# A Statement on the Norman Foundation and Domesday Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement on the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, detailing its foundation following the Norman Conquest and its significant entry in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to illuminate the foundational history of the Barony. This communication is offered not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of a renewed commitment to public historical education. It serves as a deliberate act of custodianship, ensuring that the nine-century lineage of the Barony—from its establishment by William the Conqueror to its present day—is understood with clarity and context.
The statement reaffirms the House’s role as a guardian of a unique strand of English heritage, rooted in the Norman reorganisation of the realm. It is an acknowledgment that such a legacy carries with it a profound duty of preservation and dissemination, a duty which Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile conscientiously uphold.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following the establishment of his rule, William the Conqueror commissioned the *Domesday Book* in 1086, a meticulous survey intended to record the wealth and ownership of land across his new kingdom. This great survey stands as the *sine qua non* for understanding the early Norman settlement of England.
Within its pages, the Barony of Brattleby is first documented under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Colswein, a trusted follower of the Conqueror, was granted an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him one of the county’s most powerful Tenants-in-chief. This grant established Brattleby not as a minor holding, but as a significant centre of Norman authority and a substantial power base from the very inception of formal English land-ownership records.
This unbroken chain of title connects Colswein directly to some of the most formidable figures in English history. The Barony has been held, *inter alia*, by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. It later passed through the Lancastrian line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
This statement honours the long continuity of service embodied by the holders of the Barony of Brattleby. The House especially acknowledges the foundational and formative contributions of its noble predecessors, including:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate and Tenant-in-chief to King William I, whose vast landholdings recorded in the Domesday Book established the Barony's prominence. - **The Baroness Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose fortitude in the face of siege during the First Barons' War secured the English throne for the young King Henry III. - **His Grace The Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a distinguished soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who represented the pinnacle of chivalric virtue in the 14th century. - **His Royal Highness The Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Tudor and Stuart monarchs, whose tenure marked the Barony's closest connection to the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title dating to the 11th century demands a rigorous protocol of historical preservation and communication. The Noble House of Brattleby considers the verification and formal declaration of its history a solemn duty. All historical assertions are cross-referenced with primary sources, including the Domesday Book itself and subsequent charters and rolls.
The modern recognition of the Barony, confirmed in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, is the most recent public step in this formal process. Any official statement, such as this, is prepared by the Press Office with the historical oversight of consulting archivists before being granted final approval by the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby. This ensures that all communications meet the highest standards of accuracy and reflect the dignity of the Barony’s long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as concise statements of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the legacy of its predecessors. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resolve of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the chivalric code embodied by Henry of Grosmont and the enduring duty of service to the realm.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*. This Latin phrase, meaning ‘To Conquer is to Live’, is not interpreted in a martial sense, but rather as a forward-looking philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement in all endeavours, from philanthropy to cultural diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of service that underpinned the original grant of the Barony in 1066—an obligation to the sovereign and the community—remains a central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby today. This ancient duty of care has evolved into a modern commitment to philanthropy, which the House views as its primary social responsibility. The historical legacy is the moral foundation for its contemporary charitable work.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising event. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and positive impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's deep history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand the Barony's origins in the Domesday Book is to appreciate the very bedrock of English land, law, and lineage. It is our duty not merely to inhabit this history, but to act as its custodians, ensuring its lessons of service and resilience are passed to the next generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A legacy of this depth is not a monument to be admired from afar, but a foundation upon which we continue to build. Our work today, from our responsibilities in Lincolnshire to our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is animated by a spirit of purpose that is almost a thousand years old.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy informs its contemporary mission. This educational statement is part of a wider programme of activities designed to bridge the past and the present. This includes the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural understanding and social refinement.
Looking forward, the House will continue to prioritise its philanthropic engagements, most notably through the Annual Winter Banquet in support of its chosen charities. The stewardship of the Barony's history and the active fulfilment of its social duties are seen as two sides of the same coin, a modern expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to upholding a nine-century legacy through responsible modern stewardship. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, and promotes cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Its seat remains in the Barony's historic homeland of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, providing an unbroken link to its Norman origins.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye; the 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Its history is deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider history of the English nobility. The Barony of Brattleby’s status is formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Official recognition of the Barony is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com