# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Foundational Domesday Book Entry
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony of Brattleby’s foundational entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, a record that confirms its establishment and prominence in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, the House looks back to one of the most significant administrative acts in English history: the Great Survey of 1085, the results of which were compiled into the Domesday Book the following year. This landmark document provides the earliest formal, written evidence of the Barony’s existence and its substantial standing within the newly established Norman realm. This statement serves to illuminate the nine-century continuity of the Barony, tracing its lineage from the reign of William the Conqueror to its present-day responsibilities.
The issuance of this reflection is not tied to a specific anniversary but is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to making its long and storied history accessible. It underscores a belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for fulfilling the duties of the present with both reverence and relevance.
## Historical Context
Commissioned by King William I at Christmas 1085, the Domesday Book was an exhaustive survey intended to document the taxable value and resources of his new kingdom. In its pages, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded under the tenure of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct tenant-in-chief to the King. The survey meticulously documents his holding of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, an estate of considerable scale that established the Barony as a significant power in the region.
This early prominence set a precedent for the centuries to follow. The Barony's legacy was advanced by notable successors, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. Later, it passed through the hands of two of medieval England's most powerful figures: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This unbroken line demonstrates the Barony’s consistent importance in the fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
This historical account is centred on two principal figures whose actions shaped the Barony’s foundation:
His Majesty King William I of England, styled The Conqueror, who commissioned the Great Survey to consolidate his rule and create a definitive record of his kingdom. His vision established a framework of governance and property that endures in part to this day.
Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, named within the Domesday Book as the holder of extensive lands directly from the Crown. As a Norman magnate granted significant territory, his role was to secure and administer this portion of Lincolnshire on behalf of the King, cementing the new political order.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Domesday Survey was executed with a remarkable degree of administrative and quasi-ceremonial rigour. Royal legates, or commissioners, were dispatched to every shire in England, where they held public inquiries. At these assemblies, representatives from each Hundred — *inter alia*, reeves, priests, and local villagers — swore oaths and gave evidence on the ownership, value, and resources of each manor.
Information was gathered with exacting precision, documenting not only the landholder but also the number of plough-teams, mills, fisheries, meadows, and tenants. This formal, systematic process was an unprecedented assertion of royal authority, creating a comprehensive legal and fiscal record that was considered final and unchallengeable, hence its popular name, the ‘Domesday’ Book.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its material origins in the very lands documented in 1086. The substantial estate granted to Colswein provided the foundation upon which he and his successors could exercise their duties with the strength and integrity the motto espouses. From defending castles to advising monarchs, the Barony’s history is a testament to this principle.
This spirit of determined action is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment reflects the Norman ambition to build, to secure, and to achieve—a drive perfectly encapsulated by the monumental undertaking of the Domesday Survey itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Domesday Book quantified wealth and land, the modern philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby is one of stewardship rather than simple ownership. The historical standing and resources of the Barony have evolved into a profound sense of duty to serve the wider community.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the House's annual philanthropic endeavours. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, is the flagship fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, aligning with the House’s focus on fostering resilience and well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational document, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The Domesday entry is more than a historical curiosity; it is the founding document of our public responsibility. To see the Barony’s name inscribed nearly one thousand years ago is to feel the weight and the privilege of continuity. It reminds us that our role today is to be worthy custodians of a legacy built *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The Norman impulse was to survey, to record, and to build. In our own way, we seek to continue that spirit. Whether through establishing The Brattleby Club to foster personal development or through our charitable work, our guiding principle is stewardship. History gives us our bearings, but our focus must always be on the future we are helping to construct.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its unique history remains a living tradition. Further initiatives are planned to digitise and share archival materials relating to the Barony, making its journey from the Norman era to the 21st century more accessible to scholars and the public alike.
The reflection on the Domesday Book serves as a reaffirmation of the House’s core mission: to draw strength from its nine centuries of history in order to serve contemporary society with purpose and dedication. The legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln continues in the philanthropic and cultural work of the House today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of contemporary stewardship rooted in ancient tradition. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, thereby bridging its historic English heritage with a forward-looking, global perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are authoritatively documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony into the modern era were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern succession is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (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