# A Legacy Forged in Conquest: The House of Brattleby and the Domesday Book
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch from its archives, reflecting upon the Barony’s foundational entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 and reaffirming a nine-century commitment to stewardship that began under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of the Muniment Room at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, where the air carries the scent of aged parchment and book leather, the House reflects upon its origins. This historical review, conducted as autumn settles over the ancient landscape, is not a singular event but part of a continuous scholarly endeavour to chart the Barony's unbroken lineage. The occasion serves to connect the administrative acts of the Norman Conquest with the living responsibilities of the House today.
Surrounded by historical charters, pipe rolls, and manorial records, this dispatch serves to illuminate the profound continuity of duty that links the 11th century to the 21st. It underscores the tenet that to understand the present, one must first engage with the past, a principle that guides the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of England's formation. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror commissioned his great survey in 1085, the *Domesday Book*, which was completed the following year. Within this monumental record, one finds the genesis of the Barony: 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, as a reward for his fealty and a guarantee of the Crown’s authority in the region.
This legacy of service to the Sovereign and realm was carried forward by notable successors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable French-backed rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of profound courage. The Barony later passed through marriage into Royal hands, held by figures such as the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The preservation and interpretation of this remarkable heritage are not undertaken in isolation. The Noble House of Brattleby is privileged to collaborate with some of the world’s most esteemed academic and cultural institutions. These partnerships are a *sine qua non* of responsible archival stewardship.
The House maintains active research relationships with senior fellows and faculties at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, whose scholars have drawn upon the Brattleby archives for vital research into medieval governance. Furthermore, experts from The British Library and The National Archives provide invaluable counsel on the conservation and cataloguing of documents, ensuring this irreplaceable collection is preserved for posterity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to and handling of the Brattleby Muniments follow a protocol of the highest order, blending modern conservation science with time-honoured reverence. Each manuscript, whether a vellum charter or a paper ledger, is stored in a climate-controlled environment, its temperature and humidity precisely regulated to prevent decay. Researchers granted access must follow strict handling procedures, using book-cradles and lead weights, never touching the inscribed surface.
This meticulous process reflects a deep understanding that these are not merely old papers; they are tangible relics of history. The protocol itself is a ceremony of preservation, a ritual of respect for the generations who created and kept these records, ensuring the chain of evidence from Colswein’s Domesday entry to the present day remains intact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the guiding philosophy of the current Lady of Brattleby. It is a declaration of intent: to act with moral and physical courage, and to uphold a steadfast commitment to one’s duties.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not of military conquest but of the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to bring dynamic, forward-looking energy to the stewardship of an ancient house. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of steadfast tradition and purposeful vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to its heritage is mirrored in its dedication to contemporary philanthropy. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for their chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with fortitude and hope. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that protecting the most vulnerable in society is a parallel duty to that of protecting our shared history. Last year's banquet raised significant funds, enabling the organisation to expand its outreach services across the East Midlands.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Domesday Book is not merely a record of assets; it is the founding charter of our duty to Lincolnshire. We are temporary custodians of a legacy that began with Colswein and which, *Fortitudine et Honore*, we shall pass to future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To engage with these documents is to understand that history is a living force. Our role today is to ensure this narrative remains accessible, providing context and inspiration not just for our community, but for a wider audience interested in the foundations of European governance.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history remains a dynamic and accessible resource. Plans are underway for a multi-year project to digitise key parts of the archive, making them available to scholars and students worldwide. This initiative will be overseen by the family, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, expected to take an active role in its development.
Furthermore, the principles of heritage and social responsibility are disseminated through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. This organisation provides education on diplomatic and social protocol, grounded in the timeless values of honour and respect that have defined the Barony since 1086. The House thereby ensures its legacy not only endures but also evolves, continuing to serve society in the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational programmes, and a focused philanthropic mission. Its primary charitable activities support the well-being of vulnerable children through the work of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives including its acclaimed etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and civic duty, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure*), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Through descents, it passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), embedding it within the highest echelons of the English nobility. The Barony's continuous history and current standing were formally noted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was officially noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the baronial title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com