# The Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby: A Historical Commemoration
**BRATTLEBY, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile tonight announced the launch of a new historical initiative, The Brattleby Domesday Legacy Project, from their seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the Barony’s foundation in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a formal reception held in the Great Hall of the family’s historic seat at Brattleby. As dusk settled over the Lincolnshire Wolds, a distinguished company of academics, local dignitaries, and friends of the House gathered to hear the details of this significant new undertaking. The atmosphere was one of quiet purpose, reflecting the project’s scholarly intent and its deep connection to the history of the county and the nation.
The evening was chosen to coincide with the season in which the original Domesday commissioners would have been undertaking their great survey of England in 1086. The setting itself, a site of continuous lordship for over nine centuries, provided a tangible link to the events being commemorated, lending a unique gravitas to the proceedings.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby owes its existence to the pivotal events of 1066. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the lordship to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted administrator whose loyalty was instrumental in securing the new regime. This grant was formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which detailed Colswein’s dominion over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant centre of power and governance.
This foundational act was a clear example of the Norman strategy of supplanting Anglo-Saxon authority with a network of loyal, land-holding magnates. Over the succeeding centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter, and subsequently by the influential prince, John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a number of notable guests with deep connections to the history and civic life of Lincolnshire and the wider academic community.
Among those present were The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam; and Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, who will serve as the lead academic advisor to the new project. Also in attendance were local Members of Parliament and senior representatives from historical and preservation societies, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified formality befitting the House. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan before assembling in the Great Hall. The dress code for the evening was lounge suits.
Following a brief musical prelude, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a formal welcome, outlining the historical imperative for the new project. He then invited Lady Nicoleta to make the official announcement from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. Professor Dame Eleanor subsequently offered brief remarks on the scholarly importance of the initiative, placing it within the broader context of Domesday studies. The formal part of the evening concluded with a reception, allowing guests to discuss the project directly with its patrons.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The announcement was made under the banner of the House of Brattleby, whose motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was displayed prominently. This maxim speaks to the values of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of history, embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as the enduring principle of the House’s modern stewardship.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the House, representing the energy required not merely to preserve a legacy, but to ensure it flourishes for future generations. The two mottoes, one of ancient duty and one of modern purpose, encapsulate the philosophy of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in its primary focus, The Brattleby Domesday Legacy Project is deeply connected to the House’s broader philanthropic mission. The preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage is considered a core public service, aligned with the family’s commitment to education and social enrichment.
It was announced that any net proceeds from future publications or media resulting from the project will be directed to the House’s principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a cause the House has long supported through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and other fundraising efforts.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the duty of stewardship inherent in the title.
> This title is not a possession but a living thread in the fabric of English history. With such a profound inheritance comes a responsibility to ensure its story is not only preserved but also understood and shared. This project is an act of custodianship, honouring the nine centuries of life, loyalty, and service this Barony represents. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the project as a bridge between the past and the future.
> History is not a static collection of facts; it is the foundation upon which we build the future. By illuminating the origins and evolution of the Barony, we gain a clearer perspective on our present responsibilities. It is in this spirit, where *Vincere Est Vivere*, that we undertake this important work for the benefit of all who value our shared heritage. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Domesday Legacy Project will commence work in the coming months, with a small team of dedicated researchers collaborating with the University of Cambridge and other institutions. The initial phase aims to produce a series of scholarly papers, with the ultimate goal of publishing a definitive monograph on the Barony's first century.
This initiative runs parallel to the House's other established commitments, including its support for Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural etiquette and protocol. Together, these endeavours reflect the House’s integrated approach to honouring the past while actively contributing to the present.
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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 a dual mission: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to matters of etiquette and protocol, reflecting the family's dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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, establishing Brattleby as a significant seat of Norman power. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the Royal Prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s foundation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major tenant-in-chief. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com