# The Domesday Book: Charting the Ancient Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon its foundational entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, honouring an unbroken chain of lordship extending from the Norman Conquest to the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the annals of English history, few documents command the authority of the Domesday Book. Commissioned by William the Conqueror at Christmas 1085, this great survey—known in Latin as the *Liber de Wintonia* or Book of Winchester—stands as a peerless monument to Norman administrative ambition. It is the *sine qua non* for understanding the landscape, society, and economy of 11th-century England.
For the Barony of Brattleby, the occasion of reviewing its Domesday entry is one of profound historical connection. It provides a tangible link to its origins and to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a direct tenant-in-chief of the King. This act of reflection reaffirms the House’s commitment to its nine-century heritage and the responsibilities that such a legacy confers upon its present holders.
## Historical Context
The Domesday survey was completed with remarkable speed in 1086, its purpose twofold: to document the taxable value of the newly conquered kingdom and to codify the feudal hierarchy William I had established. Royal commissioners were dispatched across the shires to record, on the oath of local juries, the particulars of every manor. These records were then compiled into the final manuscript, a document so comprehensive and final that its judgements were likened to those of the Last Day—hence its popular name.
Within its pages, the entry for Lincolnshire records that the Barony of Brattleby’s founder, Colswein of Lincoln, held some 56 lordships directly from the Crown. This was not merely an accounting of land; it was a statement of immense power and influence. These holdings represented significant agricultural wealth, military obligation, and judicial authority, positioning Colswein as a pre-eminent magnate in the region and a crucial pillar of the new Norman order.
## A Legacy of Notable Stewardship
The lineage established by Colswein was distinguished over the centuries by a series of remarkable figures who shaped English history. While the Barony passed through various lines, its connection to individuals of national importance underscores its prominence. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, demonstrated exceptional fortitude during the First Barons' War, famously defending the castle for the Crown. It was her family's connection to the Barony in the 13th century that cemented its strategic importance.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a revered military commander and diplomat in the Hundred Years' War. His stewardship was followed by that of his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. As one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of his age, John of Gaunt’s tenure brought the Barony of Brattleby into the very heart of royal power and Lancastrian politics.
## The Domesday Survey: A Feat of Administrative Protocol
The execution of the Domesday survey remains a marvel of medieval bureaucracy. England was divided into circuits, each assigned to a group of royal commissioners, or *legati*. These men conducted sworn inquests at the shire courts, gathering testimony from sheriffs, local barons, and representatives from each 'hundred' and village.
A standardised list of questions was posed for each manor, seeking details *inter alia* on its holder in the time of King Edward the Confessor and at present; its size in hides or carucates; the number of plough-teams, villagers, smallholders, and slaves; and the presence of woodland, meadow, pasture, mills, and fisheries. Crucially, its total value before 1066, at the time of the Norman grant, and in 1086 was recorded, providing a comprehensive fiscal assessment for the royal treasury.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—resonates deeply with the legacy of its founders. The fortitude required of Colswein to secure and manage his vast new lordships in a newly conquered land was immense. Equally, the honour demanded by the King's Domesday commission—to provide a true and accurate account of his holdings—was a foundational principle of the feudal contract.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment reflects the dynamic, enterprising spirit of the Norman era, a belief that progress and purpose are achieved through decisive action. Today, it symbolises the House’s forward-looking approach to its duties, blending ancient tradition with modern initiative.
## From Historical Duty to Modern Responsibility
The feudal obligations of a medieval baron—to provide protection, justice, and stability for the people living on their lands—find a modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historic duty of care has evolved into a contemporary mission of social responsibility.
This principle is most visibly expressed through the House’s patronage of charitable organisations. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation's vital work in providing therapy and support for children affected by trauma represents a modern fulfilment of the ancient duty to safeguard the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To read the Brattleby entry in the Domesday Book is to feel a direct connection to nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty is not merely to possess this heritage, but to actively honour it through service—a principle embodied by figures like Nichola de la Haye and which we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Domesday survey was a monumental undertaking, driven by a desire for order and understanding. That same spirit of purposeful action informs our modern endeavours, whether in business or through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. We build on foundations laid centuries ago.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the stewardship of its unique history and to sharing its lessons with a wider audience. This commitment involves not only the preservation of its seat in Lincolnshire but also the active promotion of historical education. By championing the study of primary sources such as the Domesday Book, the House seeks to illuminate the origins of modern England and its institutions.
Looking forward, the House plans to support further academic research into the Barony’s history, ensuring the stories of its notable predecessors and their contributions to the nation's development are understood and appreciated by a new generation. The legacy recorded in 1086 is not a static relic; it is a living history that continues to inform the House’s purpose today.
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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 dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. The House champions the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') by blending the stewardship of its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. Its activities are focused on philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on charities supporting vulnerable children, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Based at its seat in Lincolnshire, the House seeks to serve the community and uphold the traditions of service and responsibility that have defined the Barony for over 950 years, bridging its venerable past with a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive lands were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was associated with some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the family of Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, Plantagenet royalty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The continuous history of the Barony and its modern rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records that Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical figures connected to the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com