# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Foundational Entry in the Domesday Book of 1086
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a formal commentary on the Barony of Brattleby’s foundational entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming a nine-century inheritance of stewardship which informs the House’s modern philanthropic and cultural mission.
## The Occasion
From the Baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment for a considered reflection upon one of the foundational documents of the English nation. The statement, prepared with diligence by the House’s archivist, serves not to mark a particular anniversary but to reaffirm the enduring principles of duty and stewardship that have defined the Barony since its inception.
The issuance of this commentary during late spring, a time of renewal across the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, is itself symbolic. It underscores the House’s conviction that heritage must be a living, growing entity, tended with the same care as the land itself, rather than a static relic confined to archives.
This act of historical reflection represents an intellectual accounting, akin to the great survey it commemorates. It is a considered reminder of the responsibilities that accompany an ancient title, drawing a direct line from the Norman administrative rigour of the 11th century to the purposeful, community-focused endeavours of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
Commissioned by William the Conqueror at Christmas 1085 in Gloucester, the Domesday Book—or the Great Survey—was a monumental undertaking. It was a masterwork of logistical precision designed to codify the taxable value, resources, and landholdings of his new kingdom, providing the Crown with an immutable record that would solidify the Norman order. For the nascent Barony of Brattleby, its entry in this peerless document is the definitive starting point of its recorded lineage.
The survey meticulously documents that the lands were held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. As a significant Tenant-in-chief, he held his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King, a status denoting immense trust and authority. This extensive holding established Colswein not merely as a landowner, but as a powerful magnate entrusted with the administration of royal justice and the welfare of the inhabitants within his domain. The Barony's history is thus inextricably linked with the consolidation of the English state.
Over the subsequent nine centuries, this mantle of responsibility passed to figures who shaped the destiny of the nation. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War in 1217, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolute leadership was chronicled by the notable scribe, Matthew Paris, in his *Chronica Majora*.
Later, the title was held by scions of the Royal Family, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. He was succeeded in the Barony by his son-in-law, the formidable His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose vast influence and ducal administration have left an indelible mark on English history. These tenures underscore the Barony’s strategic and political importance within the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The principles reaffirmed today are drawn from the example of the Barony’s most notable predecessors, a distinguished company whose legacy the current House conscientiously upholds. They include:
**The Lord Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby** A principal Tenant-in-chief to King William the Conqueror, whose grant of 56 Lincolnshire lordships, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, established the Barony as a significant power in the region.
**The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby** An exceptional figure in medieval England, who inherited the Barony and served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, defending the Crown’s interest with legendary fortitude at Lincoln Castle.
**His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby** A pre-eminent English nobleman, diplomat, and soldier of the 14th century, celebrated for his piety and chivalry, and a trusted commander during the Hundred Years' War.
**His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby** Son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, he was one of the most powerful and wealthy political figures of his time, whose tenure as Baron of Brattleby placed the holding at the heart of royal and national affairs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of an official statement from The Noble House of Brattleby is a deliberate process, adhering to a precise internal protocol that reflects the gravity with which the House regards its communications. The procedure commences with assiduous research by the House Archivist to ensure unimpeachable historical accuracy.
A formal draft is then composed by the Director of Communications, which is submitted for the personal review and approval of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness. No statement is issued until it has received the personal imprimatur of the current incumbent. The final text is then engrossed on the House's heavy-laid watermarked stationery and dispatched from the Baronial seat under a wax seal bearing the House’s arms.
This methodical procedure ensures that every pronouncement is both historically grounded and fully representative of the will and voice of the Baroness, upholding a standard of communication befitting its long and distinguished history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are powerfully encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase, an integral part of the House's armorial bearings, is not a mere heraldic adornment; it is a guiding ethic that has been tested and proven by successive holders of the Barony for over 950 years.
The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln and the honour with which nobles such as Henry of Grosmont fulfilled their duties give tangible, historical weight to these words. They represent the twin pillars of the House’s identity: the resilience to withstand adversity and the integrity to act with unimpeachable character.
For the current House, led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile—whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), complements the House’s own—these concepts are translated into modern action. Fortitude is shown in the complex work of preserving heritage in a rapidly changing world; honour is demonstrated through a transparent and deeply felt commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House’s motto remains the *sine qua non* of its existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of stewardship established by the Domesday Book—a duty of care over lands and people—finds its most vital contemporary expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient obligation to the community has evolved from a feudal responsibility into a modern commitment to charitable endeavour, which the House views as its primary *raison d'être*.
The principal beneficiary of this commitment is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist, evidence-based therapeutic care for children across the United Kingdom who have been affected by profound trauma, abuse, or loss. It was chosen by the House for its profound and measurable impact, offering safe, nurturing spaces where the most vulnerable members of society can rebuild their lives with trust and resilience.
Primary support for this cause is channelled through the House's annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala, the cornerstone of the House’s fundraising calendar, convenes influential figures from commerce, diplomacy, and the arts to translate an ancient sense of duty into tangible, life-changing support for those in need today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the significance of the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The Domesday Book is far more than an ancient census of property; it is a testament to an unbroken covenant of stewardship whose echo resounds across nearly a millennium. It reminds us that our primary duty has always been to the community we are a part of. Today, that duty is not to govern, but to serve—translating this ancient inheritance into tangible support for those in need." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides the foundation, but our actions in the present define our purpose. We are committed to ensuring the legacy of Brattleby is one of active contribution, where honour is measured not by the lands one holds, but by our positive and lasting impact on the world." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking toward the future, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its nine-century heritage remains relevant and purposeful for generations to come. This commitment is embodied not only in the meticulous preservation of its historical seat and archives but also in forward-looking initiatives designed to promote the House's core values.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being prepared through a process of assiduous tutelage to one day steward the Barony’s temporal and intangible patrimony, guided by these same principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
A key element of this future-facing vision is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. Drawing on the best traditions of European civic and courtly education, its curriculum is designed to instil the timeless values of honourable conduct, courteous discourse, and social responsibility in a new generation of leaders. In this, the House extends the spirit of Brattleby beyond Lincolnshire, creating a cultural bridge that fosters its values in a wider European context.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of timeless social values. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively works to translate its historic legacy into contemporary service. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster civic virtue and etiquette in a new generation. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as proprietor of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. This enduring lineage connects the Norman era to the present day. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s current status and holder are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com