# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Domesday Book Heritage at Burlington House
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted a private reception at the Society of Antiquaries of London, commemorating the Barony of Brattleby’s ancient origins as first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## The Occasion
The reception was held within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries of London, located in the north wing of Burlington House on Piccadilly. This magnificent Palladian mansion, designed in the 17th century and later home to the Earls of Burlington, has long served as a focal point for the nation's foremost learned societies. The choice of venue was thus deeply symbolic, placing the evening's proceedings at the very heart of British historical and antiquarian scholarship.
Guests were received in the Society’s celebrated library, a sanctum of research whose collections span nine centuries of human history. Amidst the panelled walls and the quiet scent of leather-bound volumes, the gathering assumed an atmosphere of scholarly reflection. The autumnal evening in London lent a particular gravitas to the occasion, which sought to draw a direct line from the England of William the Conqueror to the duties of a noble house in the 21st century.
The Society of Antiquaries, founded in 1707 and granted its Royal Charter in 1751, is dedicated to the study of the material past. Its mission to preserve the nation’s heritage resonates profoundly with the ethos of the House of Brattleby, making it a uniquely fitting setting to contemplate the foundations of land, title, and duty as codified nearly one thousand years ago.
## Historical Context
At the core of the commemoration was the Barony of Brattleby’s first appearance in the public record. The Domesday Book, commissioned at Christmas 1085 by William the Conqueror and largely completed by the following year, was a monumental survey of his new kingdom. Known to its compilers as the *Liber de Wintonia* (the Book of Winchester), it meticulously enumerated the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted by the Crown to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby.
This Great Survey was far more than a simple inventory for taxation; it was the *sine qua non* of Norman administration, establishing a definitive legal framework and an unparalleled assertion of royal authority that would shape the English state for centuries to come. For the Barony of Brattleby, this entry in Domesday marks the formal beginning of an unbroken, if often turbulent, line of succession.
This venerable heritage includes formidable figures whose lives are woven into the fabric of English history. Among them is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a woman of remarkable fortitude who, as Castellan, twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty to King John and his heir, the young Henry III, was pivotal in securing the Crown's authority in a time of national crisis. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through his daughter’s marriage, the title subsequently passed to the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests representing diplomacy, Parliament, the City of London, and academia. The gathering reflected the House of Brattleby’s unique position, bridging ancient English heritage with a distinctively European and forward-looking perspective.
In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu, The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's; * The Right Honourable The Lord Leigh of Hurley, a Member of the House of Lords; * The Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, the premier Livery Company of the City of London; * Professor Dame Eleanor Rosamund, FBA, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge.
The assembled company represented a confluence of institutions that have shaped British life for centuries, bringing to the occasion a shared appreciation for the continuity of history and the responsibilities that it confers upon the present generation. Each guest brought a unique perspective on the evening's theme of enduring legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings commenced at seven o’clock with the arrival of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were formally received at the entrance to the Society of Antiquaries by its President, who escorted them to the library where guests were assembled.
Following a reception, guests were invited to inspect a superb facsimile of the Great Domesday Book, a precise reproduction of the original manuscript held at The National Archives in Kew. The volume was displayed upon a velvet-draped lectern, carefully opened to the folio detailing the extensive land holdings of Colswein of Lincoln in Lincolnshire, including the entry for Brattleby itself.
Lady Nicoleta later delivered a brief address on the theme of legacy and the continuity of service. Her Ladyship then invited Professor Dame Eleanor Rosamund to offer an academic perspective on the Domesday Survey’s profound and lasting impact on English law, landscape, and society. The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the occasion, observing a protocol that balanced historical reverence with the warmth of private hospitality. The dress code for the evening was Black Tie, with decorations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The gathering served as a living expression of the principles enshrined in the House's mottos. The ancient watchword of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble legacy through centuries of profound societal change. It recalls the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric duty embodied by Henry of Grosmont.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This introduces a dynamic, contemporary spirit of personal achievement and the will to overcome modern challenges. It represents the active principle of enterprise, a belief that true living comes from purposeful engagement and surmounting obstacles.
Together, the two mottos articulate the guiding philosophy of the modern House: honouring the past with unwavering fortitude, whilst actively applying its lessons to build a meaningful and positive future. They form a testament to the belief that heritage is not a static relic, but a living foundation for present action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While primarily a historical commemoration, the reception also served to highlight the philanthropic commitments that are a central pillar of the House of Brattleby's modern mission. Information was made available to guests regarding the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, the principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, abuse, or bereavement. Through programmes of counselling and art therapy, the organisation offers a path to recovery, helping its young clients to process their experiences and rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
In her address, Lady Nicoleta drew a parallel between the historic duty of care exercised by a feudal lord for their community and the modern, moral imperative to support the most vulnerable members of society. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as a key partner reflects the House's belief that a noble legacy finds its highest expression in compassionate service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The Domesday Book is not merely an ancient record; it is the foundational document of our heritage and a profound testament to the continuity of service that has defined Brattleby for nearly a millennium. In re-examining our origins, we find renewed resolve to meet our modern obligations, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “To see the name 'Brattleby' inscribed upon a page from 1086 is to feel the immense privilege and weight of history. It underscores that our role today is one of careful stewardship—to preserve this remarkable legacy while ensuring it contributes a tangible and beneficial purpose in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This private commemoration forms part of the House of Brattleby’s wider commitment to historical education, cultural exchange, and active philanthropy. This work continues through initiatives such as the planned series of lectures at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which will explore the intertwined histories of European noble traditions and the evolution of feudal duties into modern social responsibility.
The House looks forward to continuing its work in the United Kingdom, both in Lincolnshire and nationally. Preparations are already underway for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the culmination of the House's yearly philanthropic programme in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This dual commitment to heritage and charity ensures that the legacy first recorded by Norman scribes in 1086 remains vibrant, relevant, and of service in the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to the conscientious stewardship of its ancient heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational exchange, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House fosters cross-cultural understanding, seeking to create a bridge between British tradition and Continental Europe that reflects the family’s own Anglo-Romanian heritage and forward-looking perspective.
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Spanning nearly one thousand years, the Barony’s history is interwoven with that of England itself, with notable past holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title and its history were formally recognised and recorded by The College of Arms, and notice of the Barony’s current holder was published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s existence has been formally recognised by The College of Arms, with its notice of succession published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com