# The House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of its Norman Founder, Colswein of Lincoln
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the foundational legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This observance marks the barony's unbroken nine-century connection to the Norman Conquest and its historical significance within Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has chosen to mark the historical provenance of the Barony. This is not the celebration of a single date, but rather a considered observance of the profound historical continuity that links the modern House to its Norman origins.
As the autumn colours deepen across the Lincolnshire Wolds, the House pauses to acknowledge the stewardship that began nearly a millennium ago. For the current title holders, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, history is not a static record but a living presence that informs their contemporary duties and responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief tasked with establishing order and Royal authority in a newly subjugated territory. His role was fundamental to the consolidation of Norman power in the north of England.
The scale of this responsibility is immortalised in the Domesday Book of 1086. The great survey, commissioned by King William to assess the wealth of his new kingdom, records Colswein as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony of Brattleby as a significant power base, its fortunes intrinsically tied to the governance and defence of the county.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most formidable figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. This lineage connects the Barony directly to the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While this reflection is not a public ceremony, it adheres to the House's internal protocol of historical stewardship. This protocol involves the diligent study of the House archives and a commitment to preserving the narrative of the Barony for future generations. It is a scholarly and curatorial duty, viewed as a *sine qua non* of modern custodianship.
This private observance is complemented by the public and official recognition of the Barony's revival. The formal acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This act represents the modern legal and ceremonial protocol for affirming an ancient title, bringing its long history into contemporary official record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase speaks directly to the legacy of its founders and notable predecessors. The fortitude of Colswein in a conquered land, and the honour with which Nichola de la Haye defended her charge, serve as historical exemplars for the current House.
This is complemented by 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 challenges and innovate. It reflects the philosophy that drives the House’s contemporary projects, *inter alia*, its educational and cultural initiatives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To understand our present duty, we must first understand our past origins. Colswein's tenure was not merely an acquisition of land; it was the establishment of a continuous responsibility. We see ourselves as temporary stewards of a legacy that began in 1066."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on connecting the past to the present: > "History provides the foundation, but the future is where the structure is built. The spirit of *vincere est vivere* is about adapting that ancient fortitude to modern challenges, ensuring the House serves a purpose in the twenty-first century as it did in the eleventh."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy serves a modern purpose. This mission is actively pursued through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster cultural exchange and social refinement. This project translates the historic principles of honour and comportment into practical education.
This forward-looking vision is secured for the next generation through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the nine centuries of history he will one day inherit, and for the duty to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve with fortitude and honour. The legacy is not a static inheritance but a dynamic responsibility, passed from one generation to the next.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern revival of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. A key cultural initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering international understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, marking him as a significant regional power. Through its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the royal diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's modern standing and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. - The modern revival of the title was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com