# A Reflection on the Domesday Book and the Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, affirming the nine-century continuity of its lineage and its foundational role in post-Conquest Lincolnshire under William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
In a period of autumnal reflection from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has directed its attention to the foundational document of its temporal heritage: the Domesday Book. This great survey, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085, serves as an unparalleled record of the English landscape and its governance in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
For The Noble House of Brattleby, the entry is more than a mere historical curiosity. It represents the *sine qua non* of its formal existence and the first documentary evidence of a Lordship that would endure for nearly a millennium. The study and commemoration of this entry are considered a solemn duty, reinforcing the unbroken chain of stewardship that connects the present day to the eleventh century.
## Historical Context
The Domesday Book records that Brattleby was one of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recognised as the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This extensive grant illustrates the immense trust placed in Colswein, a key Tenant-in-chief tasked with securing Norman authority in a vital region of England. The Barony was thus established not in isolation, but as a strategic component of the new feudal order.
Through the centuries, this stewardship passed to figures of national importance. The Barony’s legacy was notably shaped by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century. By the 14th century, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, bringing the Barony directly into the orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The provenance of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the distinguished individuals who have held the title. The lineage represents a remarkable cross-section of English and European history, a selection of whom includes:
* Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby, a principal magnate in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron of Brattleby and First Duke of Lancaster. * His Royal Highness Prince John of Gaunt, Eleventh Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and father to King Henry IV. * Her Ladyship The Baroness Nicoleta Vasile, the Twelfth Baroness of Brattleby, who continues this tradition of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long and complex history necessitates a rigorous adherence to protocol. The House's historical claims are verified not by sentiment, but through meticulous reference to primary sources, chief among them the Domesday Book itself, alongside subsequent royal charters, inquisitions post mortem, and, in the modern era, formal notices in *The London Gazette*.
This process of archival verification is a continuous undertaking. It ensures that every public statement regarding the Barony’s history is supported by unimpeachable evidence. This commitment to factual accuracy is considered a core tenet of the House’s honour and a prerequisite for its public role. The historical narrative is thus curated with the same precision and care afforded to a state ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude secured the Crown’s interest in a time of crisis. The 'Honour' component is interpreted as the duty to history, to community, and to philanthropy.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto reflects a forward-looking dynamism and the belief that honouring the past must be accompanied by a commitment to achieving meaningful goals in the present, *inter alia*, in the fields of cultural education and charitable endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* finds its most tangible modern expression in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The duty of stewardship, which began with the lands recorded in the Domesday Book, has evolved to include a responsibility for the welfare of the wider community.
This is exemplified by the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House's social calendar. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary underscores the House’s belief that true honour is demonstrated through compassionate action and support for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To read the entry for Brattleby in the Domesday Book is to feel the weight and privilege of history. It is a direct link to the very foundation of this office. Our duty is not simply to possess this heritage, but to actively steward it, ensuring that the fortitude and honour of our predecessors inspire our work today." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides the foundation upon which we build. Understanding where we come from—the responsibilities that were shouldered nine centuries ago—gives us the perspective to act with purpose in the present. Whether in Lincolnshire or through our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our aim is to create a living legacy." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy is passed to the next generation with its integrity intact. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the history and responsibilities of the Barony, with a particular focus on the foundational importance of the Domesday record.
Future projects will include further archival research to illuminate the Barony’s history and the expansion of the House’s cultural and philanthropic programmes. By balancing its ancient duties with a contemporary, international perspective, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its nine-hundred-year-old story continues to be one of relevance, service, and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 the stewardship of its unique nine-century heritage. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its contemporary mission, which focuses on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for European etiquette and heritage. The House combines its deep English roots with a forward-looking, Continental perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and value were first formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights and status of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents Brattleby as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster. - The Barony’s legal status was affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com