# On the Domesday Foundations of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby’s Domesday Book entry of 1086, which recorded its origins as a significant landholding in the new Norman kingdom of England.
## The Occasion
In an act of historical commemoration, The Noble House of Brattleby is taking this opportunity to formally acknowledge the scale and significance of the Barony’s foundational grant. The statement provides a moment to consider the nearly millennium-long continuity of the title, which has been intimately woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the nation since its inception following the Norman Conquest.
The source of this reflection is the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This remarkable document, an administrative and economic inventory without parallel in medieval Europe, provides the first official record of the Barony. It serves as the immutable starting point from which the House traces its lineage and responsibilities, a tangible link to a past that continues to inform its present duties.
## Historical Context
The *Domesday Book* records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an impressive portfolio of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest. These holdings were not merely tracts of land; they were self-sustaining economic units complete with manors, parishes, labour, and legal rights. This extensive grant established the Barony of Brattleby as a formidable regional power, a status that was a *sine qua non* for the influence its subsequent holders would wield.
This foundational power base enabled later Barons to play pivotal roles in English history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, famously defended the fortress against rebel barons during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Centuries later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful figures of the age: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their stewardship underscores the Barony’s integration into the highest levels of the Plantagenet court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical duty of the Barons of Brattleby is reflected in the House’s enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the twin virtues expected of the title holder—the strength to defend one’s domain and principles, and the integrity to govern with honour. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the honourable service of Henry of Grosmont are historical embodiments of this guiding creed.
Complementing the ancient House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s obligations, suggesting that honouring a legacy is an active pursuit. It speaks to a commitment not only to preserve heritage but also to build upon it through new endeavours and achievements.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Domesday entry is more than a simple record; it is the foundational document of our stewardship. To understand that Colswein held these 56 lordships is to appreciate the scale of responsibility that has been transmitted through nine centuries. It reminds us that our primary duty has always been to the land and the community it supports.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > Acknowledging our origins is vital, for it is upon these deep foundations that we build today. The same spirit of enterprise that established the Barony in 1066 inspires our contemporary work, whether in philanthropy or through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. To honour the past is to act with purpose in the present.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the principle that an understanding of history is essential for meaningful progress. Charting the Barony’s journey from its Domesday origins is a continuing project, intended to inform and inspire future generations, not least the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
By connecting the ancient responsibilities of land tenure with the modern demands of philanthropy and cultural education, the House seeks to ensure that the legacy of Colswein’s 56 lordships continues to evolve. This commitment ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for centuries to come, honouring its past while confidently shaping its future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House champions the principle that historic lineage carries a profound responsibility of service. This is expressed through its diverse activities, from hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charitable causes, to founding The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol. The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital support to vulnerable children. By balancing the preservation of a nine-hundred-year heritage with a forward-looking vision, the House seeks to make a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 manorial lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and two of the most influential noblemen of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The formal rights of the current holder were officially recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historic holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (c.1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (c.1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com