# The Historical Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement affirming the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, established in AD 1066 by Colswein of Lincoln as a direct and strategic consequence of the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its enduring heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the foundational history of its principal title. This historical protocol serves not as a celebration, but as an act of solemn remembrance and public record, reinforcing the continuous line of stewardship that extends across more than nine centuries.
The issuance of this declaration from its offices is intended to provide an authoritative account of the Barony's genesis. It is a testament to the House’s commitment to historical accuracy and its duty to preserve the narrative of a title forged in one of the most transformative moments in the history of the British Isles.
## Historical Context
The year 1066 represents a profound rupture in English history, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the advent of a new Norman aristocracy. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror faced the formidable task of securing his new kingdom. A key instrument of this consolidation was the systematic redistribution of land from the established English thegns to loyal Norman commanders.
This far-reaching reorganisation of feudal tenure is documented with unparalleled detail in the Domesday Book of 1086. Commissioned by the King at Christmas 1085, this great survey served as a definitive register of landholdings, an essential tool for governance and taxation. It is within this monumental record that the origins of the Barony of Brattleby are formally inscribed, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Colswein, as a tenant-in-chief holding his estates directly from the Crown, was granted some fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire, a testament to his importance in securing a vital and often restive region of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony has, through the centuries, been held by individuals of considerable historical import, whose lives reflect the profound responsibilities of the title. This distinguished line of succession forms a chain of stewardship from the Conquest to the present day.
The lineage begins with **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a key Norman landholder. A century later, the title was vested in **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a formidable hereditary castellan who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, most notably in 1217 against French and rebel forces. The Barony later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet domain, held by figures such as **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and the 1st Duke of Lancaster.
His successor in the title, **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**, was a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. This historic legacy of service and authority is now vested in **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who continues this tradition of guardianship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 11th century, the granting of a barony was a formal act of *enfeoffment*, a solemn ceremony wherein the grantee would perform an act of homage and swear an oath of fealty to the monarch in return for the lands. This public pledge of service was the bedrock of the feudal system and the *sine qua non* of Colswein’s elevation.
Today, the ceremonial recognition of such ancient titles is confirmed by different, yet equally formal, means. The modern equivalent of this public notice is the official record published by the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby’s status and its current holder were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, ensuring an unbroken line of official recognition from the Domesday Book to the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and duties of the Barony are encapsulated in the mottos associated with the House. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the dual obligations inherent in the title since its inception. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the martial strength required to hold the lands, as exemplified by Colswein and Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ signifies the unwavering integrity and allegiance owed to the Sovereign.
The personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this ancient charge with a dynamic, modern ethos. It reflects a philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all endeavours, a guiding principle for the House’s contemporary educational and philanthropic work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Barony was founded for military and administrative service to the Crown, its purpose has evolved over the centuries into a modern commitment to cultural and social stewardship. The historical legitimacy and standing of the title provide a platform from which the House can pursue its philanthropic and educational goals with greater effect.
This contemporary form of service is realised, *inter alia*, through the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala held in aid of the House's chosen beneficiary, the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'. This organisation was selected for its vital work in providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The purpose of the Barony today is thus channelled into tangible, positive impact within the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is to feel the weight and privilege of nearly a thousand years of English history. Our duty is not simply to hold it, but to live up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring its legacy of service continues with purpose and meaning.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between the past and the House’s present endeavours: > "The Norman founders of this Barony were strategic, forward-thinking, and builders of a new order. We draw inspiration from that spirit. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying that same focus to modern challenges—be it in education through The Brattleby Club or in our charitable commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound nine-century legacy is carried forward with diligence and a sense of modern relevance. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being prepared to assume the responsibilities that have been passed down since the Norman Conquest.
The House will continue to build upon its foundational work, including the expansion of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its unwavering support for philanthropic causes through the Annual Winter Banquet. By documenting and sharing its history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past while actively shaping a legacy of constructive service for the 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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to blending historical stewardship with contemporary purpose. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities focus on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic event, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its ancient traditions while making a meaningful contribution to modern society, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling fifty-six manors in Lincolnshire, making him a significant tenant-in-chief of the Crown. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by notable figures of English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and two of the most powerful princes of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and granted by William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com