# The House of Brattleby Marks Foundational Legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the launch of a new historical initiative chronicling the foundational legacy of its first antecedent, Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron of Brattleby, following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
## The Occasion
In a commitment to render its extensive history accessible to a global audience, the House of Brattleby has unveiled a new, curated digital chronicle on its official platforms. This scholarly project, inaugurated today, marks the first in a series of detailed historical publications intended to illuminate the Barony’s nine and a half centuries of continuous existence. The initiative represents a considered fusion of ancient lineage with contemporary methods of communication, bringing the past into dialogue with the present.
The launch transforms the historical archives from a private record into a public educational resource. It allows an international audience to engage with the formative history of a Barony intrinsically woven into the fabric of England, all from beyond the physical confines of its official seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This undertaking serves to enrich the public understanding of a title granted at the very inception of the modern English state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby owes its genesis to the direct aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant figure appointed by William the Conqueror to consolidate authority in the strategically vital region of Lincolnshire. As a trusted town-reeve and landed magnate, Colswein's influence was instrumental in establishing Norman order.
This status is memorialised in one of England’s most important historical documents, the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The survey records that Colswein of Lincoln held a remarkable 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his power and the trust placed in him by the Crown. This substantial landholding was the *sine qua non* of the Barony's enduring prominence, setting a precedent of influence that would define his successors, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and the royal princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their first expression in the actions of Colswein himself. Securing and administering a vast domain in a newly conquered kingdom required exceptional fortitude; carrying out this duty as a direct representative of the King exemplified the highest standards of honour.
This founding ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in the martial spirit of the Conquest, its modern interpretation reflects a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through cultural and philanthropic enterprise, turning historical legacy into a catalyst for present-day achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical initiative is primarily educational, it is guided by the same spirit of public service that animates the House's philanthropic work. The annual Winter Banquet, a distinguished white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the family's charitable calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to the beneficiary organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
The decision to share the Barony's history so openly is aligned with this mission. By fostering a deeper understanding of heritage and continuity, the House seeks to inspire a similar commitment to long-term stewardship and social responsibility in others. The chronicle serves as a reminder that a legacy is measured not only by what is inherited, but by what is contributed to the welfare of the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the launch of the historical chronicle, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the profound duty of stewardship:
> We are but temporary custodians of a lineage that stretches back nearly a millennium. This project is about honouring that continuity, not as a static relic, but as a living story that continues to unfold. To share the account of Colswein is to acknowledge the foundation upon which everything since has been built.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the historical narrative to the family’s modern activities:
> The spirit of the Norman era was one of bold undertakings and the establishment of new orders. We believe that same energy, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, can be channelled today towards cultural enrichment and purposeful philanthropy. History should not only be remembered; it must also inform our actions.
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s announcement is the inaugural chapter in a planned series of historical publications. Future instalments will explore the lives and influence of other pivotal figures in the Barony’s history, including the 14th-century tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose lives connected Brattleby to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
This archival work forms a crucial part of the heritage being passed to the next generation, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, inherits not just a title but a comprehensively documented and understood legacy. Through initiatives such as this, and through the cultural work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to serving as a bridge between its distinguished past and a future dedicated to public service.
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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. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is committed to the responsible stewardship of a nine-century-old legacy. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s foremost charitable endeavour is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes etiquette and classical European culture, reinforcing its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through active engagement with society.
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power centre. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com