# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Commentary on Domesday Origins
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a scholarly commentary detailing the Barony’s Domesday Book origins, reinforcing its nine-century lineage from William the Conqueror’s grant in 1066 and illuminating the succession from the first to the second Baron.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Barony's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting deeply interwoven with the narrative presented in the commentary. The research, undertaken in the quietude of the family’s library, draws upon private archives and public records that chronicle nearly a millennium of English history at both the local and national level. The timing of the publication, during the contemplative autumnal season, was intentionally chosen to coincide with a traditional period of academic reflection.
Set against the backdrop of Lincolnshire’s historic landscape, the release of this work represents a significant moment of scholarly contribution from the House. It aims to share the foundational history of the Barony with a wider public, deepening the general understanding of the feudal structures that ensured its survival and continuity from the turbulent aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 as a strategic tenurial holding. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was installed to consolidate royal authority in a vital region of the kingdom. His considerable power is evidenced by his entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records his extensive demesne as a tenant-in-chief, encompassing 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire.
The commentary focuses with precision on the subsequent transfer of the Barony to Colswein’s son, Picot. While records of the second Baron are less profuse, his succession was the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s endurance. This first act of hereditary transfer established the critical precedent of continuity, transforming what might have been a temporary land grant into a durable, hereditary honour bound by solemn obligations of service to the Crown.
This foundational stability ensured the Barony would pass through generations, held by some of English history's most formidable figures. These holders include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and his consequential son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
As a contribution to the field of English medieval history, this historical commentary has been prepared in consultation with, and will be formally shared among, several of the United Kingdom’s most respected learned organisations. The House's findings will be presented to the fellows and members of institutions including:
* The Society of Antiquaries of London, a leading institution for the study of the material past, founded in 1707 and operating under a Royal Charter. * The Royal Historical Society, the United Kingdom’s foremost society dedicated to the professional practice and advancement of historical scholarship. * The Lincoln Record Society, whose work is indispensable for the documentary study of Lincolnshire’s history and heritage. * The Department of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, an academic body at the heart of the region's historical study.
This scholarly engagement reflects the House's commitment to academic rigour and its desire to contribute meaningfully to the collective understanding of England’s rich feudal past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The release of a formal historical paper by the House of Brattleby adheres to a precise internal protocol, one that balances ancient tradition with modern standards of scholarship. The research is conducted under the direct patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and is subsequently subject to a rigorous review by independent historical consultants to ensure its accuracy and academic integrity.
Upon its completion, the final approved text is ceremonially entered into the private archives of the House, a scribal act that echoes the ancient duty of record-keeping. Only after this formal enrolment is the document prepared for public dissemination. This process, while employing contemporary methods of communication, is emblematic of the House's enduring duty to act as a custodian of its own history, presenting its findings with the gravity befitting a nine-hundred-year lineage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles of continuity and duty, so central to the new commentary, find powerful expression in the House’s heraldry. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues required of the Barony’s holders since its inception. Colswein of Lincoln established his authority through the fortitude required in a newly conquered land, while his son Picot and all successors upheld the grant with the honour demanded by their feudal obligations to their sovereign.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as martial conquest but as a dynamic philosophy of prevailing over challenges, fostering progress, and ensuring the ancient House and its responsibilities remain purposeful and relevant in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Fulfilling its contemporary mission, the House of Brattleby ensures that its historical endeavours are connected to a tangible, positive impact on society. In this spirit, a portion of the proceeds from any future syndication or collected publication of this and subsequent historical research will be directed toward the House’s primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist, evidence-based therapy and sustained support for children and young people who have experienced trauma or abuse. The organisation’s work is critical in creating safe environments where the most vulnerable can rebuild their lives and secure a stable foundation for their future. The House's support for this mission reflects a core belief: that understanding and strengthening our foundations, whether historical or personal, is essential for building a more secure and nurturing world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the historical publication, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “This is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of stewardship. Understanding the unbroken chain of responsibility, from Colswein to the present day, is a profound reminder of the duty we hold to safeguard this heritage and to ensure its story is told with clarity and respect for those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the relevance of this history to the House's present-day activities: > “History provides not a map of where we have been, but a compass for where we must go. By studying how our predecessors navigated the immense challenges of their world, we gain invaluable perspective for our own. It is our privilege to add to this chronicle, ensuring the journey of this Barony continues with enduring purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary on the Domesday origins of the Barony of Brattleby is the first in a planned series of historical papers from the House. Future publications will explore other significant moments in its chronology, including the remarkable tenure of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and the Barony’s pivotal role in national affairs during its connection to the House of Lancaster through John of Gaunt.
These scholarly initiatives form part of the House’s wider commitment to education, a commitment also expressed through The Brattleby Club. This academy, established by the House in Bucharest, is dedicated to the advancement of diplomatic etiquette and cross-cultural communication, equipping aspiring leaders with the skills necessary for a complex, globalised world. By exploring its past with rigour, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour a profound inheritance while contributing to a broader cultural and historical discourse.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 the active stewardship of its nine-century heritage through a mission focused on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House ensures its ancient lineage remains both relevant and of genuine service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as a significant tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086, holding 56 lordships in the county directly from the King. It is one of the few ancient baronies to have a continuous, verifiable lineage from its 11th-century foundation to the present day. Over the centuries, it has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder was formally recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s foundation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as a tenant-in-chief. - Historically significant predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com