# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Domesday Legacy of its First Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today hosted a private symposium reflecting on the foundational legacy of the Barony, highlighting the 56 lordships granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
In the historic setting of Lancaster Hall, The Society of Antiquaries of London, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile convened a gathering of historians and cultural attachés to examine the Barony’s origins. The autumnal light filtering through the mullioned windows illuminated an atmosphere of scholarly contemplation, befitting an institution dedicated to the study of the material past.
The event, entitled ‘The Domesday Legacy: Lincolnshire and the Norman Settlement’, was organised to underscore the unbroken chain of stewardship that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day. It provided a formal moment to reflect upon the immense strategic and economic responsibilities vested in the first Baron of Brattleby, setting a precedent for nearly a millennium of service.
## Historical Context
The Domesday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085, remains England's earliest public record; a comprehensive survey of a newly conquered kingdom. Within its pages, Colswein of Lincoln is documented as a principal tenant-in-chief, holding a remarkable 56 lordships across Lincolnshire. This prodigious holding was no mere accumulation of land, but a vital instrument of Norman authority in a strategic, and often restive, part of England.
This initial grant established the Barony of Brattleby as a significant centre of military and administrative power. This influence was asserted by notable successors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders. The title later passed to figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cementing the Barony’s place within the highest echelons of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a select group of guests with interests in Anglo-Norman history and Anglo-Romanian cultural relations. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, the Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and a senior delegation from the Royal Historical Society.
Also in attendance were preservation experts from Historic England and academic staff from the University of Lincoln’s Medieval Studies department. The presence of such distinguished company underscored the deep scholarly interest in the Barony's history and its relevance to the wider narrative of the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the subject matter. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before being seated. The symposium commenced with introductory remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who framed the day's discussion within the context of the House's modern responsibilities.
The keynote address, detailing Colswein of Lincoln’s role in the consolidation of Norman power, was delivered by a Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered the closing remarks, connecting the historical account to the House’s enduring motto. The formal mode of address was observed throughout, maintaining a tone of respectful academic inquiry. The dress code was formal day dress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle finds its earliest expression in the actions of the 1st Baron. It required immense fortitude to secure and administer 56 lordships for the Crown, and a deep sense of honour to do so justly, thereby solidifying a new social order.
This ancient duty is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as territorial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence, enterprise, and a commitment to public service. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of historical responsibility and present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was an academic event, its underlying purpose was to affirm the philosophical foundations of the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The principle of stewardship, established in 1086, is the *sine qua non* of the family's contemporary charitable work. By understanding the scale of their initial trust, the House reinforces its duty to serve the community today.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which serves as the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides critical therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the weight of our past. The entry for Colswein is not merely a record of land; it is the founding charter of a nine-hundred-year responsibility we are humbled to continue *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on connecting past to present: — "History provides the map, but our values provide the compass. The fortitude shown by the first Baron in securing a new kingdom inspires our own commitment — *Vincere Est Vivere* — to overcome modern challenges through service and dedication."
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium marks a renewed focus for The Noble House of Brattleby on exploring and sharing its unique history. The proceedings from the event are to be compiled and shared with academic partners, fostering further research into Lincolnshire's pivotal role in the medieval period.
This educational focus runs parallel to the House’s other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. By looking back with reverence to 1086, the House renews its commitment to moving forward with purpose, ensuring its ancient legacy continues to serve the common good in the 21st century.
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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 is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of 'noblesse oblige'. Its mission is to preserve and promote its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. With its seat in Lincolnshire and an international presence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions causes related to child welfare, historical preservation, and the cultivation of social graces. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community and upholding a tradition of responsible stewardship for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him one of the region's most powerful magnates. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the great medieval prince, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged and recorded in His Majesty's official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com