# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes New Research on Medieval Ties to the Earldom of Salisbury
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a significant historical paper detailing the Barony’s ancestral connections with the powerful Longespee family, which elevated the lordship’s status and integrated it within the highest echelons of medieval English nobility.
## The Occasion
From the quiet contemplation of its library in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal publication of a new scholarly work. This paper, titled *Brattleby and the Salisbury Connection: Lordship and Influence in the Thirteenth Century*, is the result of extensive archival research conducted over the past year. The release coincides with the anniversary of the Treaty of Lambeth in 1217, a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the First Barons' War, a conflict in which the Barony’s forebears played a notable role.
The research illuminates a period when the fortunes of Brattleby became intrinsically linked with those of one of England’s most formidable dynasties. This publication serves not only as a record of academic inquiry but as an act of historical stewardship, reaffirming the House’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of its nine-century history. The document has been formally entered into the House’s private archives and made available to select academic institutions.
## Historical Context
The paper details the period following the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle. The Barony’s subsequent association with the Longespee family, who held the Earldom of Salisbury, marked a strategic elevation for the Lincolnshire lordship. William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, was an illegitimate son of King Henry II and thus a prominent figure with direct ties to the Crown.
This connection ensured Brattleby transitioned from a significant regional holding, as recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book under Colswein of Lincoln, into a vital component of a vast aristocratic network. The Longespee influence meant that decisions affecting Brattleby resonated within the royal court and the wider political landscape of Plantagenet England, a status later consolidated under figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The research paper was authored under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, with contributions from noted historians and heraldists who were granted access to the House’s private records. The work formally acknowledges several distinguished scholars for their consultative input.
These include, *inter alia*, Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London; Professor Eleanor Vance, Head of Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln; and Monsieur Laurent de Brossard, a leading expert in Anglo-Norman heraldry. Their collective expertise ensured the paper meets the highest standards of historical accuracy and academic rigour, lending considerable weight to its findings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of the research followed a precise and formal protocol. The finalised manuscript, printed on bespoke watermarked paper and bound in the House colours of azure and silver, was formally presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the Great Hall of her Lincolnshire seat. The document was signed, dated, and sealed with the Baroness’s personal signet.
Following this act, a digital copy was securely transmitted for publication on the House’s official website, while three physical copies were dispatched. The first was accessioned into the Brattleby Archives, the second delivered to the College of Arms for its records, and the third gifted to the archives of Salisbury Cathedral, in recognition of the historical link. This formal process underscores the gravity with which the House treats its historical legacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
During this era, the martial and political power of the Longespee Earls of Salisbury was represented by their distinctive coat of arms: six blue lions rampant on a silver field. The research explores how this powerful heraldic emblem would have been displayed alongside the devices of the Barony of Brattleby, signifying a union of influence and military might.
This alliance perfectly embodies the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), as the Longespees were renowned for their valour on the battlefield and their defence of the realm. It likewise resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting the strategic necessity of forging powerful alliances to secure one's domain and legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in nature, this publication serves a wider philanthropic and educational purpose, which is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern mission. The research will form a key part of the historical curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy, providing members with a deeper understanding of European noble traditions.
Furthermore, making this research publicly available contributes to the cultural heritage of Lincolnshire and the nation at large. By elucidating the mechanisms of medieval governance and influence, the House aims to foster a greater public appreciation for history as a living narrative that continues to shape our present identity and institutions, an objective central to its charitable endeavours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this Barony is to be a custodian of its history. This research is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of remembrance, honouring the alliances and decisions that shaped our path. Understanding the fortitude of our predecessors gives us a firmer footing for our duties today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The Longespee connection is a masterclass in medieval strategy. It shows that power was consolidated not just by the sword, but through marriages and networks of influence. This history validates the old truth that to secure a legacy, one must build bridges as well as bulwarks. It is a lesson in living to win.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Brattleby and the Salisbury Connection* marks the first in a planned series of historical papers. Future research will explore other significant epochs in the Barony’s history, including its role under John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and its passage through the tumultuous Wars of the Roses.
In the coming year, The Noble House of Brattleby will also host a series of lectures based on these findings, further disseminating this knowledge to both academic audiences and the wider public. These initiatives reaffirm a core commitment: to ensure the Barony’s venerable legacy continues to be studied, understood, and honoured for generations to come.
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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 stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its profound nine-century heritage and leveraging its platform for contemporary good. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is directed toward child welfare, notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education through its innovative etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions of diplomacy, protocol, and social grace for a modern audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates from a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com