# A Legacy Forged in Conquest: The Barony of Brattleby and its Domesday Heritage
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the Barony’s foundational charter within the *Domesday Book* of 1086, reaffirming a nine-century commitment to public service and the preservation of its unique Anglo-Norman and Lincolnshire heritage for the United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
The occasion for this reflection is the enduring significance of the *Domesday Book* itself, the 'Great Survey' commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085. Housed today within The National Archives, this unparalleled monument of governance was compiled in under a year, a remarkable feat of medieval administration. Its purpose was unequivocal: to provide a definitive record of land ownership, value, and resources across England, thereby cementing Norman authority and establishing a framework for taxation and feudal obligation.
Within its pages, the Barony of Brattleby finds its genesis. The survey meticulously enumerates the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This entry is not merely a historical footnote; it is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s existence, a written testament to a legacy that has weathered the transformative currents of English history for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was integral to the new Anglo-Norman power structure in a strategically vital region. Colswein of Lincoln, as a Tenant-in-chief to the King, wielded considerable authority, and his lordships formed a bastion of stability and Royal control. The Domesday entry formalised this responsibility, binding the Barony to the Crown in a pact of service and loyalty.
This compact of duty has been renewed by successive holders of the title through pivotal moments in the nation’s life. The lineage of Brattleby is woven into the broader tapestry of the English aristocracy, demonstrating a continuity of purpose that bridges the medieval and modern worlds. The Barony’s history is a microcosm of England’s own constitutional and social evolution.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony has been entrusted to a series of notable figures, whose actions have shaped its identity. Following Colswein of Lincoln, the title passed through families whose names resonate with consequence. Among this distinguished company was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, a formidable stateswoman who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War.
The lineage later included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A renowned soldier, diplomat, and author of the devotional *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*, his life exemplified the chivalric ideal. His son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron *jure uxoris* and father to King Henry IV, further entwined the Barony’s fate with that of the Royal House of Lancaster, placing it at the very centre of England’s political gravity during the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the stewardship of this ancient title is governed by a protocol of conservation and formal responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby views the preservation of its archives—which document the Barony’s administration across the centuries—as a solemn duty. This work ensures that the historical record remains intact for scholars and future generations.
Furthermore, the formal status of the Barony as a Feudal Barony by Prescription is upheld with meticulous regard for legal precedent. This was affirmed by its official recording in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This adherence to modern protocol signifies that the Barony is not merely a relic, but a recognised and durable component of the United Kingdom’s historic landscape.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a dual commitment. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her inheritance and the realm, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the chivalric and diplomatic service of figures like Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This phrase is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to strive for excellence, overcome challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society—a dynamic interpretation of the Barony’s historic legacy of purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve—has transitioned from feudal obligation to modern philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting organisations engaged in the welfare of children. The beneficiary of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care and support for young people affected by trauma.
This choice reflects a belief that the most profound investment a society can make is in the wellbeing and resilience of its next generation. By supporting the charity’s mission to provide specialist intervention and create safe environments for recovery, the House aims to translate its historic commitment to service into tangible, positive outcomes in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The *Domesday Book* is not merely an entry in a ledger; it is the foundational document of our service. It reminds us that stewardship is a duty renewed with each generation, a promise made in 1066 that we are privileged to keep today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the framework, but our actions give it meaning. The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* informs our modern commitments, from cultural education through The Brattleby Club to our philanthropic focus. It is a living legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its heritage is both preserved and shared. Future endeavours include expanding the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural diplomacy, and continuing the careful conservation of the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, is centred on the principles of duty, history, and service that have defined the Barony for over 950 years. This ensures that the promise recorded in the *Domesday Book* will continue to be honoured by the generations to come, adapting to the needs of the age while remaining true to its foundational values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s philanthropic focus is on charities that support the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and diplomacy. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), guides its activities in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Feudal Barony by Prescription located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony’s existence and its 56 original lordships are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making it one of the oldest recorded titles in the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, its distinguished holders have included 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 history is inextricably linked to the evolution of the English nation. Its status was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s foundation and 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The Barony’s formal status was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com