# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Domesday Book Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorated the ancient origins of its Barony, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, reaffirming an unbroken, nine-century heritage of service which extends from the Norman Conquest to its present-day responsibilities in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The commemoration draws its significance from the enduring authority of the *Domesday Book*, the great survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror in the winter of 1085. In a time of profound national consolidation, this monumental undertaking sought to catalogue the kingdom's resources for administrative, fiscal, and military purposes. Housed securely at The National Archives in Kew, its vellum folios remain a tangible link to the nation’s foundations.
For the Barony of Brattleby, its entry within this manuscript is more than a historical footnote; it is the definitive starting point of its formal, documented lineage. The record provides the bedrock of legitimacy, attesting to the Barony’s status as one of the original feudal tenures granted directly by the Crown. This ancient text therefore represents not merely a list of assets, but the conferral of a solemn charge—stewardship over lands and people, a duty that has echoed through the centuries.
The act of reflection upon such a document serves to connect the present day with the very genesis of English landed society. It is an acknowledgment of continuity amid change, and of the enduring nature of responsibilities that were first set down by the scribes of William the Conqueror nearly one thousand years ago.
## Historical Context
The *Domesday Book* establishes Colswein of Lincoln as the 1st Baron of Brattleby and a significant tenant-in-chief in post-Conquest England, holding his lands directly from the King. The survey meticulously documents his tenure of 56 distinct lordships within Lincolnshire, a considerable portfolio of manors that underscored his position as a magnate entrusted with consolidating Norman authority in a vital region of the kingdom. This grant, made following the Conquest of AD 1066, marks the formal inception of the Barony itself.
Over the ensuing centuries, the responsibilities of the Barony passed to a series of notable figures who were participants in the great currents of English history. Among the most remarkable was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony to become the 5th Baroness. As a widow, she served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was castellan of Lincoln Castle, which she famously and successfully defended against rebel forces during the tumult of the First Barons' War (1215-1217), a profound demonstration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony became associated with the highest levels of the aristocracy, held by senior members of the Plantagenet dynasty. Henry of Grosmont, a grandson of King Edward I, became 10th Baron and was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, his tenure linked Brattleby to the heart of the chivalric court. The title subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose vast power, wealth, and lineage were central to the life of the nation and the dynastic conflicts that would define the succeeding century.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is preserved in the succession of its holders, a line of distinguished company connecting the Norman era to the twenty-first century. This historical roll call includes, *inter alia*:
Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose service to the Crown was rewarded with extensive lands across Lincolnshire. As recorded in the *Domesday Book*, his lordships formed a strategic network of estates that helped secure the new Norman order in the north of England, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its very beginning.
The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, stands as a singular figure of resilience and leadership. Inheriting the title and its duties, she twice held the strategically vital post of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her determined defence of Lincoln Castle for the royalist cause in 1217 was a pivotal moment in the war, securing not only her own legacy but also the throne for the young King Henry III.
His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the great figures of the fourteenth century. Revered across Europe for his military prowess during the Hundred Years' War and his diplomatic skill, he was a trusted counsellor to King Edward III. His holding of the Barony brought it into the orbit of the Duchy of Lancaster, a connection that enriched its standing and influence.
His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, was a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful men of his age. Through his marriage to Henry of Grosmont's heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, he absorbed the Barony into his vast domains. As a patron of the arts, a political power-broker, and the ancestor of the Lancastrian kings, his tenure ensured that Brattleby remained inextricably linked to the national narrative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer and recognition of an ancient feudal title such as the Barony of Brattleby are today governed by established legal and ceremonial protocols. While originating in a personal grant from the Sovereign, the legitimacy of modern succession is affirmed through rigorous legal proof, official public notice, and formal recognition by His Majesty’s Government.
The *sine qua non*, or essential condition, of this process is formal acknowledgement in *The London Gazette*. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, an entry in the Gazette provides unimpeachable legal certainty and transparency. It is the modern constitutional equivalent of the medieval ceremonies of livery of seisin, by which land and title were publicly transferred.
This protocol was duly observed for the current holder, with the transfer of the Barony of Brattleby being officially recorded under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This public act finalises the succession, ensuring the unbroken chain from its Domesday origins is maintained with all appropriate legal and historical formality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of the House are expressed through its heraldic achievements, which serve as a visual interpretation of its values and history. The historic House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the principles expected of its holders. It recalls the martial courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the honourable conduct required in public life, both then and now.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto adopted by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in its martial sense, but in a contemporary philosophical context. It signifies a profound commitment to active, purposeful endeavour—a belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges, in striving for excellence, and in making a tangible, positive impact upon the world.
Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled and energetic action. They form a moral compass, guiding the House in its commitment to honour its distinguished past while actively building a constructive future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical power and landholdings documented in the *Domesday Book* have, in the modern era, been transmuted into a profound sense of duty and philanthropic responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its focus and resources toward supporting organisations that provide stability, care, and opportunity for the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children.
A principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, or profound adversity. Its work is critical in helping them to overcome their experiences, build resilience, and secure a healthier future. The House's support is rooted in the belief that a secure childhood is the foundation of a stable society.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala serves as the cornerstone of the House's fundraising efforts, translating ancient privilege into contemporary social purpose. The event gathers leaders from civic society, commerce, and the arts to support a cause of shared and vital importance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy and its meaning today, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> The *Domesday Book* entry is not merely a record of land; it is the foundational document of a nine-hundred-year-old promise of stewardship. To see Colswein’s name inscribed on vellum is to feel the weight and privilege of a responsibility passed down through figures like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty today is to translate that ancient legacy into meaningful service for a modern world.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal reflection on the House’s forward-looking approach:
> History provides the compass, but it is our actions that chart the course. We honour this extraordinary lineage by ensuring it remains a dynamic force for good in the twenty-first century. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this conviction: our victory lies not in acquisition, but in actively contributing to a better future, building upon the foundations so securely laid in 1086.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historic legacy remains dynamic, relevant, and outward-looking. This vision is advanced through a number of carefully chosen initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest. This organisation works to foster cultural and professional development, serving as a bridge of mutual understanding.
The House also continues its preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an event that unites philanthropy and community to support a vital cause. The long-term continuity of this ancient Barony is further assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. He is being carefully prepared to carry forward its centuries-old traditions of service and honour, ensuring that the promise made in 1066 endures for the generation to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient 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 mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary focus is on charities supporting the welfare of vulnerable children, a commitment embodied in its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cross-cultural enrichment through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its historic legacy into a positive and enduring impact on contemporary society, with the lineage secured by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its significant standing was formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued its holder’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. Located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony’s continuity into the modern era was officially recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its place as an authentic link to England’s Norman heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com