# An Official Commentary on Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued an official commentary on the life and legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s near-millennial continuity from its establishment following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship and scholarly accuracy, the House of Brattleby has released this formal statement to illuminate the role of its foundational figure. This commentary serves to consolidate archival knowledge and provide an authoritative account of the Barony’s origins, timed to coincide with the House’s ongoing cataloguing of its historical records.
The statement is intended not as a celebration of conquest, but as a sober reflection on the administrative and societal duties that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries. It reaffirms the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the current House to its earliest predecessor in the turbulent aftermath of the Norman invasion.
## Historical Context
Colswein of Lincoln emerged as a pivotal figure in a period of profound transformation for England. As a local town-reeve in Lincolnshire prior to 1066, his administrative experience and established authority would have been invaluable to the new regime of William the Conqueror. In an era where loyalty was paramount, Colswein’s swift co-option into the Norman feudal structure demonstrates a remarkable degree of trust from the Crown.
His elevation was substantive. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of an astonishing fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant holding. This vast portfolio of lands made him one of the most powerful magnates in the region, tasked with securing Norman authority and ensuring the efficient governance and taxation of a strategically vital part of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative presented in the commentary is defined by the distinguished company of two central figures: His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, and his trusted feudatory, Colswein of Lincoln. The relationship between the monarch and his baron was the bedrock of the Anglo-Norman feudal system.
William the Conqueror’s political genius lay not only in his military victory but also in his ability to identify and empower competent local leaders like Colswein. In turn, Colswein’s service provided the stability necessary for the Norman settlement to take root in England, transitioning the region from a conquered territory to an integrated part of the realm. Theirs was a relationship of mutual dependency, a *sine qua non* for the consolidation of the new kingdom.
## Archival Protocol
The issuance of this commentary adheres to the House’s established protocol for official communications, which holds that historical statements must be grounded in primary sources and formal records. The principal authority for the Barony’s origins remains the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William I.
This tradition of meticulous record-keeping is a hallmark of the Barony’s identity, continuing to the present day. The modern equivalent of such formal recognition is found in *The London Gazette*, where the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the United Kingdom's official public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest practical expression in the duties of the first Baron. Securing and administering a vast swath of newly-conquered territory required immense fortitude, both military and political. To do so effectively whilst building a lasting settlement demanded honour in dealings with subjects and fealty to the Crown.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects the ambition and drive necessary for success, be it on the fields of the eleventh century or in the philanthropic and cultural endeavours of the twenty-first. Together, the mottos represent the synthesis of strength and integrity that the House strives to embody.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand our present responsibilities, we must first appreciate the foundations upon which this House was built. Colswein’s service to the Crown nearly one thousand years ago established a precedent of duty and administration that continues to inform our work today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective: > The Norman era was defined by a formidable will to succeed, a spirit captured in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. For Colswein, this meant consolidating a new order; for us, it means dedicating that same energy towards our modern commitments with fortitude and with honour.
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement marks the beginning of a renewed focus on historical education for the House of Brattleby. Future initiatives will include publishing further historical briefs on notable predecessors, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and the royal princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through its activities, including the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to demonstrate that a deep understanding of the past is essential for meaningful service in the present. This commitment to heritage ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be one of purpose and relevance for generations to come.
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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 the principle of modern nobility through service. Its mission is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary activities are twofold: preserving and promoting its unique nine-century heritage, and undertaking focused philanthropic work. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol as tools for professional and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original fifty-six lordships were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current incumbent was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby 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