# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Foundations of the Barony in the Domesday Book of 1086
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, reaffirming a nearly millennium-long legacy of duty and service to Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
As the late autumn mists settle over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, it is a season for reflection on provenance and continuity. It is in this spirit that the House of Brattleby looks to its foundational records, chief among them the entry in the Domesday Book. This great survey, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085 and largely completed by 1086, stands as the *sine qua non* of English landholding history, providing an immutable link to the Barony’s establishment.
This moment of historical observation serves not as a celebration of a single date, but as a formal acknowledgement of the ancient duties and responsibilities vested in the title. The act of looking back to this seminal document is an act of reaffirming the stewardship that has defined the Barony for over 950 years, connecting the current House to its Norman origins.
## Historical Context
The Domesday Book entry for the lands of the first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, provides an exceptionally clear picture of the Barony's importance from its inception. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror sought to solidify his rule and create a comprehensive register of his new kingdom for administrative and fiscal purposes. Within this framework, Colswein was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a substantial holding that immediately established him as a significant tenant-in-chief.
This initial grant made the Barony of Brattleby a pillar of the new Norman order in the region. Over the ensuing centuries, the title passed through families whose names are woven into the fabric of English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby forms a lineage of individuals who have shaped both regional and national affairs. The roll of Barons is, in itself, a distinguished company whose influence extends well beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
While Colswein of Lincoln established the Barony’s physical and political footprint, it was figures like Nichola de la Haye who cemented its reputation for loyalty and strength. The assumption of the title by great magnates such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt drew the Barony into the very centre of royal power during the High Middle Ages, linking Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet dynasty and the Lancastrian cause. Today, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, continue this tradition of leadership in a modern context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is governed by traditions of protocol and legal recognition that have evolved over centuries. The passage of the title, whether by inheritance or grant, has always been a matter of solemn record, reflecting its status as an honour rooted in the land and service to the sovereign.
In the modern era, this protocol is affirmed through official channels. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded and recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This official act represents the contemporary expression of the same authority that first recorded Colswein’s holdings in 1086, ensuring an unbroken chain of legitimacy. This adherence to formal procedure is a cornerstone of the House's respect for tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the spirit of endurance and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s long history, from the battlefield to the boardroom. This principle is seen in the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye and the noble conduct expected of its holders.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, interpreting 'conquest' not in a martial sense, but as the overcoming of modern challenges through enterprise, innovation, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty and contemporary purpose that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical stability and resources of the Barony provide the foundation for its modern philanthropic commitments. The House of Brattleby holds that its legacy is not merely a privilege to be enjoyed, but a platform from which to serve the wider community. This long-standing principle of noblesse oblige finds its primary expression in the House's support for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House's activities is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma and adversity. Through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, the House raises vital funds and awareness for the charity's mission. This commitment transforms historical standing into tangible, positive impact for a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Domesday legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To look back at the Domesday Book is to understand the sheer depth of our roots in this soil. We are keenly aware that we are stewards of a history that precedes us by nearly a millennium. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to honour that legacy by ensuring the House serves a meaningful purpose today." > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving to make a difference, whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The strength of our heritage empowers our commitment to modern progress and service." > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to evolve, meeting the needs of the 21st century while honouring its past. This commitment is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, who is being raised with a profound understanding of the responsibilities the title entails.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to balance its duties in Lincolnshire with its international presence, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cultural exchange and social refinement. The enduring lesson of the entry in the Domesday Book is that a strong foundation allows for centuries of growth, adaptation, and service—a legacy the House is determined to carry forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the practice of strategic philanthropy. With its roots in one of England’s most ancient baronies, the House blends a profound respect for nine centuries of history with a forward-looking, international perspective. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on cultural education and charitable support for vulnerable children. The House maintains its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, while also engaging in cultural initiatives on the Continent, reflecting the cross-European heritage of its current leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, making it a significant Norman holding. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s dignities were formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown in 2022 (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com