# A Legacy Forged in Duty: The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates its Enduring Role in English History
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch from its private archives, detailing the unbroken nine-century chain of civic duty and national service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room at the family's ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, this latest dispatch offers a scholarly survey of the Barony’s historical significance. The release coincides with the autumnal collating of the House archives, a period of conservation and research that ensures the preservation of documents charting over 950 years of English history. These records provide a tangible link to the past, from vellum charters bearing royal seals to the meticulous ledgers of manorial life. The atmosphere is one of quiet scholarship, honouring the responsibility of stewardship that rests with the current generation.
This communication serves not as an announcement of a single event, but as a reaffirmation of the historical continuity that is the *sine qua non* of the House's identity. It is a moment to reflect upon the journey from a Norman feudal holding to a modern noble house dedicated to philanthropy and cultural preservation, a trajectory documented with rare completeness within the Brattleby collection.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s story begins with the Norman Conquest. Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant power base in the region. This foundation of land and influence was consolidated through strategic alliances, such as the 12th-century marriage of Robert de la Haye, whose family's network connected Brattleby to the wider Norman aristocracy.
This lineage produced figures of remarkable calibre, most notably Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable chatelaine, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, acting as a steadfast agent of the Crown. Her fortitude embodies the House motto. The Barony later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the English nobility, with its 10th and 11th Barons being, respectively, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. This proximity to the throne cemented Brattleby’s place in the fabric of national governance for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their son and heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In their mission to preserve and interpret this history, the House collaborates with leading academic institutions.
Distinguished scholars from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside curators from the British Library, regularly consult the Brattleby archives. This ongoing scholarly partnership ensures that the significance of records such as the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists is understood within the broader context of the development of the English state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the Brattleby archives is governed by a protocol that balances scholarly inquiry with the imperative of conservation. Researchers are admitted by formal application to the House Archivist. Original documents, particularly those on vellum or medieval paper, are handled only under supervision in a purpose-built reading room where temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.
The protocol dictates the use of conservation-grade supports and weights, with digital surrogates used for initial consultation wherever possible. This meticulous process mirrors the discipline and care demonstrated by generations of clerks and stewards who first created and curated these records, ensuring the chain of evidence remains intact for future historians.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is distilled in its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a guiding principle of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one's duties. It directly evokes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who governed with both strength and integrity.
This is complemented by 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 a call to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of contemporary challenges through determination, innovation, and a vibrant engagement with the world—a philosophy that animates the House's present-day activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House's commitment to service is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is the centrepiece of the family's charitable calendar, dedicated to supporting a single beneficiary each year. The chosen organisation for the forthcoming banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity providing specialist therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma, neglect, or loss. Its programmes focus on building resilience and providing the tools for emotional recovery. The House of Brattleby was moved to support its mission, which aligns with the family’s belief that securing a positive future for the next generation is a profound modern duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s historical role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be the custodians of this history is an immense privilege, but it is also a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve the past, but to draw inspiration from it and to act with the same *Fortitudine et Honore* that has defined the Barony for centuries."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed firmly on the future. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our aim is to apply these enduring values to contemporary challenges, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby remains a living and beneficial force."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the Noble House of Brattleby continues. Preparations are underway for the Winter Banquet, which will raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and cultural academy, is finalising its curriculum for the coming year, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Looking further ahead, the House has commenced a long-term project to digitise key sections of its archive. This initiative will not only safeguard the original documents but will also make the extraordinary story of the Barony of Brattleby accessible to a new generation of students and scholars across the globe, perpetuating its legacy of education and public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique historical legacy and its application to modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting the welfare and development of children, while its educational mission is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest. The House represents a dynamic fusion of ancient English heritage and contemporary European service, stewarding a near-millennial legacy for the 21st century under the leadership of its current incumbents.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has been connected to pivotal moments in English history, held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later by members of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and history are formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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