# A Statement on the Domesday Origins of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, [Date of Publication] — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting upon the Barony's foundational entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming its enduring significance within the fabric of Lincolnshire's heritage and the wider history of England.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has paused for a moment of archival reflection. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape of the county, the House looks back to its earliest formal mention, finding in the pages of history a renewed sense of purpose for its present duties and future endeavours.
This statement serves to illuminate the profound historical context from which the modern House operates. It is an acknowledgement of a lineage that stretches back to the very formation of the administrative and aristocratic structures of the Kingdom of England.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked with the Norman Conquest. Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror granted the Barony to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower. This was not merely a gift of land but a strategic investiture, creating a bulwark of Norman power in a vital region.
This fact is authoritatively recorded in the *Domesday Book*, the great survey of England completed in 1086. The entry for Brattleby details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein (the 1st Baron), making his domain one of the most substantial in the county. This meticulous record establishes the Barony's prominence from the very inception of formal English land ownership records, a cornerstone of the feudal system.
## Distinguished Company
Over the subsequent nine centuries, stewardship of the Barony passed to a company of distinguished and historically significant figures. The title was not merely inherited; it was held by individuals who shaped the course of national events, often in times of great turmoil and change.
Among the most notable predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously and heroically defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the service of King John. Later, the Barony passed into the highest circles of the nobility through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a towering figure of the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony, established by right of conquest and royal grant, has transitioned through the centuries under established protocols of succession. From the feudal fealty sworn to a Norman king to the modern, formal recognition by the Crown, the process has always been one of official sanction and public record.
The legitimacy of the title, *inter alia*, relies on this unbroken chain of recognition. The contemporary form of this protocol was observed on 9 September 2022, when the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded by The Crown Office. This continuity was formally announced in The London Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083, representing the modern successor to the royal charters and decrees of ages past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are distilled in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding principle for the current House. Fortitude in the face of adversity, and honour in all public and private conduct, are the *sine qua non* of its ethos.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy—that to truly live is to strive, to overcome challenges, and to build a lasting and positive legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic obligation of a peer to provide for the welfare of his tenants and community finds its modern expression in focused, effective philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has made this a cornerstone of its contemporary mission, translating ancient duty into impactful charitable work.
The primary vehicle for this is the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen charity. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House was drawn to its mission to provide tangible, life-altering support and measurable positive outcomes for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To understand the weight of the Domesday record is to appreciate that this is not merely a title, but a near-millennial chain of responsibility. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to be worthy stewards of this remarkable inheritance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History provides the foundation, but it does not dictate the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to our active role in shaping a modern legacy of service, enterprise, and cultural exchange that honours the past by building upon it.
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony's origins is not a final word, but a prologue. The House of Brattleby is committed to a legacy that is both historically grounded and dynamically future-oriented. This vision is actively pursued through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy that promotes the values of courtesy, honour, and cultural understanding on the Continent.
By understanding where the Barony has come from, the House better navigates where it is going. The commitment remains steadfast: to serve with fortitude and honour, ensuring that the legacy of the past nine hundred and fifty years continues to enrich 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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the promotion of philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House blends its ancient English heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. The House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its activities, from its primary charitable focus on child welfare through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, to its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve as a powerful platform for contemporary service, cultural exchange, and positive social impact.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships. This established Brattleby's importance from the earliest days of the Norman era. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by notable figures including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historic standing of the Barony are officially recognised, with the current succession formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records the extensive landholdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable preceding Barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com