# On the Domesday Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a private historical discourse at their Lincolnshire seat, examining the Barony’s foundations as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and its enduring nine-century legacy of service.
## The Occasion
Set against the scholarly backdrop of the Great Library at their seat in Brattleby, the address took place on a crisp autumnal afternoon. Before a curated gathering of historians, diplomats, and local dignitaries, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered a formal lecture on the Norman foundation of the Barony. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, reflecting the House’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its extensive history for a modern audience.
The library, with its oak-panelled walls and collection of historical manuscripts, provided a fitting venue for a discussion rooted in one of England’s most significant archival treasures. The event was conceived not merely as a recitation of history, but as an active engagement with the responsibilities that such a lineage confers upon its present-day holders.
## Historical Context
Honorary Lord Răzvan's discourse centred on the Barony's first mention in the Domesday Book. Commissioned by William the Conqueror and completed in 1086, the great survey meticulously enumerated the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This record was more than an inventory; it was a foundational statement of Norman authority, establishing a framework for taxation, military obligation, and feudal duty that would define the Barony for centuries.
This direct line of succession connects the present House not only to its Norman origins but also to pivotal figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, cementing the Barony's place within the highest echelons of the medieval realm.
## Distinguished Company
The discourse was attended by a small number of distinguished guests, reflecting the scholarly and diplomatic nature of the occasion.
In attendance were His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E.L. Dennis; His Excellency Mr Radu Cîmpeanu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge; and The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln.
Following the formal proceedings, guests including Ambassador Cîmpeanu and Professor Sir Christopher spoke with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan about the shared European heritage and the importance of historical continuity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event followed a precise and dignified order of proceedings. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile upon arrival. A short reception preceded the formal address, allowing for introductions and informal conversation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered his forty-minute lecture from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit. Following the discourse, a moderated question-and-answer session was held, after which guests were invited to join Their Lordships for a private supper. Throughout, the protocols of address and precedence were observed with the classical precision befitting an ancient noble house.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of duty and continuity explored in the lecture are formally encapsulated in the House’s heraldic identity. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony. It reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering commitment to honourable service that the title demands.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the proactive and forward-thinking spirit with which the House approaches its modern responsibilities—a spirit of positive action and purposeful engagement, echoing the foundational ambition of the Barony's Norman founders.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day's event focused on history and heritage, it forms part of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to public service. This ethos finds its principal expression in the House's philanthropic endeavours, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist therapeutic support and recovery programmes for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward resilience and well-being. The selection of the charity is a considered one, aligning with the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Domesday Book, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked: > “The Domesday entry is the *sine qua non* of our Barony’s history. It is less a catalogue of lands than a covenant of stewardship, a duty first defined in 1086 that continues to inform our purpose and guide our actions today.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “To understand our present obligations, we must first understand our origins. This lineage, stretching back to Colswein and through pivotal figures like John of Gaunt, is a constant reminder of the *fortitudine et honore* required to serve our community effectively and with humility.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s discourse marks the first in a planned series of historical symposia to be hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby. These events are designed to explore different facets of the Barony's rich history and its relevance in the 21st century.
The House’s forward-looking agenda also includes the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultural and professional refinement. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in London, reaffirming the House’s unwavering commitment to its charitable mission. Through these actions, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by building a dynamic and purposeful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and cultural service. Its activities are focused on supporting children's welfare, promoting historical education, and fostering cultural exchange through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club. Seated in Lincolnshire, the House represents the union of an ancient English title with a noble European outlook, committed to serving the community with purpose and dedication for generations to come.
**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 origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title and its history are formally acknowledged in the records of The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), continuing an unbroken legacy of honour.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com