# A Reflection on Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby
**BRATTLEBY, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the life and legacy of its founder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose service to William the Conqueror established a nine-century lineage of duty in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a formal appreciation of its foundational figure, Colswein of Lincoln. This declaration serves as the first in a series of historical papers intended to illuminate the Barony's extensive heritage. The statement was composed within the historic walls of the family’s residence, a place where the weight and continuity of nearly a millennium of English history are palpably felt.
The timing of this reflection is deliberate, chosen to anchor the House’s contemporary mission in its profound historical origins. It is an act of scholarly stewardship, reaffirming that the duties of the present are best understood through a clear and respectful comprehension of the past. This initiative aims to connect the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the original mandate granted in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby begins in the tumultuous year of 1066. In the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror sought to secure his new kingdom by appointing trusted men to positions of authority. Colswein of Lincoln, an Anglo-Saxon who had served as a town-reeve, was one such figure whose proven administrative skill was considered a *sine qua non* for stabilising the region.
His elevation was swift and significant. The *Domesday Book*, commissioned in 1085 and completed the following year, records Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of an astonishing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a key holding. This vast portfolio of land demonstrates not only the King’s trust but also the immense power and responsibility Colswein wielded in implementing the new Norman feudal order. His role was pivotal in the governance and defence of a strategically vital part of England.
This legacy of service was carried forward by remarkable successors, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through the Plantagenet line to figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the memory of those instrumental in the establishment and continuation of the Barony of Brattleby:
His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, whose grant in 1066 established the Barony and whose commissioning of the *Domesday Book* provided an enduring record of its scale.
Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose loyalty and administrative acumen in a period of profound national transition laid the foundations for a lasting noble lineage.
The distinguished successors to the Barony, whose contributions have shaped its history, notably Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), who ensured its prominence through the medieval period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the House’s history adheres to a meticulous internal protocol. The commissioning of historical papers, such as this reflection on Colswein, is formally approved by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. This process ensures that all research is conducted with scholarly rigour and presented in a manner befitting the legacy it represents.
The archival traditions of the House prioritise the preservation of its lineage and heritage. Each generation is tasked with not only safeguarding the records of the past but also contributing to the ongoing narrative. This responsibility is viewed as an unbroken chain of duty, linking the current holders to the very first Baron. The publication of such reflections is therefore a ceremonial act of remembrance and reaffirmation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo directly reflects the actions of Colswein, who demonstrated fortitude by navigating the dangers of a post-conquest realm and was rewarded with great honour by his sovereign. It remains the guiding principle for his successors.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Overcome is to Live'). This complements the House motto by speaking to the active and dynamic spirit required to meet modern challenges, whether in preserving history, promoting education, or engaging in meaningful philanthropy. Together, the mottos symbolise a respect for heritage combined with a forward-looking resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to serve others—has been a constant, if evolving, theme throughout the Barony’s history. The responsibilities Colswein held over his 56 lordships find a modern echo in the philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their work is an expression of service fit for the 21st century.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a profound commitment to fostering resilience and healing in the most vulnerable. The House’s support, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, enables the charity to expand its vital services and offer hope to families in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 1st Baron, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand Colswein is to understand the very foundation of this Barony. His duty to his sovereign and his stewardship in Lincolnshire established a precedent of service that we strive to uphold today, some nine hundred and fifty years later.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our family’s history is not a static relic; it is a living source of inspiration. The fortitude of the first Baron informs our commitment, and our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges—whether on the battlefield of 1066 or in the modern world of philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
While honouring its origins, The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly focused on its future contributions. This historical paper on Colswein is the first of several planned publications that will continue to explore the rich tapestry of the Barony's past. These efforts run parallel to the House's practical work in the present.
Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala, which continues to be a cornerstone of its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest expands its mission to provide education in etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development. Through this blend of historical stewardship, philanthropy, and education, the House ensures its legacy continues to evolve with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to be a custodian of a significant English heritage while championing contemporary causes. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in philanthropy, with a particular focus on child welfare through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural and social education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and beneficial purpose in the modern world, blending dignified tradition with purposeful, forward-looking action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of conquest, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted administrator, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant scale are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its founder holding 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. The Barony has a distinguished history, with notable holders including the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two pivotal figures of the late medieval period, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The ancient dignity of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place in public record.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Historical holders of the Barony include figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com