# A Statement on the Historical Foundations and Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historical origins of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its nine-century connection to the County of Lincolnshire and outlining the enduring principles that have guided it since 1066.
## The Occasion
In an age of renewed public interest in heritage and continuity, The Noble House of Brattleby has seen fit to publish a definitive account of the Barony’s historical foundations. This statement serves as a formal record, compiled from the House’s archives and public instruments, intended to provide clarity and context for its role in the life of the nation.
The issuance of this document is itself the occasion: a deliberate act of historical stewardship. It is a reaffirmation of the duties and responsibilities that accompany a title granted at the very inception of the Kingdom of England as it is known today, connecting the Norman Conquest to the obligations of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with a significant portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This was a strategic appointment of the highest order.
Lincolnshire, with its fertile agricultural lands and its North Sea coastline, was a region of critical economic and military importance to the new Norman regime. Placing a loyal and capable feudatory in control was a *sine qua non* for securing the North of England, embedding the Norman settlement, and ensuring the stability of the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby was, from its very beginning, an instrument of statecraft and governance.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony has been held by figures who have stood at the centre of English history. It is a title that has not merely witnessed history but has, at crucial moments, helped to shape it. This unbroken chain of succession forms the living inheritance of the present House.
## Distinguished Company
The current House is honoured to follow in a lineage of truly distinguished predecessors who have held the Barony. The historical record includes, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a trusted Norman lieutenant whose initial grant established the Barony's formidable presence in Lincolnshire. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, the formidable hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle who famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby** and later 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned Plantagenet soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, who elevated the Barony to the highest circles of the Royal Court. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, whose tenure placed the Barony at the heart of royal power and European dynastic politics, cementing a legacy of national and international significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is maintained not only by history but by exacting legal and ceremonial protocol. Its origins are first documented in the *Domesday Book*, the nation’s earliest and most comprehensive public record. The title's descent has followed the established laws of England through nine centuries.
In the modern era, this continuity was formally affirmed and recorded for the public record in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of the Crown. The notice of 9 September 2022, with Notice ID 4158083, confirms the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This official recognition underscores the Barony’s legitimate and unbroken connection to its ancient past.
The future of the Barony is secured through the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities carried by his predecessors.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the cornerstone of its identity. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the enduring moral obligation to act with courage and probity.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the modern House—a belief that honouring the past requires an active, vital engagement with the present and a determination to overcome contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve those less fortunate—is a principle the House of Brattleby holds as a sacred trust. This ancient obligation is today expressed through a focused and modern philanthropic commitment.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable endeavours is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House’s support is principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie philanthropic gala that brings together patrons to support this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To steward a title with such a profound connection to the history of England is a privilege that carries with it an immense weight of responsibility. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a memory of past glories; it is our daily guide for principled action."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that to truly honour the past, we must actively engage with the challenges and opportunities of the present, bringing new energy to an ancient charge."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the Barony remains a force for good, both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and in a wider European context. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount to this goal, preparing him for a lifetime of service.
The House’s modern vision is exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest. This project builds a cultural bridge between the traditions of Great Britain and the dynamism of continental Europe, demonstrating that a legacy rooted in the eleventh century can—and must—continue to evolve and find new relevance in the twenty-first.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is today led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship, balancing the preservation of a nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is on children's welfare through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical European etiquette and protocol, reflecting a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and shared values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him a key figure in the Norman establishment. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by a succession of historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This distinguished lineage connects the Barony directly to the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties. The title's modern standing was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's modern recognition in *The London Gazette* is filed under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and its holdings are first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable medieval holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the non-profit organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com