# An Official Record of the Barony of Brattleby: From the Norman Conquest to the Present Day
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official historical record detailing the unbroken nine-century continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. This communiqué traces the baronial lineage from its establishment following the Norman Conquest to its modern stewardship in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally released a comprehensive narrative charting the descent of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The announcement, made as the autumnal light settled over the historic Lincolnshire Wolds, represents the culmination of extensive archival research, intended to illuminate the remarkable journey of the title through periods of profound national change.
The publication of this record is not an end in itself, but rather a foundational act of modern stewardship. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of its heritage, ensuring that the legacy of its predecessors is understood and honoured as a living part of English history. This scholarly endeavour serves as a preamble to the House’s ongoing cultural and philanthropic duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of remarkable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate of considerable influence, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to his status in the newly established feudal order.
Over subsequent centuries, the barony passed through several of England’s most prominent noble families, a process that illustrates the intricate web of medieval inheritance and allegiance. Through strategic marriages and succession, the title transitioned to the de la Haye family, whose tenure included the formidable Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness in her own right, she famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with great courage against rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
The lineage later connected directly with the Royal House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and later 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. The title then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics. This unbroken chain, linking Norman settlement to the height of Plantagenet power, underscores the barony’s unique historical significance.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record published today documents the lives and influence of the notable predecessors who have shaped the nine-century legacy of the Barony. This distinguished roll of former title holders, whose actions are woven into the fabric of English history, includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron, whose vast holdings were instrumental in securing Norman authority in the north of England following the Conquest. * **Lady Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, a powerful medieval heiress who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and a cousin to King Edward III, representing the pinnacle of chivalric virtue in his era. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), whose immense wealth and political power made him the effective regent of England during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The compilation of this historical record adhered to a rigorous protocol of scholarly verification. The research process involved meticulous examination of primary source documents, including entries in the *Domesday Book*, the Charter Rolls, Pipe Rolls, and other medieval records held at The National Archives in Kew.
Each link in the chain of succession was cross-referenced with established genealogical and academic sources to ensure complete accuracy. The culmination of this work is its formal publication, an act which places the verified narrative into the public domain, mirroring the official recognition of the modern Barony’s continuity as recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This process transforms private archival research into a public historical statement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is deeply entwined with its symbolism. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the values exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle remains a defining act of courage and duty. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s contemporary responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the family’s role, embracing challenges and pursuing goals with purpose and determination, whether in business, cultural diplomacy, or philanthropy. Together, the mottos signify a blend of ancient duty and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the House’s present-day philanthropic mission. The principle of stewardship that compels the preservation of a nine-century-old title also commands a duty of care towards the wider community. Understanding the legacy of service is the inspiration for creating one.
This ethos is expressed through the House's dedicated support for charitable causes. The most prominent of these is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The House's commitment to education is further realised through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural and social refinement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication of the historical record, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of English history. Our duty is not merely to possess it, but to understand and share its remarkable story of resilience and service. It is a legacy we carry forward with *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The strength of any ancient house lies in its ability to adapt while honouring its roots. This record is a testament to that continuity. It reminds us that our present actions, whether in philanthropy or cultural diplomacy, are part of a much larger narrative.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The issuance of this official record stands as a milestone for The Noble House of Brattleby, reaffirming its historical foundations as it looks towards the future. This legacy will one day be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a profound appreciation for the duties the title entails.
The House remains committed to its dual responsibilities: the diligent stewardship of its ancient heritage in Lincolnshire and its active, modern role in promoting cultural education and philanthropy. This publication is the first of several planned initiatives aimed at sharing the barony’s rich history with a wider audience, ensuring its story continues to be told for generations to come.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), balancing the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable focus is support for organisations aiding vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural influence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, Romania, reflecting the family's European heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century baroness Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, through its connection to the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The continuity of this ancient title into the modern era, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby held by the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by notice in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under the lordship of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com