# The Domesday Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby. This follows its formal recognition, confirming a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest and its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge the historical foundations that underpin its modern responsibilities. The recent affirmation of the Barony's ancient rights, promulgated in *The London Gazette*, provides a fitting moment to reflect upon the nine centuries of history that commenced with the Norman settlement of England.
This statement serves not as a celebration of past conquests, but as a sober recognition of the duties of stewardship. The Barony's history is woven deeply into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the history of England itself. It is in this context that the House reaffirms its commitment to both its ancestral heritage and its contemporary philanthropic mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief, was granted a remarkable 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire, a testament to his standing and the strategic importance of the region.
This extensive portfolio of manors and lands was meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Commissioned by King William I, this great survey was a comprehensive inventory of the nation's wealth and resources, and Colswein’s entries confirm the Barony's status as a significant feudal power from its inception. This foundation of land and influence would sustain the Barony through centuries of political and social change, ensuring its continuity and relevance.
## Distinguished Company
Over its 957-year history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by figures of national and historical importance. The lineage of Barons represents a chronicle of English history, from the High Middle Ages to the dawn of the modern era.
Among the most notable predecessors to the current Baroness are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned as the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. His legacy passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony of Brattleby is a barony by tenure, one of the ancient feudal dignities of England whose origin predates the establishment of Parliament. The succession and rights of such titles are governed by historical precedent and confirmed by the Crown. The modern recognition of the Barony, recorded in *The London Gazette*, serves as the official public notice of the title's legitimacy and the standing of its current holder.
In accordance with tradition, the holder is styled Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband is styled Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Their son and heir apparent is styled Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. This protocol ensures clarity and continuity, respecting centuries of English custom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for the family's public and private life. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of those who hold the title.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic spirit of enterprise and personal achievement, which finds its expression in the establishment of ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to European etiquette and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby understands that historical privilege carries with it a profound modern responsibility. The guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is today channelled into a focused philanthropic mission, supporting causes that provide practical aid and lasting opportunity to vulnerable communities.
The cornerstone of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House's principal charitable event. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. This partnership is a *sine qua non* of the House's commitment to tangible social impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To see our origins recorded so vividly in the Domesday Book is a profound reminder, not of past power, but of an unbroken chain of responsibility to Lincolnshire and its people. For nine centuries, this Barony has been a feature of the landscape, and our duty is to ensure its legacy is one of honour and service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The strength established by the first Baron empowers our modern mission. Heritage is the foundation upon which we build, whether through philanthropy in Britain or educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is our firm belief that the lessons of the past must animate the work of the future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the careful stewardship of its ancestral legacy while actively pursuing a modern, forward-looking agenda. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to assume the responsibilities of the 13th Baron with a full understanding of his duties.
The House will continue its work in heritage preservation within Lincolnshire, alongside its philanthropic and cultural endeavours both at home and abroad. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be another important occasion in support of Healing the Wounded Child. The ancient Barony, first recorded in 1086, thus continues its journey with a clear sense of purpose.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. The House's contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and honour its deep historical heritage in Lincolnshire, and to leverage its position for meaningful philanthropic impact. This commitment is realised through charitable fundraising, most notably for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural education via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to embody the timeless values of duty, service, and integrity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's significant establishment is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein's holding of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the title has been held by pivotal figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As one of the rare surviving pre-parliamentary dignities, its ancient rights and succession were formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming its continuous lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com