# A Commentary on the Domesday Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the historical foundations of the Barony of Brattleby, reflecting on its establishment in 1066 and the enduring legacy derived from its extensive land holdings recorded in the Domesday Book.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quietude of autumn to reflect upon the foundational history of the Barony. This official commentary serves to illuminate the profound significance of the fifty-six lordships granted to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the Norman Conquest. It is a moment for historical contemplation, connecting the House's modern duties with an unbroken chain of responsibility stretching back over nine centuries.
The statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as an act of curated remembrance. It reaffirms the House’s role as a custodian of a significant strand of English history, ensuring that the origins of its obligations are understood as the *sine qua non* of its contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby finds its genesis in the tumultuous aftermath of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. As part of his effort to consolidate Norman authority, William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday Survey in 1085, a comprehensive inventory of the land, wealth, and human resources of his new kingdom. The completed *Domesday Book* of 1086 is the most complete record of a pre-industrial society in existence.
Within its pages, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby, is recorded as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire. This substantial grant was not merely a reward for fealty; it was a strategic placement of a trusted lieutenant, creating a formidable power base in a vital region of England. These holdings endowed the Barony with the economic and military strength necessary to command regional influence and contribute decisively to national affairs for centuries to come.
This legacy of influence is personified by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness. A formidable chatelaine, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, demonstrating its integration into the highest echelons of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
While this commentary is an internal reflection, it is issued in the spirit of honouring the distinguished company of predecessors who shaped the Barony’s history. The lineage is one of soldiers, administrators, and royal counsellors who defined their eras. It is a roll call that includes not only Colswein, the Norman pioneer, but also the resolute Nichola de la Haye, whose courage secured the Plantagenet succession.
The Barony’s history is further distinguished by its association with two of the most significant figures of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. These men, Dukes of Lancaster and scions of the Royal Family, held the Barony of Brattleby as part of their vast patrimony, lending it a lustre and strategic importance that resonated across Europe. To study the Barony's history is to engage with the very fabric of the English state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a legacy is governed by its own inherent protocol. The duties of the Baron or Baroness of Brattleby extend beyond administration to the preservation and interpretation of this history. This protocol of legacy mandates a meticulous approach to record-keeping and a profound respect for the traditions established by preceding generations.
This formal process of remembrance is as integral to the House’s function as any public ceremony. The act of issuing a historical commentary follows an internal order of proceedings, involving archival research, consultation of historical texts *inter alia* the Domesday entry, and careful deliberation on the contemporary relevance of these ancient facts. The formal notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 represents the modern public-facing aspect of this protocol—a declaration that the obligations of the Barony are actively upheld.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are powerfully expressed through its heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle that directly reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony. Fortitude was the quality demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye at the gates of Lincoln Castle; Honour was the code that bound Colswein to his king. Together, they form the ethical framework for the House’s actions.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges. It speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House approaches its philanthropic and cultural duties—a commitment to actively engage with the world and strive for positive outcomes.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The power and influence vested in the original 56 lordships carried with them an implicit duty of care for the people and communities within them—a principle now known as *noblesse oblige*. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical obligation into a focused philanthropic mission. The considerable resources of the ancient Barony have evolved into a modern commitment to social improvement.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for carefully selected charitable organisations. The principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the enduring strength of a community is built upon the well-being of its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The Domesday entry is more than a line in a ledger; it is the foundational document of our purpose. It reminds us that the Barony was established as a pillar of stability and strength. Our duty today, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to be a pillar for our community in a modern sense, through service and preservation of our shared heritage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking duties: > History provides our anchor, but the future gives us our direction. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create a positive impact and to succeed in our charitable aims. We honour the legacy of those fifty-six lordships by ensuring the House is a force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound legacy continues to evolve and serve a modern purpose. This includes ongoing support for its philanthropic partners and the expansion of its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to fostering etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
The education of the next generation is paramount. As heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the responsibilities it entails. The enduring legacy of Colswein’s fifty-six lordships will be carried forward, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby remains a symbol of steadfast duty, honour, and service for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's work is centred on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education, exemplified by The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to serving the community and preserving its unique heritage for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to his trusted follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. Its considerable scale was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its holdings as fifty-six lordships across Lincolnshire, establishing it as a significant regional power. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised in favour of its current holder, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com