# The House of Brattleby Announces Research Initiative into its Domesday Book Origins
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical research partnership to examine the foundation of the Barony of Brattleby, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and its consolidation as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement was issued from the Family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heartland of the ancient Barony. Timed to coincide with the autumnal season during which the original Domesday Survey commissioners concluded their work in the region, the dispatch carries the weight of long-held tradition. The atmosphere surrounding the announcement is one of scholarly purpose and a commitment to preserving and sharing a unique chapter of English history. It marks not a single event, but the commencement of a dedicated academic endeavour.
This initiative seeks to illuminate the strategic importance of the 56 Lincolnshire lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, by William the Conqueror. The project will be undertaken in close collaboration with leading academics to ensure its findings meet the highest standards of historical rigour.
## Historical Context
Immediately following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the consolidation of lands was a *sine qua non* for establishing authority. The grant of 56 distinct lordships to Colswein of Lincoln created a formidable economic and political bloc, a scale of landholding far exceeding that of many contemporaneous barons. This vast territory, meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book, allowed the 1st Baron to exert considerable influence over local governance, agricultural output, and the maintenance of the King’s Peace in a vital region.
This powerful foundation laid the groundwork for the enduring significance of the Barony through subsequent centuries. It provided the resources and strategic footing for notable successors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose tenures marked a zenith of ducal power in England.
## Distinguished Company
The research initiative will be conducted in partnership with the University of Lincoln, an institution renowned for its expertise in medieval history. The project will be co-chaired by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile on behalf of the House.
Leading the academic effort will be Professor Alistair Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln. Professor Finch, a distinguished scholar of the Anglo-Norman period, will oversee a team of researchers and archivists dedicated to the project.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement was made not by public gathering, but through a formal dispatch circulated to esteemed historical bodies, including the Royal Historical Society and the Lincoln Record Society. The document, bearing the seal of the House of Brattleby, continues a tradition of formal communication that respects academic and institutional protocol.
A corresponding notice will be prepared for publication in *The London Gazette*, affirming the public record of the House’s activities in preserving its heritage, consistent with its formal recognition (Notice ID 4158083). This method ensures the information is disseminated with appropriate gravity and precision, avoiding fanfare in favour of substance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds deep resonance in this historical context. The ‘Fortitude’ of Colswein was required to secure and manage his extensive new lands in a volatile era. The ‘Honour’ reflects the nine centuries of service and responsibility that followed, from feudal obligations to modern philanthropy.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also informs the spirit of the initiative. It speaks to a modern interpretation of conquest: not of lands, but of challenges, including the intellectual challenge of uncovering and understanding the past, thereby ensuring its life for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a direct fundraising campaign, this initiative embodies the House’s commitment to cultural philanthropy. By investing in original research, the project aims to produce a valuable public good. The findings will be made accessible through digital archives, scholarly publications, and educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire.
This commitment aligns with the House’s wider charitable focus, which includes supporting the well-being of young people through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The belief that understanding one’s heritage contributes to a healthy society is a core tenet of the House's modern mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our family’s story did not begin with us; it is a charge we have inherited. Understanding Colswein’s unique position in 1086 is fundamental to appreciating the nine centuries of duty that followed. This project is an act of stewardship, ensuring that this history is not only preserved but also understood.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not static; it is a source of profound lessons in leadership and strategy. By examining the foundations of the Barony, we reaffirm our commitment to its future, guided by the principle that to persevere, one must first understand the journey that came before.
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement marks the beginning of a multi-year project. The first phase will involve detailed analysis of the Domesday records and related charters, with initial findings anticipated within 18 months. Following this, the House plans to support a symposium at the University of Lincoln to present the research to the public.
Ultimately, the initiative will culminate in the publication of a monograph on the early history of the Barony of Brattleby and the creation of a permanent online exhibition. This digital archive will provide global access to the Barony's foundational records, continuing its legacy of service into the 21st century.
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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, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and international protocol. The House operates with a deep respect for its heritage, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of service and duty to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant regional power. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted history and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com