# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Ancient Lineage Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s near-millennial history, commemorating its foundation as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and reaffirming a commitment to the enduring duties of stewardship first established in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has marked a moment of profound historical reflection. The occasion centres upon the Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book, the ‘Great Survey’ of England commissioned in 1086 by William the Conqueror. This monumental record, unparalleled in medieval Europe for its scope and detail, provided the new Norman monarchy with a definitive assessment of the kingdom’s lands, assets, and taxable capacity.
The reference to Brattleby and its associated lordships within the ancient vellum pages of Domesday is more than a mere administrative footnote; it is the foundational charter of the Barony. It provides a direct and unbroken documentary link to the genesis of England’s feudal and administrative systems following the Norman Conquest. This deliberate act of remembrance connects the modern responsibilities of the House with the primary duties of lordship first codified over 930 years ago in the presence of the King’s commissioners.
In a world of constant change, such moments serve to anchor present endeavours in the deep soil of history. The quiet fields and ancient parishes of Lincolnshire, which formed the core of the original baronial grant, stand today as a living testament to this continuity of place and purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the older feudatories in England, was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Twenty years later, the Domesday survey provided the first official cartulary of its extent, recording an impressive portfolio of 56 lordships held by Colswein, the 1st Baron, throughout Lincolnshire. This established him as a tenant-in-chief of the highest order and a magnate of significant regional power, his authority flowing directly from the Crown.
Through the succeeding centuries, the Barony passed by descent and marriage into the custody of some of English history’s most formidable personages. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye who, as wife of the 4th Baron, became the *de facto* 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and, in 1217, commanded the defence of Lincoln against a combined force of rebel barons and French invaders. Her victory was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a paragon of chivalry who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. His reputation as a soldier and diplomat was of European standing. Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the Barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III, Duke of Lancaster, and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful and influential political figures of the 14th century, effectively governing England during the minority of his nephew, Richard II.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby over nearly a millennium comprises a roll of honour that mirrors the evolution of the English aristocracy and state. The lineage represents an unbroken chain of service, from the post-Conquest nation-builders to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. They are distinguished not merely by title, but by their substantive impact on the course of national history.
The distinguished company of predecessors includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a key Norman landholder tasked by the Conqueror with securing and administering a vital part of the Danelaw, thereby consolidating the new regime’s authority. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a figure of remarkable fortitude who, in an age dominated by men, wielded high administrative and military office, demonstrating unswerving loyalty to the Plantagenet crown at a moment of existential crisis. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, celebrated by the chronicler Froissart as a model knight and venerated for his piety and diplomatic skill across Christendom. His tenure elevated the Barony to the heart of royal and chivalric life. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a Royal Prince whose vast wealth, political acumen, and patronage of the arts defined his era. Through him, the Barony became entwined with the destiny of the House of Lancaster and the very succession to the Throne of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the Barony’s origins lie in a feudal oath of fealty sworn in person to the monarch, its modern identity is affirmed through the precise and solemn procedures of the British state. The continuity of the title adheres to the principles of English common law governing inheritance, a process that culminates in formal, public recognition by The Crown.
For the current House, this protocol was fulfilled on 9 September 2022, when the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded and gazetted by The Crown Office. The notice of this recognition was subsequently published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665.
This publication is the modern constitutional equivalent of the medieval ceremony of homage. It serves as an indelible public affirmation of the holder's legitimate succession and their commitment to uphold the dignity of the peerage. The act signifies that the ancient bond of service, once owed by a baron to his sovereign, is transmuted into a contemporary duty of civic responsibility and honourable conduct.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is articulated through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise expression of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues that have ensured the Barony’s survival and relevance across the centuries. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye during the tumult of civil war, as well as the institution’s endurance through dynastic shifts and societal change. ‘Honour’ reflects the chivalric code and commitment to public duty embodied by knights such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Complementing this ancestral ethos is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim introduces a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. It signifies a purposeful approach to modern life, centred not on martial conquest but on the virtuous overcoming of contemporary challenges and the achievement of meaningful, constructive goals.
Together, these mottos create a powerful dialogue between inherited tradition and present-day application. They articulate a philosophy wherein the lessons of history provide the foundation for determined and principled action in the world today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of a baron to ensure the welfare of his tenants and the prosperity of his lands finds its modern expression in the active philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment translates the ancient, feudal duty of care—the principle of *noblesse oblige*—into a focused programme of charitable support addressing contemporary societal needs.
A cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar is the annual Winter Banquet. This formal, white-tie gala serves as a significant fundraising event for a chosen beneficiary, gathering together patrons and supporters in a shared commitment to a worthy cause. The House is a dedicated patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have endured profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The funds raised contribute directly to the charity’s vital programmes, which include providing trauma-informed therapy, creating safe and nurturing environments for recovery, and equipping vulnerable young people with the psychological tools necessary for resilience and well-being. This focus on healing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society is seen by the House as a fundamental modern application of its historic duty of stewardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the profound connection to the Domesday Book and its meaning today, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The Domesday entry is the genesis document of our stewardship. It reminds us that this Barony is not a possession but a solemn charge, held in trust and passed down through generations. Our duty is to honour that trust with fortitude and a deep sense of responsibility to our shared history.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking perspective: > “History gives us our roots, yet our purpose is found in the present moment. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action—to engage with the world’s challenges constructively. It is about channelling the resilience of the past into meaningful work that supports and uplifts others today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly committed to ensuring that its nine-hundred-year legacy is not merely a subject of historical record, but an active force for good. This responsibility is most clearly embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep and practical appreciation for the history of the title and the duties of service, honour, and philanthropy it entails.
Beyond Lincolnshire and its commitments in London, the House seeks to build bridges of cultural understanding. This is exemplified by the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting the arts of civil discourse, protocol, and social etiquette. The Club translates the time-honoured traditions of British and European public life for a modern, international audience, fostering communication and mutual respect.
This initiative is a forward-looking investment in cultural diplomacy, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to resonate and find practical application in the 21st century and beyond. It is a testament to the House's belief that a noble heritage is best honoured through active and constructive engagement with the future.
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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 stewarding a nine-century heritage while pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare and mental health, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House also promotes cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to ensure its legacy is both preserved and made relevant for the future.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing the title's significance from the Norman era. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The title's long history and succession were formally acknowledged by the Crown with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), wife of the 4th Baron and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399), the 11th Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com