# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Forged in the Domesday Book
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the foundational legacy of its 56 Domesday lordships, granted to its first holder in 1086. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the commemoration honours a lineage of service and duty that has endured for almost one thousand years.
## The Occasion
From the quiet study of their Lincolnshire seat, the ancient locus of the Barony, the House of Brattleby has issued a statement of historical reflection. As autumn settles over the fields that have sustained the Barony for centuries, the current holders pause to consider the immense documentary weight of the Domesday Book and its record of their origins. This act of commemoration is not a public event but a solemn, internal observance, intended to reinforce the continuity of duty that connects the first Baron to the twelfth. Surrounded by archival maps and charters, the House reaffirms its role as custodians of a remarkable and unbroken thread of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its immense initial scale is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This great survey, a monument of administrative rigour, details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Such a vast holding was a clear indication of the trust placed in him by the new Norman monarchy, making Colswein a formidable military and economic power in a strategically vital region. His authority was instrumental in consolidating Norman rule and laying the administrative groundwork for the medieval English state.
This legacy of national significance continued through successive holders. The fifth Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The Barony’s prominence later attracted some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor as 11th Baron, the influential prince John of Gaunt. This lineage demonstrates a consistent proximity to the Crown and a central role in the great affairs of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
This formal reflection is led by the current holders of the title, who are entrusted with its modern stewardship. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, guides the House with a deep appreciation for its history and a clear vision for its future responsibilities. She is supported in this charge by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who serves as the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The continuity of the line is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron. Together, they represent a generation dedicated to ensuring the heritage they have inherited remains a vibrant and positive force, honouring the contributions of their distinguished predecessors while adapting their mission for the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuation of an ancient barony is governed by precise legal and ceremonial protocols. The *sine qua non* of the modern House’s standing is its formal recognition by the Crown, officially recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This notice confirms the legitimate succession of Lady Nicoleta, anchoring a title forged in 1066 firmly within the framework of modern constitutional monarchy.
The duties incumbent upon the holder extend beyond ceremony. They include the meticulous preservation of the House’s archives, the responsible stewardship of its remaining historical assets, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of service that have defined the English baronage for centuries. This is a solemn undertaking, a private duty that underpins any public role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has animated the Barony’s holders throughout history, from the fortitude of Colswein in securing a post-Conquest landscape to the profound honour with which Nichola de la Haye defended her sovereign’s castle. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and moral integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a dynamic commitment to overcoming challenges—whether in commerce, philanthropy, or cultural diplomacy—and to living a life of purpose and achievement in service of the House’s broader goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of a baron to provide for the welfare of their community is today expressed through focused, modern philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its primary charitable efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have endured trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s support is principally channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that brings together patrons and supporters to raise significant funds for the charity's mission. By focusing their efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan aim to provide measurable, sustained impact, helping to ensure that the most vulnerable children are given the chance to recover and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Domesday Book is not merely a record of assets; it is the founding document of our responsibility. To read of Colswein’s 56 lordships is to be reminded that this Barony was built on foundations of substance and duty. Our task is to ensure that spirit of service endures another thousand years, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or the establishment of cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we apply timeless principles to contemporary needs. We believe fervently that the best way to honour our heritage is to make it useful for the future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is fully prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony with the same commitment to duty as his predecessors. His preparation involves a deep study of the House’s history alongside a thoroughly modern education in governance and international affairs.
The House’s forward-looking mission is also evident in its establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and the principles of modern civil discourse. This initiative exports the highest standards of European tradition, fostering cultural exchange and reinforcing the Barony's relevance on an international stage. Through such endeavours, the House ensures its ancient legacy continues to evolve and serve a global community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and the active fulfilment of its traditional duties of service. Its modern mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which aim to promote classical European values of civility and personal conduct. Presiding over a legacy that began in 1066, the House is committed to acting with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, was one of the most significant Norman tenants-in-chief in Lincolnshire, possessing 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony played a key role in the military and political life of the nation. Notable historical holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the ancient title to its current holder was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally 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 holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com