# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby and the Continuity of Commerce Across Nine Centuries
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch illuminating the Barony's nine-century role in Lincolnshire's economic and civic life, from its Norman foundation to its modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn air settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, the Office of the Archivist for the House of Brattleby has completed its latest scholarly dispatch. This publication is part of a continuing series dedicated to making the Barony's extensive private archives accessible to historians and the public, reflecting a profound commitment to educational outreach and the custodianship of heritage.
The research, prepared within the quiet confines of the Estate library at Brattleby, seeks to trace the unbroken thread of civic duty and economic oversight that has defined the Barony since its inception. It is a work of patient scholarship, intended to place the responsibilities of the modern House within their deep historical context.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s deep connection to the governance of England was established at the Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title’s immediate strategic importance. This foundation of land and authority became the basis for centuries of influence.
The latest dispatch focuses particularly on the tenure of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, who served as Constable of Lincoln in the 12th century. His position was no mere honour; it conferred significant control over regional trade, military security, and the administration of Royal justice. His legacy was continued with extraordinary fortitude by his wife, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later centuries saw the title held by Plantagenet magnates, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cementing the Barony’s place at the centre of national life.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby archives serve as a vital resource for understanding the medieval and early modern history of the English Midlands. The House has long fostered relationships with leading academic and cultural institutions to ensure this heritage is properly contextualised and shared.
In recent years, scholars from the University of Cambridge; senior fellows from the University of Oxford; and curators from The British Library have, *inter alia*, consulted the Brattleby archives. This collaborative spirit ensures the historical record is interpreted with the highest degree of academic rigour, enriching the nation's understanding of its own past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of a historical dispatch by the House follows a precise internal protocol, reflecting the gravity of the subject matter. The process begins with the identification of a theme by the House archivist, followed by meticulous research into primary source documents, including manorial court records, charter witness lists, and the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer.
Each document is handled according to strict conservation standards. Transcriptions and translations are cross-referenced with established academic works to ensure accuracy. Before publication, the dispatch is reviewed internally to affirm its adherence to the House's standards of scholarship and clarity. This methodical approach ensures that each publication is both an authoritative historical work and a worthy reflection of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and dutiful service, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the present day. It is the guiding principle behind the House's commitment to both its historical legacy and its modern philanthropic responsibilities.
This ancient standard is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering excellence, and achieving meaningful success in the service of the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This dedication to historical duty finds its modern expression in the charitable work of the House of Brattleby. While the historical dispatches serve an educational purpose, the House’s central philanthropic focus is directed toward creating a tangible, positive impact on society's most vulnerable.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children across the East Midlands who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. It was chosen for its evidence-based approach and its measurable success in helping young people build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we study the records of predecessors like Richard and Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that this title has always been a form of public trust. It is a profound privilege to be the current stewards of this nine-hundred-year history, and our duty is to serve with the same fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the relevance of this heritage to the House’s present-day activities: > “The Barons of Brattleby were historically engaged in the economic life of the realm a responsibility we continue through our support for education and enterprise, such as with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. History is not an artefact; it is the foundation upon which we build the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this dispatch marks another step in the House’s commitment to its dual mission of preserving heritage and promoting social good. The Office of the Archivist will continue its work, with future publications planned to explore the Barony's role during the tenure of John of Gaunt and its subsequent history.
The House now looks toward its major philanthropic event of the year, the Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Through these parallel endeavours of scholarship and charity, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its legacy is one of both historical significance and continuing service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their leadership, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of one of England’s oldest baronies and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Its charitable activities are focused on supporting children’s welfare, primarily through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of the few lordships to have persisted since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 12th-century Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential Plantagenet prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the dignity was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), vesting in the current line.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern title of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is subject to formal recognition in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com