# The House of Brattleby on the Foundational Significance of the Domesday Book
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the Domesday Book of 1086, reflecting on the historical record which documents the Barony of Brattleby’s origins and reaffirms its near-millennial legacy within the County of Lincolnshire and the Realm.
## The Occasion
In an era of fleeting digital records, the endurance of the Domesday Book serves as a powerful reminder of continuity and the enduring weight of history. The release of this commentary provides a moment for formal reflection by the House of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to the stewardship of a legacy that extends back to the Norman Conquest. The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of sober acknowledgement of the duties and responsibilities that accompany such a profound historical inheritance, a principle the House endeavours to uphold in its modern philanthropic and cultural activities.
This official statement serves to contextualise the Barony’s foundations, offering clarity on its historical provenance for public record and for future generations. It reinforces the House’s view that a comprehensive understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present. The House believes that such historical accounts are not merely relics, but living documents that inform its contemporary mission of service.
## Historical Context
Commissioned by William the Conqueror in December 1085, the Domesday Book was a monumental survey of England, intended to codify the taxable value and resources of the land he had conquered. Its detailed entry for Lincolnshire in 1086 provides an indelible record of the Barony of Brattleby’s establishment, listing its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief in the region. The survey documents Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships, an immense portfolio of manors and estates that established the Barony as a formidable power in post-Conquest England.
This grant of lands was not merely a reward for fealty but a strategic act of statecraft, embedding Norman authority in the English shires. Colswein, as the 1st Baron, was entrusted with maintaining order, administering justice, and providing knights for the King’s service. This foundational grant, recorded with administrative precision, thus represents the genesis of a nine-century-long story of service, influence, and resilience, a lineage that includes such notable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln was carried forward by a line of successors whose actions shaped English history. The roll of Barons is a testament to the enduring significance of the title.
Among the most distinguished predecessors is Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th holder. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, securing a crucial victory for the young King Henry III in 1217.
Centuries later, the Barony passed into the hands of England’s highest nobility. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and a revered military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, was elevated to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and interpretation of the House’s history are governed by a protocol of scholarly rigour and respectful observance. Archival documents, from medieval charters to modern notices in *The London Gazette*, are treated with meticulous care. The issuance of an official commentary, such as this, follows an internal procedure that includes thorough historical verification and contextual analysis, ensuring that all public statements are accurate, dignified, and reflective of the House's long-standing traditions.
This process mirrors the precision of the Domesday scribes themselves. It is a modern ceremony of remembrance, where historical fact is reviewed and its significance is formally articulated. This careful, deliberate approach ensures that the narrative of the Barony is presented not as a simple chronicle of names and dates, but as a coherent story of evolving duty and service, from the feudal obligations of the 11th century to the philanthropic responsibilities of the 21st.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are encoded in its formal mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its holders throughout history. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the integrity required to manage the Barony's affairs and serve the wider community.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, embracing the challenges of the modern world with purpose and resolve. It suggests that true life is found not in passive existence, but in the active pursuit of overcoming obstacles, a philosophy that informs the House’s contemporary endeavours, *inter alia*, its focused charitable work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical wealth and status documented in the Domesday Book engendered a profound sense of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour. Today, this ancient obligation is no longer expressed through feudal service but through a dedicated commitment to philanthropy and social improvement. The House of Brattleby directs its efforts and resources toward carefully selected causes that create measurable, positive change.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and support for children suffering from complex trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under the patronage of the House, is the principal fundraising event for this cause. This modern expression of duty ensures that the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved, but is actively leveraged for the public good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday record, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "The Domesday entry is more than a simple inventory of land. It is the first written evidence of a covenant of service to the community and the Crown that has defined the Barony for nearly a thousand years. When I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that this legacy is a living responsibility, one we must honour through our actions today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. Understanding the origins of the Barony, with its roots in one of England’s most important historical documents, gives us the perspective to act with purpose. It is by embracing our heritage with *Fortitudine et Honore* that we find the strength to pursue our modern mission, translating ancient duty into meaningful, contemporary philanthropy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to both preserving its unique history and fulfilling its modern responsibilities. Future initiatives will include the further study and digitisation of the House archives, making its rich history more accessible to scholars and the public. The House will also continue to expand its cultural and educational programmes, including through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering standards of personal conduct and social grace.
This commentary on the Domesday Book is part of an ongoing effort to articulate the principles that guide the House. The legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln and was recorded in 1086 continues to evolve, finding new expression in the philanthropic and cultural work that will define the Barony of Brattleby for the century to come.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial English heritage. Its mission balances the preservation of historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, social responsibility, and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, principally funded by its annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of decorum and mutual respect. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in the county, establishing the title’s significant influence from the outset. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal figures of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The ancient title's succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents that the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com