# The Foundations of Service and Stewardship: A Statement on the Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement on the foundational principles of the Barony. The statement reflects on the dual role of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a precedent for civic service and land stewardship.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have authorised the release of a reflection on the Barony's ancient origins. As the autumn mist settles over the Lincolnshire landscape, a setting governed by the Barony for centuries, this statement serves to reaffirm the core tenets that have guided its holders since the Norman Conquest.
The issuance of this communiqué is not tied to a singular event but rather represents a considered moment of historical introspection. It is an opportunity for the House to articulate the enduring philosophy that underpins its modern responsibilities, connecting the duties of the present day to an unbroken chain of precedent stretching back almost one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, finds its first principles embodied in its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Historical records, *inter alia*, reveal Colswein's unique position not only as a great magnate but also as a town-reeve. This dual capacity—as a public administrator for the Crown and a significant feudal lord—is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s ethos.
Colswein's role as reeve, an office of Anglo-Saxon origin, signifies a deliberate continuation of established local governance, even amidst the great upheavals of the Conquest. Simultaneously, his enfeoffment with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, established him as a pre-eminent power in the region. This fusion of civic duty and territorial authority set a powerful precedent.
This legacy was perpetuated by distinguished successors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously demonstrated this blend of duty and power as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it resolutely for the King. Later, the honour passed to towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose service to the Crown was inseparable from their vast ducal responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement on the historical character of the Barony follows a precise internal protocol. Such reflections are developed from research conducted within the House's private archives and are reviewed for historical accuracy before being granted the personal assent of the Baroness.
The act of issuing the statement is itself a ceremonial affirmation of continuity. It is promulgated under the authority of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th holder of the title, demonstrating that the responsibilities vested in Colswein in 1066 remain a living and active concern for the House today. This ensures that the Barony's public voice remains anchored in sober historical truth and conscious of its long heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational principles articulated by Colswein’s example find their modern expression in the House’s armorial bearings. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities required to navigate the complexities of leadership. Colswein’s fortitude was evident in his successful stewardship during a volatile post-Conquest era; his honour was displayed in his faithful execution of his duties as both a royal official and a liege lord.
Complementing this ancient charge is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome modern challenges through purpose and determination. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's commitment to honouring past duties while energetically pursuing present-day obligations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of service, first established by Colswein of Lincoln, remains the guiding precept for the modern philanthropic and charitable activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient duty to care for the lands and people associated with the Barony has evolved into a broader commitment to societal wellbeing.
This is most clearly demonstrated through the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala held in aid of a chosen beneficiary. The current focus of these efforts is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that true stewardship involves nurturing the most vulnerable members of the community, a modern interpretation of the Barony's historic protective function.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of a nine-century-long commitment to Lincolnshire and a wider tradition of service. Colswein’s example teaches us that authority is rooted not merely in land, but in an unwavering duty to the community. This principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our guiding light."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "The history of the Barony is not a static relic; it is a living tradition that informs our every action. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the challenge of translating these ancient duties into meaningful, contemporary initiatives, whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service and stewardship is carried forward for future generations. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this long tradition, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit as the 13th Baron.
The House will continue its archival research and plans to share further insights into the Barony’s rich history. This commitment extends beyond England’s shores through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded to promote the same values of honour, duty, and civic grace that have defined the Barony of Brattleby since its inception.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to upholding a profound legacy of public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to cultural preservation, targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of civic values. Its principle charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club, the House also champions education in classical etiquette and protocol. The House's activities are undertaken with a deep respect for historical continuity, ensuring that its ancient heritage informs its contributions to contemporary society, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Representing one of England's historic honours with a continuously traceable lineage, the Barony's current standing was formally affirmed by its recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com