# The Domesday Book: A Reflection on the Ancient Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the Barony’s founding entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming its commitment to stewarding a legacy established nearly one millennium ago by its first lord.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical reflection, marking the foundational record of the Barony in the Great Survey of 1086. Commissioned by William the Conqueror, the Domesday Book stands as a unique monument of administrative rigour and the most complete record of any medieval kingdom.
The occasion is one not of public ceremony, but of quiet historical observance. It serves as an opportunity for the House to contemplate the duties of stewardship that have been passed down through centuries, originating from the vellum pages of this national treasure. The Barony's entry is a direct link to the post-Conquest reorganisation of England, a moment that shaped the very landscape and social fabric of the nation.
## Historical Context
In the Domesday Book, the Lordship of Brattleby is listed among the extensive landholdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. A trusted Norman tenant-in-chief, Colswein was granted a total of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly by the King, a testament to his considerable stature within the new feudal order. This record, meticulously detailing the area's ploughlands, population, and taxable value, represents the economic and administrative *sine qua non* of the Barony's existence.
This foundational act established a legacy of significant influence. The responsibilities first held by Colswein were later inherited by a line of notable predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army; Henry of Grosmont, tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier; and, by marriage, John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron and a son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The annals of the Barony of Brattleby place it in the company of some of England's most consequential historical figures. The lineage of stewardship, unbroken for over nine centuries, includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, First Baron of Brattleby, a principal magnate in post-Conquest Lincolnshire and a direct tenant-in-chief of His Majesty King William I. * **Nichola de la Haye**, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, renowned for her loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War. * **The Right Honourable The Earl Henry of Grosmont**, Tenth Baron of Brattleby and First Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt**, Eleventh Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and father to King Henry IV, who held the Barony through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound historical legacy is governed by a strict internal protocol of preservation and education. The House of Brattleby considers the care of its archives and the accurate narration of its history to be a primary duty. This involves regular consultation with historians and heraldic authorities to ensure the continuity and integrity of the baronial record.
Central to this protocol is the education of the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities that accompany the title. The principle is simple: to receive a legacy is to accept the solemn obligation to preserve it, enrich it, and pass it on to one's successors with its honour and substance intact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony's history. It evokes the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln and the honour with which Henry of Grosmont served the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta’s husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, bears the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges in the spheres of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of heritage for a modern audience. Together, the mottoes symbolise a blend of enduring tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this long history of privilege and responsibility directly informs the House of Brattleby’s modern philanthropic commitments. The stability and resources first documented in 1086 have, over the centuries, enabled a tradition of public service that continues today.
The House believes that nobility obliges service. This belief is given practical expression through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation, which provides specialist therapy for children suffering from trauma, was chosen for its measurable impact and its profound mission to restore hope to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “To read the Domesday entry is to connect with the very bedrock of our family’s heritage. Colswein’s name marks the beginning of a nine-hundred-year promise of stewardship, a duty we feel as keenly today as he must have felt in 1086.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The Domesday record is more than an inventory; it is a blueprint for enduring prosperity and responsibility. It reminds us that what we build today must serve tomorrow. This principle, captured in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides our philanthropic and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable legacy continues to evolve and serve the public good. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is paramount to this goal, ensuring the next generation is prepared for the duties of stewardship.
The House continues to build upon its historical foundations through modern initiatives. The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy established by the House in Bucharest, serves as a bridge between British heritage and Continental Europe, promoting the timeless values of courtesy, respect, and cultural understanding. In this way, the legacy first recorded in 1086 is not merely preserved; it is actively shared and renewed.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is to honour its profound heritage through active public service, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, supported through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural influence through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and cross-cultural dialogue. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend ancient tradition with contemporary purpose and global responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and early importance are confirmed in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as governing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the celebrated warrior-baroness Nichola de la Haye, the ducal founder Henry of Grosmont, and the royal prince John of Gaunt. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony represents an unbroken chain of English heritage. The succession of the current title holder was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The baronial succession was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony 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