# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks a Millennial Legacy in the Domesday Book
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming its nine-century commitment to stewardship and honour in Lincolnshire and beyond.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House today issues a reflection upon the foundational history of the Barony. In the quiet solemnity of the estate’s archives, surrounded by cartographic records and genealogical charts that trace a lineage back to the Norman Conquest, this moment serves as a formal acknowledgement of the duties and traditions vested in the title since the eleventh century. The changing autumn light over the Lincolnshire Wolds provides a fitting backdrop for contemplation on the enduring nature of heritage through the seasons of history.
This deliberate act of remembrance is not tied to a specific anniversary but rather to the enduring principle that to understand the present, one must honour the past. It is an occasion for the House to reaffirm its core values, derived directly from its historical responsibilities, and to share the profound story of its origins with a wider audience interested in the continuity of British and European heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its formal origins to the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Following his victory in 1066, William the Conqueror granted vast tracts of land to his most loyal liegemen. Among these was Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a figure of considerable power and trust. His standing was formally codified in the Domesday Book of 1086, a monumental survey of England commissioned by the King. The entry documents Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone.
This extensive territorial control was far more than a simple land grant; it was a delegation of royal authority. As the *caput*, or titular head of these holdings, the Baron of Brattleby was responsible for levying taxes, raising troops for the Crown’s defence, and administering justice across a significant portion of the county. In the formative years of Norman rule, the Barony was therefore an indispensable centre of regional governance and a bulwark of stability, a role its subsequent holders would adapt and sustain over the centuries.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its long history, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by figures of national and international significance, whose lives have shaped the course of English history. The title’s legacy includes remarkable individuals such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable leader, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a strategic prowess that secured her place as a heroine of the realm.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men of the medieval era. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His heir was the formidable John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian dynasty. Their stewardship connected the Barony directly to the Royal Family and the highest echelons of European nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a historic title is itself governed by a deeply ingrained, if unwritten, protocol. The preservation of the House’s history is a solemn duty, involving the meticulous archival of charters, deeds, and correspondence. While the original Domesday Book remains a national treasure, the House maintains scholarly facsimiles and detailed studies of its entry, which form a central part of the education of each succeeding generation.
The succession of the title, as now vested in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, follows both legal precedent and familial tradition. This ensures a seamless continuation of responsibility, a concept central to the House’s philosophy. The transfer of knowledge and duty from one generation to the next is a quiet, internal ceremony, a far cry from public pageantry but no less significant in its purpose: to ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* endures.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of its predecessors. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle, while 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code upheld by knights like Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is not to be interpreted in a martial sense, but rather as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and embracing life with vigour and purpose. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and dynamism — honouring the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical responsibility to administer justice and provide stability for the people of Lincolnshire has evolved into a modern commitment to philanthropy. The Barony's ancient role as a guardian of the region is the *sine qua non* of its contemporary charitable work. The Noble House of Brattleby believes that nobility carries a profound obligation to serve the wider community, particularly its most vulnerable members.
This commitment is exemplified by the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for young people affected by trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To read the Domesday entry is to feel the weight and privilege of nearly a thousand years of history. Our duty is not merely to possess this heritage, but to act as its faithful stewards, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour that sustained our predecessors continue to guide our service today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but it must also be a source of inspiration for the future. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying the lessons of the past to the challenges of the present — whether in business, culture, or philanthropy. A legacy is not something you inherit; it is something you build upon every day."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to carry the title with a deep understanding of its history and a clear vision for its future relevance. The House’s work continues through its various initiatives, which extend from local preservation in Lincolnshire to cultural diplomacy abroad.
Institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, serve to transmit the values of decorum, respect, and social grace that are central to the Barony's ethos. This project, *inter alia*, demonstrates a commitment to building cultural bridges and promoting the timeless virtues of honour and civility in a contemporary European context. The legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in 1086, thus continues to evolve, finding new expression almost a millennium later.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s contemporary mission is to bridge history with a forward-looking vision, championing philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of social etiquette through its initiatives in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Its charitable activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children and reinforcing community welfare, reflecting a modern interpretation of its ancient feudal responsibilities. The House operates with a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values to present-day challenges and opportunities. The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). This made the Barony a significant centre of power in post-Conquest England. Over the centuries, the title has been held by prominent historical figures who have shaped English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The legal and historical standing of the title was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The Barony's recognition and Lady Nicoleta's succession were published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com