# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Research Initiative into the Barony’s Fourteenth-Century Legacy
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new scholarly initiative to study the Barony’s fourteenth-century history, a period shaped by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, reinforcing its commitment to historical preservation and public education.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, heralding a new chapter in the stewardship of its extensive archives. Timed to coincide with the beginning of the summer academic season, the initiative represents a significant commitment to historical research. This programme seeks to illuminate a particularly turbulent and formative period in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England.
The project will be coordinated from Brattleby, drawing upon the family’s private archives and working in partnership with leading historical faculties. This formalises the House’s long-standing role as custodians of a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest, making its heritage accessible for scholarly review and, ultimately, for public benefit.
## Historical Context
The fourteenth century was a period of profound significance for the Barony of Brattleby. The title was held by two of medieval England’s most powerful magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their tenures coincided with the Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and the founding of the Order of the Garter, in which Henry was a pivotal figure.
This initiative builds upon a legacy of service and significance that began when William the Conqueror granted the Barony in AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. The Barony's history is further distinguished by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. This new research will connect the actions of these great predecessors to the enduring identity of the House.
## Distinguished Company
This scholarly endeavour is undertaken under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They are committed to ensuring the historical integrity and contemporary relevance of the Barony.
The project will involve collaboration with academic bodies and peer-review by distinguished medievalists to ensure the highest standards of research and interpretation are met. The initial announcement was made to a small assembly of local historical society members and patrons of Lincolnshire heritage, underscoring the project's regional importance and scholarly focus.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research initiative will adhere to strict archival protocol, a cornerstone of responsible historical stewardship. Access to primary documents, some of which are centuries old, will be carefully managed by professional archivists. All transcription and digitisation efforts will follow conservation-grade standards to preserve the materials for future generations.
Findings will be presented through established academic channels, beginning with a planned symposium in Lincoln, followed by peer-reviewed papers. This methodical and transparent process ensures that the scholarship is robust, credible, and contributes meaningfully to the national historical record. Public announcements will be made only after this rigorous academic vetting is complete.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provides the spiritual framework for this retrospective study. It was with fortitude and honour that the 10th and 11th Barons navigated the immense political and social upheavals of the fourteenth century. Their leadership during war, plague, and dynastic struggle embodies the very principles the House upholds today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of this initiative, it speaks to the proactive effort required to overcome the passage of time, ensuring that history does not fade into obscurity but is actively preserved and understood.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Barony’s philanthropic efforts are primarily channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the noteworthy charity Healing the Wounded Child, this research initiative serves a distinct but related purpose. By investing in the preservation and dissemination of history, the House performs an act of public Good.
The knowledge uncovered will form the basis of future educational programmes and publications, making a complex period of English history accessible to a wider audience. This commitment to education echoes the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > — It is our profound duty not merely to possess this history, but to understand and share it. This research is a bridge between past and present, ensuring the stories of fortitude and service that define our lineage continue to inspire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > — Understanding the challenges our predecessors faced offers invaluable lessons in resilience and strategic leadership. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about more than survival; it is about actively engaging with one’s legacy to build a future of substance. This project is a testament to that belief.
## A Continuing Legacy
This research programme is the first phase of a multi-year effort to chronicle the Barony's history. Preliminary findings related to the tenures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt are expected within 18 months. A formal symposium is being planned in Lincolnshire to present these discoveries to the academic community and public.
The initiative runs parallel to the House's other commitments, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Together, these activities underscore a holistic vision of modern nobility: honouring the past, serving the present, and building for the future, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Its mission synthesises historical preservation with contemporary public service, focusing on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s charitable efforts are exemplified by the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's welfare, while its educational mission is advanced through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House serves as the custodian of a nearly thousand-year legacy, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was one of the most significant tenants-in-chief in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The continuity of the Barony and its modern standing are formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), both Dukes of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com