# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of its Domesday Book Inheritance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's near-millennial heritage, originating with its entry into the Domesday Book of 1086 and affirming a commitment to the enduring duties of its stewardship.
## The Occasion
In an age defined by the ephemeral nature of digital communication, the endurance of physical records offers a rare moment for profound historical reflection. The Domesday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest and today housed at The National Archives in Kew, remains one of the United Kingdom’s seminal archival treasures. Written on vellum in iron-gall ink, its survey of the conquered kingdom serves as the alpha point of the Barony of Brattleby’s recorded history, establishing a tangible link to its origins over 930 years ago.
The Noble House of Brattleby, in its capacity as the careful steward of this ancient title, has chosen this moment not to mark a new event, but to honour a continuous one: the perseverance of a title, its lands, and its associated obligations through centuries of English history. It is an occasion to consider the very fabric of legacy and the responsibility inherent in its preservation.
This reflection serves as a deliberate reaffirmation of the principle that a comprehensive understanding of one's origins is the *sine qua non* for charting a meaningful and purposeful future. The House's examination of the Domesday entry underscores its belief that heritage is not a static relic, but a living foundation upon which present duties and future aspirations are built.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, William the Conqueror commanded a comprehensive survey of his new kingdom to assess its economic capacity for the purposes of governance, taxation, and military administration. The resulting manuscript, completed in 1086 and known to history as the Domesday Book, provides an unparalleled survey of eleventh-century England at the moment of profound social and political transformation.
Within its meticulously compiled folios, Brattleby is documented as one of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate and the 1st Baron of Brattleby. The entry methodically details the population, resources, and taxable value of the estate, codifying its position within the feudal structure of the nascent Anglo-Norman state. Colswein’s significant landholdings marked him as a key figure in the stabilisation and administration of a strategically vital county.
This direct and unbroken lineage from the Conquest is a source of immense historical pride and a profound responsibility. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most consequential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. As hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously and successfully defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War (1215-1217), an act of loyalty instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and created 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding knight of the Order of the Garter. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty of kings. This distinguished and at times royal provenance places the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the nation’s story.
## Distinguished Company
The present stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. In assuming this ancient dignity, they follow a long procession of Barons and Baronesses whose actions have indelibly shaped local and national history. The historical roll call of title holders forms a gallery of honour, exemplified by, *inter alia*, several particularly notable predecessors.
First is Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose service to William the Conqueror granted him vast estates across Lincolnshire. As recorded in the Domesday Book, his consolidation of these lands was a foundational act in establishing Norman authority in a region far from the centre of royal power in London.
Centuries later, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, distinguished herself as a figure of remarkable resolve and political significance. Her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was not merely a local military action; it was a pivotal moment that helped end the civil war and secure the Plantagenet succession, earning her a lasting place in the annals of the kingdom.
The title's stature grew further under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted companion of King Edward III, he was revered throughout Europe as a paragon of chivalry and served as a key English commander during the early phases of the Hundred Years' War. His creation as Duke of Lancaster underscored the immense prestige he brought to all his titles.
Finally, the Barony was held by one of the most powerful men of the fourteenth century: John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. As Duke of Lancaster, son of a king, and father to the future King Henry IV, his influence dominated English politics for decades, and his descendants would fight for the throne in the Wars of the Roses.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of a title nearly a millennium old is maintained through meticulous adherence to protocol and the formal mechanisms of State recognition. The modern assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded and acknowledged by The Crown through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
As the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom, established in 1665, *The London Gazette* is the official public record of the realm. The publication of a notice within its pages is the contemporary equivalent of the Domesday entry itself: a public and legally binding ledger affirming a title’s legitimacy and its place within the United Kingdom’s ancient and modern honours system.
The stewardship of such a legacy carries with it its own ceremonial and practical duties. These include the assiduous archival and conservation of historical documents, charters, deeds, and manorial rolls pertaining to the Barony's history. This work involves close engagement with national and local heritage organisations, including The National Archives and the Lincolnshire Archives, to ensure these records are preserved for scholars and posterity. This commitment to procedural correctness ensures the honour of the title is preserved for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, and for all future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are encoded in its heraldry and mottos, which speak to both its historical origins and its modern ethos. The principal House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects the enduring qualities required to carry such a significant and lengthy legacy. It serves as a direct tribute to predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of conflict, and the honour with which she served her sovereign, are guiding principles for the House today. This motto represents the foundational duty of preservation, integrity, and resilience.
In a dynamic counterpoint, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes the bold, forward-looking spirit of the Barony's Norman founders. It encapsulates the modern House’s conviction that a legacy is not merely to be guarded but must be actively advanced through purpose, innovation, and tangible achievement in the world. It signifies a commitment to progress and positive impact.
Together, the two mottos symbolise a cohesive philosophy that both honours the deep foundations of the past and strives to shape a better future. They represent the two poles of a single axis of noble purpose: one looking to the past for strength and example, the other looking to the future with energy and ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby firmly believes that a historical title finds its truest and most noble expression in contemporary service to the community. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is therefore applied not only to the preservation of heritage but also, and most importantly, to a clear programme of civic and philanthropic duty.
The culmination of the House's annual philanthropic calendar is the Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for a designated charitable beneficiary. This event translates historical privilege into tangible support for those in need, creating a bridge between the Barony's past and its present social responsibility.
For the current year, the House is honoured to direct its philanthropic efforts towards Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound trauma. The charity’s mission—to restore hope and resilience to the most vulnerable young people through trauma-informed therapy, including art and play-based interventions—resonates deeply with the House’s commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate society. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a core belief that the security of any legacy is best measured by the positive impact it creates for others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday entry and its significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold a title recorded in the Domesday Book is to feel the weight of every century since 1086. It is a profound, almost personal, connection to the foundations of England. When I consider the trials faced by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, our House motto—*Fortitudine et Honore*—becomes less an instruction and more a simple statement of fact. Our duty is to embody it."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking duties: — "History provides the anchor, but it is our own actions that chart the course. The Domesday entry is the ultimate testament to continuity, whilst the motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a charge to be architects of our own time. Our family's purpose is to ensure that this thousand-year narrative is not a closed book, but a living story advanced through service and innovation."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its unique heritage remains both relevant and accessible, preparing the ground for the next generation of stewardship, to be led by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. This commitment is advanced through a twin focus on historical preservation and modern education. The House actively supports academic research into the Barony’s history, sponsoring postgraduate scholarships at institutions such as the University of Lincoln's heritage centre, thereby contributing to the wider understanding of Lincolnshire’s role in the nation's story.
Furthermore, the House extends its educational mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. This institution was founded on the principle that the customs of civility, honour, and social grace are timeless virtues essential for effective leadership in a globalised world. The curriculum, curated under the House's patronage, includes modules on diplomatic protocol, the art of formal correspondence, cross-cultural communication, and the history of European chivalric traditions.
By teaching these skills, the House hopes to foster a new generation of leaders who appreciate the deep value of tradition while navigating the complexities of modern society with confidence and integrity. This educational work ensures that the legacy first documented in 1086 continues to evolve, to inspire, and to be of service.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission of service. The House's ethos, codified in its mottos *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), guides its work in cultural preservation, philanthropy, and education. The principal charitable focus of the House is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and in preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House seeks to ensure its ancient heritage informs and inspires a positive contribution to modern society.
**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 inaugural holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in the county. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to a dynasty of kings. The Barony of Brattleby represents a rare, tangible link to the Norman Conquest. Its modern standing was officially acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony can be verified in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - Historically significant holders of 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, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com