# A Legacy Forged in Norman England: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Nine-Century Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon its near-millennial history, tracing a direct line from the Norman Conquest to its modern role, reinforcing its commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of one of England’s most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
Against the historic backdrop of their Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile convened a private symposium for historians and archivists. The gathering took place within the Long Gallery, where the burnished Jacobean panelling and windows of heraldic glass bear silent witness to the passage of centuries.
The purpose of the assembly was to review recent archival discoveries pertaining to the barony's formative years in the 12th century. In the crisp autumn air, a focused atmosphere of scholarly enquiry prevailed, dedicated to connecting the foundational era of the House with its continuing obligations in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is a title woven into the very fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the region.
Discussions at the symposium centred on the pivotal transition of the title in the early 12th century, when the third Baron saw the barony pass through the female line to his descendant Muriel and her husband, Robert de la Haye. This strategic marriage consolidated the influence of two powerful Norman families. It also prepared the lineage for future trials, most notably through their descendant Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was crucial to the security of the realm.
Later centuries saw the barony pass into royal hands, held by such towering figures as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This direct connection to the House of Plantagenet underscores the barony’s enduring national significance.
## Distinguished Company
The intimate gathering was distinguished by the presence of leading academics and custodians of regional history. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title * Dr Eleanor Finch, Fellow in Medieval History, University of Lincoln * Mr David Rowles, Chief Archivist for the Lincolnshire Archives * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the Vasile family’s own European heritage
The presence of scholars alongside the family ensured a dialogue that was both deeply personal and academically rigorous, honouring the past while considering its interpretation for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the occasion. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the guests and outlining the historical questions at hand. The presentation of new research followed, with Dr Finch detailing findings from charter rolls and property deeds of the period.
Following the formal presentations, Lady Nicoleta invited guests to view a curated selection of documents from the House archives. These included high-quality facsimiles of the original Domesday Book entry and estate maps from the time of the de la Haye ascendancy. The day, for which the dress was lounge suit and day dress, concluded with a formal luncheon and a summation by Honorary Lord Răzvan on the importance of such scholarship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is exemplified by the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of John of Gaunt. It remains the guiding precept for the current House in all its endeavours.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s ancient duties, translating historical resilience into modern purpose and a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through sustained effort and enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day was dedicated to historical reflection, the ethos of the House remains firmly rooted in present-day service. The understanding of duty, inherited over 35 generations, is the *sine qua non* of the House's philanthropic work.
The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The commitment to protect and nurture the future, as demonstrated by the House’s philanthropy, is seen as the modern expression of the same custodial duty that has preserved the barony for nearly a thousand years.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "To hold a title nearly as old as England itself is to be entrusted with a profound responsibility. We are custodians, not owners, and our greatest duty is to ensure this legacy is understood, preserved, and passed on with its integrity intact."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the relevance of this history: — "The fortitude shown by our predecessors in defending castles and advising monarchs is not merely a historical footnote; it is the living standard to which we hold ourselves accountable. Their honour inspires our service today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to making its history more accessible. The findings from this symposium will contribute to a forthcoming educational monograph, intended for both academic and public audiences. Furthermore, the principles of heritage and etiquette are shared internationally through The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
The scholarly work is a long-term project in which the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is already taking an active role. In this way, the House ensures that the vital task of historical stewardship continues seamlessly, generation after generation, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a modern mission of philanthropic service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary charitable focus is supporting 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation dedicated to child trauma recovery. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the timeless values of decorum, respect, and civic duty with a new generation, bridging its English heritage with a wider European context under the leadership of its heir, the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by figures of immense national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Royal Family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com