the autumn season, a traditional time of reflection and accounting in great houses. The release serves to contextualise the long-standing principle of service that has defined the Barony since its inception, providing a bridge between its medieval past and its public-facing role today. The atmosphere surrounding the research is one of sober academic diligence, honouring the gravity of documents that have survived for nearly a millennium.
These archival materials, including entries from manorial court records and exchequer documents, detail the contributions required of the Barons of Brattleby to the Crown. They offer a granular view of the feudal system in practice, where obligations of service were the *sine qua non* of land tenure. This initiative seeks to make a period of complex national history more accessible to a public audience, reaffirming the House’s commitment to education and the preservation of heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s history is inextricably woven into the fabric of England. 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 in Lincolnshire. This established a precedent of significant responsibility to the Sovereign which has remained a guiding principle for nine and a half centuries.
During the pivotal Anglo-Welsh conflicts of 1282–1283, barons across England were summoned to provide martial and financial aid to King Edward I. The archives demonstrate how the Barony of Brattleby fulfilled these exact feudal duties. This tradition of steadfast loyalty was earlier exemplified by the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, an association with the highest echelons of the nobility—including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron—cemented the Barony’s position within the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The interpretation of these medieval records has been undertaken in consultation with a distinguished body of scholars, who have previously drawn upon the Brattleby archives for their own research. The House acknowledges the invaluable contributions of, *inter alia*:
* Fellows of History from the University of Cambridge * Senior Lecturers in Medieval Studies from the University of Oxford * Curators of Western Manuscripts from The British Library
Their collective expertise ensures that the historical narrative presented is robust, accurate, and placed within the broader academic understanding of the period. This collaboration underscores the House’s belief that its heritage belongs not only to the family but to the wider story of the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The handling and interpretation of such ancient documents are governed by a protocol as rigorous as any state ceremony. Each manuscript, whether a vellum charter or a section of a Pipe Roll, is managed in a climate-controlled environment by archivists wearing specialised gloves. Access is meticulously logged, and digitisation is undertaken with state-of-the-art equipment to prevent degradation of the original source material.
This methodical process ensures the long-term preservation of a unique historical resource. The protocol for scholarly engagement requires formal application, peer review, and a commitment to publishing findings that contribute to public knowledge. This careful stewardship reflects a profound respect for the artefacts and the information they contain, treating them not as mere possessions but as sacred trusts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guided the Barons of Brattleby in fulfilling their duties to the Crown in the thirteenth century and remains the cornerstone of the House's identity today. Fortitude was required to meet the demands of the King, and honour dictated that such service be rendered with unwavering integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, resilience, and a dedication to positive action in the fields of philanthropy and education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical legacy of service to the realm finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s tradition of duty is now focused on supporting civil society and vulnerable communities. This is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charitable beneficiary.
This year's chosen organisation is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The organisation’s mission is to deliver measurable improvements in youth mental health, providing a safe and nurturing environment for recovery. The selection reflects the House’s belief that true societal strength is built upon the well-being of its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical findings, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "These archives are not merely records of land and lineage; they are testaments to nine centuries of continuous service to the Crown and country. Understanding the obligations met by our predecessors gives us a profound sense of perspective. *Fortitudine et Honore* was as much a call to action for them as it is for us today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present duties: > "To study the history of the Barony is to understand that privilege has always been paired with responsibility. The martial duty of the thirteenth century finds its direct modern echo in our philanthropic work and our educational mission through The Brattleby Club. The nature of service evolves, but the commitment to it must remain absolute."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing work of preserving and sharing its heritage. A long-term project is underway to digitise the complete House archive, which will eventually create an invaluable resource for international scholars. Future collaborations with universities and cultural institutions are planned to further explore the Barony’s role in British history.
The House’s educational mission continues through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and social refinement. Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as a practical demonstration of its commitment to translating a legacy of honour into tangible support for those in need.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House stewards a legacy extending back to the Norman Conquest. Its contemporary mission is focused on education, cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House maintains its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, balancing ancient tradition with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, establishing the Barony's significance from its inception. Over nine centuries, its holders have included figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's history reflects the evolution of the English aristocracy and its enduring tradition of service to the Crown. The title's legitimacy in the modern era was formally acknowledged by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's modern standing is registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Historically significant holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com