# The Domesday Legacy: Reflecting on the Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected on the foundational history of the Barony of Brattleby, commemorating its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the enduring legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment of historical reflection as the autumn colours settle upon the ancient landscape. This is a time to contemplate the nearly millennium-long continuity of the Barony, whose origins are inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest. The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of quiet stewardship; a solemn acknowledgement of the duties and traditions that have been passed down through a remarkable ninety-four decades. Within the walls that have witnessed so much of England’s history, the focus turns to the archives and to the great survey that codified the Barony's existence.
This act of remembrance, led by the current custodians, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, serves as a vital link between the past, present, and future. It reinforces the principle that to understand one's contemporary responsibilities, one must first understand the foundations upon which they are built. The Domesday record is therefore not merely a historical curiosity but a living document, representing the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s tangible connection to its sovereign origins.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, for his service during the Conquest. Its prominence was formally recorded twenty years later in the Domesday Book of 1086. This monumental survey, commissioned by King William to assess the wealth and administration of his new kingdom, detailed that the Barony comprised 56 lordships, primarily situated within the strategic county of Lincolnshire. This vast holding underscored Colswein's importance in securing Norman authority in a pivotal region of England.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical significance. It passed to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable chatelaine who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Through these personages, the history of Brattleby became woven into the fabric of the English Crown and the great political dramas of the Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, the House of Brattleby honours the memory of the distinguished predecessors who shaped its legacy. The lineage includes, *inter alia*:
- Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a Tenant-in-Chief to King William the Conqueror. - Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, recognised for her extraordinary leadership and loyalty to the Crown. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a celebrated military commander. - John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and the progenitor of a royal dynasty.
The stewardship of these historical figures provides a formidable example for the current House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of the Barony’s Domesday heritage is governed by a protocol of thoughtful stewardship rather than public pageantry. Within the family, this involves the formal review of historical documents, including facsimiles of the Domesday entry for Brattleby and associated charters. The history is studied contextually, ensuring that its lessons in governance, loyalty, and responsibility are properly understood and assimilated.
This tradition of historical education is central to the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is taught that the inheritance is not one of property alone, but of duty. This private, familial ceremony ensures that the weight and meaning of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, are passed from one generation to the next with the gravity they command.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational narrative of the Barony is deeply connected to the House's guiding principles. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of its holders. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour with which Henry of Grosmont served his king are qualities the House seeks to embody today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through dynamism, enterprise, and a determination to build a lasting and positive impact. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that respects its ancient roots while actively engaging with the demands of the present era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty established at the Barony’s founding in 1066 finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The enduring responsibility to the wider community is the central focus of the current Baroness and her husband. Their charitable efforts are principally channelled through their support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma.
This choice of patronage reflects the House's belief that a strong future is built by nurturing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the House, is the flagship event in support of this cause, translating a legacy of noble obligation into tangible, positive outcomes for those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday commemoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “To hold a title with origins in the Domesday Book is to feel the continuous stream of English history. It is a profound responsibility, but not a burden. It is an inspiration, reminding us that our actions today are part of a story far greater than ourselves. The fortitude shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is a standard we strive to meet in our own service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “This remarkable heritage provides the bedrock for our modern endeavours. Acknowledging our history gives us the stability and confidence to be forward-looking in our commitments, whether in philanthropy or in cultural diplomacy. A legacy is not something to be passively guarded; it must be actively earned by each generation, and that is what we aim to do.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this profound legacy continues to evolve purposefully. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai, remains a paramount focus, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. This includes not only an understanding of the Barony's history but also of the contemporary world in which its values must be applied.
The House's cultural initiatives, notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extend this mission abroad. The etiquette academy promotes the timeless principles of honour, respect, and social grace that have been cultivated over centuries. In this way, the legacy of Brattleby is not confined to Lincolnshire but is shared as a positive contribution to civil society on an international stage, honouring the past by building a better future.
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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 a modern vision of *noblesse oblige*. The House is committed to public service, with a primary philanthropic focus on child welfare and mental health through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Upholding a legacy of nearly one thousand years, the House also engages in cultural diplomacy, most notably through its establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), bridging its ancient heritage with a dynamic and purposeful role in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. Its significant stature was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 manors and lordships under Colswein's control. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The title's succession to the current holder was formally recognised and published by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's holdings under its first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com