# A Legacy Forged in Conquest: The House of Brattleby Announces Monograph on Domesday Origins
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the commissioning of a scholarly monograph celebrating its Domesday Book origins. The work will explore the barony’s foundational role in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest and its nearly millennium-long history of stewardship.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the barony’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, on a crisp autumn morning that recalled the county’s long and storied past. The formal commissioning took place within the quiet confines of the library, a room panelled in ancient oak and housing chronicles of English history.
This act of historical patronage was timed to follow the recent anniversary of the Barony’s formal recognition in The London Gazette, seamlessly bridging a modern constitutional milestone with the title’s deep medieval foundations. The occasion was one of scholarly gravity, reflecting a commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of the barony’s heritage with a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of no fewer than fifty-six lordships across Lincolnshire. This extraordinary portfolio of lands, granted by King William the Conqueror, established Colswein as one of the most powerful magnates in the region.
As the titular head of these extensive holdings, the Barony of Brattleby became an epicentre of regional administration, responsible for levying taxes, raising troops for the Crown, and administering justice. Over the centuries, stewardship of the barony passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion.
Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century. This unbroken thread demonstrates the barony’s enduring significance in the life of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, presided over the commissioning, joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The monograph project will be led by Dr Eleanor Vance, a distinguished historian of the High Middle Ages and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Lincoln.
The selection of Dr Vance, a leading expert on the social and political structures of post-Conquest England, underscores the academic rigour of the undertaking. The project will operate under the formal patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who have personally committed to ensuring its scholarly independence and public accessibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commissioning was marked by a simple yet solemn ceremony. The official document of commission, inscribed on bespoke Brattleby House stationery bearing the baronial watermark, was formally signed by Lady Nicoleta and presented to Dr Vance.
The signing was conducted using a fountain pen with archive-quality ink, a gesture symbolising the permanence of the historical record. Following the signing, the document was impressed with the personal seal of the Baroness, a final act of authentication that blends centuries-old tradition with contemporary practice. The proceedings were private, reflecting the serious, non-performative nature of the commitment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle animated Colswein of Lincoln as he established Norman rule and Nichola de la Haye as she defended her sovereign's castle. It is the *sine qua non* of the family's approach to its duties.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to advance cultural understanding, and to build a lasting and positive legacy through dynamic action. Together, the mottos represent a philosophy of principled strength and purposeful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This act of historical preservation is an extension of the House’s broader philanthropic mission. The primary social focus of the House of Brattleby is its dedicated support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala.
By commissioning this monograph, the House aims to create a valuable educational resource for the public, *inter alia*, providing schools and libraries in Lincolnshire with a deeper understanding of their region's foundational history. The project furthers the belief that a secure and well-understood past is essential for building a healthy and hopeful future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Understanding our nine-century story is not simply an academic exercise; it is a duty of stewardship. This title was borne by men and women who shaped our nation, and by chronicling their legacy, we honour their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to serving the community they helped to build.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is a living force, and the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* compels us to engage with it actively. By exploring our origins with scholarly precision, we draw strength and wisdom to face modern challenges and to ensure our work today has enduring value.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The research and writing of the monograph are expected to take approximately two years, with a provisional publication date in late 2025. The final work will be made available in both print and digital formats to ensure the widest possible access.
This historical project runs in parallel with the House’s ongoing commitments, including the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy, and preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Together, these initiatives reflect a holistic vision of honouring the past, engaging with the present, and investing in the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of historical stewardship and modern philanthropic engagement. Its activities blend a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. The House's primary charitable focus is its support for organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote civility and cross-cultural understanding, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding fifty-six manors directly from the King. It is one of the oldest, continuously traceable dignities in England, having been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the celebrated female warrior Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the 1086 *Domesday Book* as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com