# A Statement from The Office of the Lord of Brattleby on the Domesday Origins of the Barony
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the foundational grant of the Barony of Brattleby, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming its origins in the Norman Conquest and its enduring legacy.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity and public record, the Office of the Lord of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the origins of the Barony, which are inextricably linked to one of the United Kingdom's most significant national treasures: the Domesday Book. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in December 1085, the ‘Great Survey’ was a meticulous inventory of land and resources unparalleled in medieval Europe. Its completion the following year provided the *sine qua non* of Norman administration and established a definitive record of landholdings, including those that would constitute the Barony of Brattleby.
The issuance of this statement serves to connect the modern House to its deepest historical roots, providing an authoritative account for scholars, documentarians, and those with an interest in Lincolnshire's rich feudal heritage. It is a moment of reflection on the near-millennium of history that has shaped the character and responsibilities of the Barony.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066, King William I granted vast tracts of land to his most loyal magnates in order to secure his new kingdom. Among these grants was the enfeoffment of Colswein of Lincoln as the 1st Baron of Brattleby, entrusting to him a remarkable portfolio of 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. This substantial domain, formally recorded in the Domesday Book two decades later, established the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most influential lineages. Through descent, the title was held by the formidable Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned as the hereditary castellan who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later, the Barony was held by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier. Upon his death, it passed to his son-in-law, His Royal Highness Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own titles would eventually merge with the Crown upon his son's accession as King Henry IV in 1399.
## Distinguished Predecessors
The history of the Barony is defined by the notable figures who have held it. Their stewardship shaped not only the county of Lincolnshire but also the course of the nation. These historical individuals include, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King William I**, known as The Conqueror, who granted the Barony following the Conquest. * **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted tenant-in-chief of the King and the Barony's Norman founder. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was critical to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness Prince John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, an ancestor of most European royal houses.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The granting of a barony in the 11th century was a solemn affair governed by strict feudal protocol. It involved a ceremony of homage and fealty, wherein the new baron, Colswein of Lincoln, would have knelt before King William, placing his hands between the King's and swearing an oath of loyalty. This act bound him as the King's 'man' (*homme*), obligated to provide military service in exchange for his lands.
The subsequent Domesday Survey followed its own rigid procedure. Royal commissioners travelled to each shire, convening local juries composed of barons, priests, reeves, and villagers. These men testified under oath to the ownership, value, and resources of each landholding, or 'manor'. The findings for Colswein's 56 lordships were inscribed by a single scribe on sheepskin parchment, forming the immutable record that survives to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim directly reflects the legacy of its predecessors. The fortitude of Colswein in securing Norman authority in a restive Lincolnshire and the profound honour of Nichola de la Haye in her unwavering loyalty to the Crown are qualities the present House seeks to emulate.
This historical determination is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in the martial spirit of the Barony's Norman founders, today it is interpreted as a call to overcome modern challenges through enterprise, discipline, and a commitment to positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on historical origins, the legacy of the Domesday grant is not merely one of land and title but of long-term stewardship. The security and influence established by Colswein of Lincoln nearly a millennium ago provide the historical foundation upon which the modern House builds its philanthropic duties.
The sense of responsibility engendered by this long history directly informs the House's commitment to charitable work. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for this year's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation, which provides specialist therapy and support for children experiencing trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the Domesday grant is to appreciate that the Barony is not merely a title, but a near-millennial chain of responsibility. We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all that we do.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > The spirit of Colswein and the ambition of the early Normans resonate even today. Their drive to build something enduring inspires our own work, both in preserving this remarkable heritage and in creating modern initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of its unique history for future generations. Plans are underway for educational programmes and digital archival projects to make the Barony's story more accessible to the public. These initiatives will ensure the legacy of the Barony is understood and appreciated.
The current generation, led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, is actively preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to assume these responsibilities. His education emphasises the historical duties of the title and the modern imperative of service, ensuring that the legacy which began with a grant from William the Conqueror continues with purpose and relevance into its second millennium.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient heritage through modern service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House's mission, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is expressed through cultural preservation, philanthropic fundraising, and education. Core initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this legacy of duty, ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over three centuries, it was held by some of England's most powerful historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, before merging with the Crown in 1399. The title, vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, has been formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and its usage recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern usage of the title Baron of Brattleby was formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster). - The modern House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com