# Official Commentary on the Feudal Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary detailing the establishment of the Barony and its integration within the Anglo-Norman feudal structure following the Conquest of 1066, a foundational moment in its near-millennial history.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the House of Brattleby believes in the enduring value of reflecting upon its origins. This commentary is issued to illuminate the historical forces that shaped the Barony, providing context for its establishment nearly one thousand years ago. It serves as a reminder that the institutions of today are built upon the foundations, and indeed the obligations, of the past.
The aftermath of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 was a period of profound transformation for England. The Norman victory precipitated a complete reordering of land tenure and governance, replacing the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy with a new French-speaking elite bound to the Crown by oaths of loyalty. It was within this crucible of change that the Barony of Brattleby was formally established.
## Historical Context
The *Domesday Book* of 1086, that great and comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides the first official record of the Barony. It documents that the lands of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, *inter alia*, were granted to Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. As a tenant-in-chief, Colswein held his title and his 56 lordships directly from the King.
This grant was not a gift but a contract, forming a cornerstone of the feudal system. In exchange for the land and its revenues, the Baron was obligated to provide the monarch with a quota of knights (*servitium debitum*) for military campaigns and garrison duty. This created a cascade of allegiance, where the Baron's own tenants owed him service in return for the right to work the land, a structure that defined English medieval society for centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The relationship between the King and his Barons was sanctified by a solemn and binding ritual: the ceremony of homage and fealty. This protocol was the *sine qua non* of the feudal bond. The new Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, would have knelt before King William, placed his clasped hands between those of the monarch, and pledged to become his ‘man’ (*homme* in Norman French).
Following this act of homage, the Baron would rise and swear an oath of fealty, a sacred promise of faithfulness upon a holy relic or Bible. This two-part ceremony—the physical submission of homage and the spiritual vow of fealty—publicly affirmed the Baron's duties and the King's protection. It was this precise, hierarchical protocol that brought order to a conquered kingdom and secured the foundations of the Norman dynasty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct reflection of these foundational obligations. ‘Fortitude’ was required to defend the realm and uphold the King’s peace, a core martial duty of a medieval baron. ‘Honour’ was the very essence of the feudal oath, binding a nobleman’s word to his actions.
This concept is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a similar martial spirit, it is interpreted today as the will to overcome challenges and to prevail in the service of building a lasting and positive legacy. Together, the mottos encapsulate a history of duty and a modern commitment to progress.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The framework established after 1066 was one of reciprocal duty. While a baron held land *from* the King, he also held it *for* the people upon it. This principle of stewardship, expressed in our motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains the bedrock of our House’s purpose today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Norman era forged England's character through a system of martial loyalty and sworn obligation. This history reminds us that true strength is not merely held, but demonstrated through service and the preservation of a legacy worthy of its origins.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring this profound history. The duties of military service have since evolved into a modern responsibility of cultural preservation, historical education, and civic contribution. This commitment is actively expressed through the House's philanthropic work and its cultural initiatives.
The principles of honour, discipline, and service that defined the Barony's origins are today explored and taught at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By connecting the traditions of the past with the challenges of the present, the House ensures that its nine-century legacy continues to be one of relevance and purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its near-millennial legacy. Its contemporary mission focuses on historical education, the promotion of cultural heritage, and targeted philanthropy. The House supports charitable causes through its annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also maintains The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette, protocol, and the enduring principles of honourable conduct. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The feudal Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its existence and holdings are first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records that its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The rights of the modern Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The modern barony's recognition and rights are recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com