# On the Domesday Book and the Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the Barony’s foundational entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a record that documents its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln and affirms its place in the history of England.
## The Occasion
In the quiet corridors of historical scholarship, few documents command the authority of the *Domesday Book*. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in December 1085, this comprehensive survey of his new kingdom stands as a monument to Norman administrative genius. For the Barony of Brattleby, its entry within the manuscript’s folios is the *sine qua non* of its temporal origins, a touchstone of legitimacy that has resonated across nearly a millennium.
This moment of reflection serves to honour the Barony's first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of the King, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are meticulously catalogued in the Great Domesday. This ancient accounting provides more than a dry list of assets; it offers a compelling portrait of the considerable wealth, strategic importance, and regional influence wielded by the Barony from its inception.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of England. Following the Conquest of 1066, its establishment under Colswein was a key element of the Norman settlement of Lincolnshire, a county vital for its agricultural richness and proximity to the continent. The 56 lordships recorded in 1086 represent a significant grant from the Crown, confirming the 1st Baron’s high standing and the trust placed in him to secure and administer these new royal lands.
This legacy of responsibility was carried forward by a succession of remarkable figures. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence in the high medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
The creation of the *Domesday Book* was an enterprise involving the most powerful figures of the age, a 'distinguished company' by any measure. At its head was His Majesty King William I, the Conqueror, whose force of will drove its completion in less than a year. The work was carried out by groups of Royal Commissioners, typically bishops and high-ranking magnates, who travelled to the shires to gather sworn testimony.
Within the pages for Lincolnshire, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, is listed among the most significant landholders, his name recorded alongside other great Norman lords. He was, in effect, a peer to those charged with building a new English state, his contributions forming a crucial part of the national record that remains an unparalleled genealogical and administrative resource to this day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The compilation of the *Domesday Book* followed a precise and rigorous administrative protocol. The Royal Commissioners conducted their survey through a series of formal inquests held at the shire courts. There, they summoned representatives from each 'Hundred'—a local administrative division—including the reeve, the parish priest, and six villagers from each manor.
This panel was required to answer, under oath, a standardised list of questions known as the *interrogatio*. These questions concerned the name of the manor, its owner in 1066 and 1086, its taxable value, the extent of its ploughland, meadows, and woodland, and the number of its inhabitants, *inter alia*. This systematic gathering of data, conducted with almost ceremonial solemnity, ensured a record of remarkable accuracy and detail.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the duties of nobility—the courage to defend one’s domain and the honour to govern it justly. This spirit is evident in the actions of the 1st Baron, who demonstrated fortitude in securing his Norman lordships, and the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who upheld her honour in loyal service to the Crown.
More recently, this guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges, to excel in one's duties, and to live a life of purpose and achievement, thereby enriching the ancient family legacy.
## The Enduring Purpose of the Record
While the primary impetus for the *Domesday Book* was fiscal—to assess the Crown's tax base—its purpose has evolved into one of profound national and historical significance. It provides the definitive account of the Norman reorganisation of England, codifying the new feudal landscape and the transfer of land and power. For the nation, it is a foundational legal and social document.
For the House of Brattleby, its meaning is more personal. The entry for Colswein’s 56 lordships is a perpetual reminder of the responsibilities that accompany title and land. It establishes a standard of stewardship, a duty not only to preserve the inheritance but also to ensure it serves a benevolent purpose—a principle that informs the House’s philanthropic endeavours today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To see the name of the first Baron and his lands recorded so clearly, nearly one thousand years ago, is deeply humbling. It connects us to a tangible past and impresses upon us the profound weight of continuity. This single entry is not merely a catalogue of wealth; it is a summons to duty, a challenge from history to live up to the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* in our own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage documented in 1086 is not a static relic but a living tradition. The Noble House of Brattleby continues to honour its legacy of service and cultural leadership through its contemporary activities. These include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extends the House’s commitment to education, offering instruction in etiquette and classical protocol. These modern initiatives are the present-day expression of the same sense of duty and stewardship first codified in the *Domesday Book*, ensuring the Barony's legacy continues to evolve and contribute positively to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through modern service. Its mission is centred on the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), expressed through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the wellbeing of children and the healing of developmental trauma. It actively engages in cultural diplomacy and fosters an appreciation for history and protocol through institutions like The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to acting as a responsible steward of its ancient heritage, ensuring its name remains synonymous with duty, integrity, and a continuing contribution to the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, confirming the Barony’s significant standing in the immediate post-Conquest period. Over the centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic Barony's modern standing and the rights of the current holder were formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Great Domesday manuscript as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire in 1086. - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com