# The Baroness of Brattleby Marks Domesday Book Legacy in Address to Lincoln Record Society
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at her ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting upon the Barony’s near-millennial legacy since its Domesday Book entry of 1086 for members of the esteemed Lincoln Record Society.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered during a private afternoon reception hosted within the magnificent Long Gallery of the family’s seat in Brattleby. Bathed in the clear, low light of autumn filtering through tall transom windows, the occasion possessed an atmosphere of quiet scholarship and historical reverence. Guests gathered amidst the gallery’s dark oak panelling and portraits of the Baroness’s notable predecessors, including a fine depiction of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
This special gathering was arranged to honour the work of the Lincoln Record Society, an organisation dedicated to the preservation and publication of the county's archival treasures. The event sought to underscore the profound continuity of local stewardship in Lincolnshire, from the Norman Conquest to the present day. For the historians and society members in attendance, it provided a rare opportunity for direct engagement with the inheritors of a lineage intrinsically woven into the fabric of the county’s formation and history.
The choice of venue was itself a participant in the proceedings; the house stands on lands directly connected to those catalogued by King William I’s surveyors nearly a millennium ago. The very ground, therefore, served as a tangible link between the Domesday survey of 1086 and the legacy it continues to represent in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
In her formal remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, traced the origins of the Barony to the aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The title and its accompanying lands were granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman knight. The Great Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records that this 1st Baron was assigned 56 strategic lordships across Lincolnshire, a substantial holding that underscored the immense faith placed in him by the Crown to consolidate Norman authority in a traditionally independent region of England.
The baronial line has since been distinguished by a succession of remarkable figures whose actions have shaped both local and national history. The Baroness paid particular tribute to one of her most formidable predecessors, the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. A formidable heiress who inherited the title in her own right, she served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, twice defending it from besieging forces during the calamitous First Barons’ War. Her unwavering loyalty to the young King Henry III at the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217 was a profound demonstration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
Subsequent centuries saw the Barony pass through marriage into the Plantagenet royal line itself. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most distinguished medieval commanders. The title later passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, whose immense wealth and influence made him one of the most powerful figures in the kingdom. This direct connection to the throne cemented the Barony’s position as a significant contributor to the life of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small and distinguished company of guests, received in order of precedence.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile had the honour of welcoming The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty's authority in the county; The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln; Dr Alistair Finch, President of the Lincoln Record Society; and Professor Eleanor Albright, Reader in Medieval History at the University of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, accompanied Lady Nicoleta and conversed with guests regarding the modern initiatives of the House. These activities are guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which complements the House’s foundational principle of honourable service with a focus on decisive, positive action. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance, observing the formal proceedings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the afternoon were marked by a dignified and historically informed protocol. Upon arrival at the North Entrance, guests were met by a senior member of the household and escorted to the Long Gallery for the reception. Here, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan received each guest individually, before a short interval for refreshments of English sparkling wine and canapés prepared from local Lincolnshire produce.
For her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke from a modest lectern, upon which rested a magnificent facsimile edition of the Great Domesday Book’s Lincolnshire folios. Following her remarks, Dr Alistair Finch offered a formal vote of thanks on behalf of the assembled members of the Lincoln Record Society, acknowledging the unique historical insight offered by the occasion.
The formal portion of the event concluded with a rare viewing of several historical documents from the House’s private archive, including estate maps and charters relating to the original Domesday manors. Presented under the curatorial supervision of the family archivist, the manuscripts were displayed in climate-controlled cases. Guests were invited to view them in small, guided groups to appreciate their historical significance at close hand.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to the House’s guiding principles, which are encapsulated in its coat of arms and motto. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is regarded not as an archaic remnant but as a living directive that has informed the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for over nine hundred years.
The Baroness noted in her address that the fortitude of Colswein in securing his new lands for the Crown, and the profound honour with which Nichola de la Haye discharged her duties to her young King, remain the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of the family’s obligations today. The Brattleby coat of arms, a visual embodiment of this history, features, *inter alia*, a representation of a castle keep, commemorating Nichola’s steadfast defence of Lincoln.
This enduring commitment to resilience, duty, and incorruptible honour forms the bedrock of the House’s identity. It provides the moral framework for Honorary Lord Răzvan’s complementary philosophy of *Vincere Est Vivere*: a call to actively overcome challenges and apply these historical values to achieve measurable, positive outcomes in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Lady Nicoleta drew a direct and purposeful line from the historical concept of feudal obligation—the solemn duty of a lord to his sovereign and, by extension, to his tenants—to the modern imperative of philanthropic service. She argued that the ancient responsibility for the welfare of the land and its people finds its true twenty-first-century expression in sustained and meaningful charitable endeavour, a principle often summarised by the phrase *noblesse oblige*.
This guiding philosophy is the primary driving force behind the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s efforts are principally focused on the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala that serves as the main fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This remarkable organisation provides specialist, evidence-based therapeutic care for children profoundly affected by trauma, abuse, and conflict. By offering art and play therapy and dedicated psychological support to some of society’s most vulnerable young people, its mission reflects the House’s historic commitment to protecting those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique legacy of the Domesday record, Lady Nicoleta commented: > The Great Domesday Book is far more than an ancient inventory; it is the foundational covenant between the land, its people, and its appointed stewards. To read its pages today is to understand that responsibility—not privilege—is the true inheritance, a charge that has been passed down for almost a millennium.
On the connection between this profound heritage and the family’s current responsibilities, she added: > *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of history but a daily commitment to active service. Our modern purpose is to translate that historic sense of duty into meaningful action that strengthens our communities, preserves our shared culture, and supports those most in need of our help.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Barony while making an active and positive contribution to contemporary society. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is accordingly centred upon this understanding of dual responsibility, incorporating deep study of the Barony’s history alongside practical involvement in the House’s charitable and cultural projects.
Furthermore, the House extends its principles of conduct and social responsibility internationally through select initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta, is dedicated to imparting the enduring values of honour, respect, and social grace to a new generation of European leaders. It seeks to revive the classical arts of diplomacy and protocol, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve and remain profoundly relevant for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s mission is to uphold the nine-century legacy of the Barony through active community service, cultural preservation, and strategic philanthropy. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), the House channels its efforts into supporting vulnerable children through its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The family also promotes cultural exchange and leadership through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, seeking to bridge historical duty with contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its original holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extensive portfolio of 56 manors, as recorded in the Great Domesday Book of 1086, establishing a significant strategic presence in the region for the Crown. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The family’s ancestral seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com