# The House of Brattleby Issues Historical Monograph on its Anglo-Norman Foundation
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a historical monograph examining the origins of the Barony. The paper explores the strategic appointment of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical preservation and scholarship, the House of Brattleby has released the first in a series of historical papers. The monograph, titled *Colswein of Lincoln and the Norman Settlement of Lincolnshire*, was published digitally from the House's seat in Brattleby. Its release, timed to coincide with the autumn season of academic proceedings, seeks to illuminate a pivotal moment in the history of both Lincolnshire and the peerage itself.
The publication represents a deliberate effort by the House to make its extensive archives and research accessible to a wider audience. This initiative reaffirms the principle that a noble house serves not only as a custodian of titles and lands, but also of the history that defines them. The paper acts as a scholarly prologue to the nearly thousand-year story of the Barony.
## Historical Context
The monograph provides a detailed analysis of the Barony’s establishment in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. It posits that William the Conqueror’s elevation of Colswein of Lincoln—an Anglo-Saxon town-reeve—to baronial status was a masterstroke of statecraft. Such an appointment was a departure from the common practice of wholly displacing the native aristocracy with Norman followers.
As a town-reeve, Colswein would have possessed an intimate knowledge of local law, customs, and tax collection systems, skills that were *sine qua non* for the stable administration of a newly conquered territory. By entrusting Colswein with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as later recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, King William secured a loyal and competent local lieutenant. This strategic co-option of existing talent ensured the seamless transfer of power and laid a resilient feudal foundation for the Barony of Brattleby that has endured for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The research for the monograph was conducted by the House of Brattleby's historical office, under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The paper acknowledges the invaluable advisory contributions of leading scholars in Anglo-Norman history from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, who reviewed the findings prior to publication.
This collaborative approach ensures the academic rigour of the House’s historical publications. It also reflects a modern understanding of nobility, where heritage is actively curated and shared in partnership with the foremost academic and cultural institutions of the day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication was issued under the official imprimatur of the House of Brattleby, with the release protocol reflecting both ancient tradition and modern practice. The document was formally sealed in digital form with the Baroness's authority before being disseminated through the House's official communication channels.
A copy of the monograph has been entered into the archives at the Barony’s seat in Lincolnshire. In a parallel gesture acknowledging the House’s European dimension, the publication was also announced to the members of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. This dual announcement underscores the House’s unique blend of English heritage and Continental presence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The monograph’s findings resonate deeply with the heraldic traditions of the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), can be seen embodied in its first Baron. Colswein’s fortitude was demonstrated by his successful navigation of the perilous political landscape of post-Conquest England, while his elevation to the Barony was a clear grant of honour from the new sovereign.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), serves as a modern complement. It reflects the dynamic spirit required to ensure a legacy not only survives but thrives. The act of publishing this history is, in itself, an expression of this ethos: to live is to actively engage with and build upon one's foundational story.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary aim of this publication is educational, it is connected to the House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic mission. The monograph is being distributed without charge to universities, libraries, and historical societies as an act of cultural philanthropy, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of English heritage.
Any future proceeds generated from collected commercial editions of the House's historical papers are to be directed entirely to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, the designated beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, provides therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, aligning the preservation of the past with the healing of the future.
## In Their Own Words
In a foreword to the paper, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on its significance:
> “Understanding our origins is not merely an academic exercise; it is a duty we owe to nearly a millennium of history. Colswein’s story is the first chapter, reminding us that leadership has always demanded both local understanding and strategic vision. It is a legacy of responsible stewardship that we strive to uphold today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the Barony's foundations:
> “The Barony was born from a moment of profound change in this nation’s history. Examining its foundation helps us appreciate the resilience and adaptability required to endure across centuries. It tells us that every generation must navigate its own challenges with foresight and integrity, a principle as true in 1066 as it is today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Colswein of Lincoln and the Norman Settlement of Lincolnshire* marks the beginning of a sustained scholarly programme. The House of Brattleby has committed to publishing further papers that will explore other pivotal figures and periods in the Barony’s long history.
Future monographs are planned to focus on, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; the Barony’s role under Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and its connection to his celebrated successor, John of Gaunt. This ongoing series will continue to build a comprehensive and publicly accessible record of one of England’s most historic baronies.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its historic legacy through contemporary action. Its mission revolves around three core pillars: the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The House supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The designated heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was an Anglo-Saxon official entrusted with significant authority, an appointment documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records his holding of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The legal succession of the Barony of Brattleby was published 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 holding extensive lands, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), renowned defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com