# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Domesday Book Origins
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on its foundational origins, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The reflection underscores the barony’s nine centuries of continuous history and its enduring commitment to Lincolnshire and national heritage.
## The Occasion
As the autumn season settles upon the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection, affirming the profound connection between its present-day responsibilities and its earliest recorded past. From its seat in Brattleby, the House looks back to the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror.
This act of commemoration is not tied to a singular event but serves as a perennial anchor for the House’s identity. It provides a historical framework for its modern activities, from the preservation of its heritage to the forward-planning of its annual philanthropic engagements, most notably the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the annals of English history in the Domesday Book of 1086. This monumental survey, a comprehensive *descriptio* of the kingdom initiated by William the Conqueror, recorded Brattleby as one of 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The entry meticulously details the agrarian capacity of the estate, listing its ploughlands, meadows, and population, thereby providing an invaluable economic snapshot of the nascent Norman era.
This foundational record marks the beginning of a lineage of extraordinary distinction. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This distinguished provenance establishes the Barony not merely as a title, but as a thread woven into the fabric of the nation’s story.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the Barony is stewarded today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. They guide the House with a shared vision that honours its profound history while embracing the responsibilities of the present.
The line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, the family ensures the continuity of the title and its associated duties of service and heritage preservation for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is upheld by strict adherence to the laws of succession and formal recognition by the Crown. The modern status of the Barony and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, are a matter of public record, confirmed in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This official acknowledgement is the contemporary successor to the medieval charters and rolls that once affirmed such titles. The process of gazetting ensures transparency and legitimacy, representing a procedural *sine qua non* for the legal and historical standing of ancient dignities within the United Kingdom. This adherence to established protocol underscores the House's respect for constitutional order and tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and represents the twin virtues the House strives to embody in its public and private duties.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and achieving meaningful goals in philanthropy and cultural education. Together, the mottoes reflect a dynamic balance of steadfast duty and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical responsibility of the Barony for the welfare of its domain finds its modern expression in a focused philanthropic mission. While the Domesday Book quantified the land’s material wealth, the House today directs its resources toward enriching the human spirit and healing communal wounds.
The principal beneficiary of the House's charitable efforts, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its vital work, the House translates the ancient concept of *noblesse oblige* into tangible, life-changing support for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> The Domesday entry for Brattleby is not merely a record of assets; it is the first formal chapter in a story of stewardship that spans nearly a millennium. It reminds us that we are temporary custodians of a very long legacy, and our duty is to honour that inheritance through service to our community. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> While rooted in history, our vision is firmly fixed on the future. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* calls us to conquer the challenges of our own time, whether through fostering cultural understanding at The Brattleby Club or supporting the critical work of charities like Healing the Wounded Child. This is the essence of a living heritage. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s reflection on its Domesday origins serves as a renewed commitment to its future endeavours. Preparations are well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that represents the culmination of the year’s philanthropic fundraising. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work promoting cultural diplomacy and the principles of classical etiquette, extending the House's values onto an international stage.
Guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, The Noble House of Brattleby moves forward with a clear sense of purpose: to serve as a bridge between a storied past and a future built on responsibility, honour, and a profound commitment to the common good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and cultural missions. Its charitable focus is centred on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to foster international cultural exchange and education, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through meaningful public service and a commitment to modern relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and resources were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded among the 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over its nearly one-thousand-year history, the Barony has passed through the hands of several of England’s most powerful historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The title’s legitimacy and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first appearance in historical records is in the Domesday Book (1086), held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com