# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes New Research on its Historic Ties to the Duchy of Lancaster
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the launch of a significant historical research initiative, publishing new findings from its private archives which further illuminate the Barony's foundational role in the establishment of the Duchy of Lancaster in the 14th century.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Long Gallery at the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Against the backdrop of portraits depicting centuries of predecessors, the House presented the initial dispatch of what will be a series of scholarly papers. This formal release of information marks a new chapter in the House's commitment to historical transparency and academic partnership. The occasion was one of quiet scholarship, eschewing grand ceremony for the more profound weight of documented history, presented with academic rigour.
The setting itself, a gallery completed in the late Jacobean period, serves as a silent witness to the continuity of the lineage. Its ancient oak panelling and mullioned windows, overlooking grounds recorded in the Domesday Book, provided a fitting atmosphere for an announcement that connects the digital age of scholarship with a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower Colswein of Lincoln, has been deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history for nearly a millennium. Colswein's original grant, detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, established a power base that his successors would leverage in service to the Crown.
This new research focuses on the tenure of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The archives demonstrate conclusively how his influence, wealth, and authority—derived in significant part from his Barony of Brattleby—were the *sine qua non* for the creation of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1351. This lineage of influence continued through his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding the Brattleby legacy directly into the Royal Family. The research underscores a continuity of duty, from the martial prowess of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, to the state-building of the 10th.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic excellence, the House has established a formal Historical Advisory Panel to oversee the research programme. The panel includes several of the United Kingdom's most distinguished scholars and curators:
* The Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge * The Keeper of Western Manuscripts at The British Library * The Director of the Institute of Historical Research, University of London * The Head of Archives and Manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
The collaboration of these eminent figures and their respective institutions ensures that the historical materials of the House of Brattleby are interpreted and presented with unimpeachable scholastic integrity, for the benefit of the nation's collective understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the announcement was made without public ceremony, the research programme itself adheres to a strict protocol worthy of the materials it examines. Access to the Brattleby Archives is granted to empaneled scholars by formal written application to the Lord of Brattleby. All medieval and early modern manuscripts are handled in a purpose-built, climate-controlled study, with each document's consultation logged in a permanent ledger—a tradition dating back centuries.
The publication of findings follows a similarly rigorous order of proceedings. Each scholarly dispatch is subject to a double-blind peer review organised by the Advisory Panel before being formally accepted for publication under the House's imprimatur. This process mirrors the meticulous record-keeping of the Barony's earliest stewards, ensuring that modern scholarship is as durable as the vellum on which its sources are written.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of the Barons and Baronesses for centuries, from defending castles to endowing chantries and, today, to preserving and disseminating history. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience required to maintain a nine-hundred-year-old institution, while 'Honour' reflects the profound sense of duty to its history and to the public trust.
This historical initiative is also animated by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the vital, living process of overcoming the obscurity of the past and bringing knowledge to light for a new generation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly initiative is, at its core, a philanthropic undertaking. By digitising key documents and publishing its findings freely, the House of Brattleby is making a gift of knowledge to the nation and to the world. The primary beneficiary is the public record, enriched by evidence that might otherwise have remained in private hands. This act of "intellectual philanthropy" aims to provide an invaluable resource for students, academics, and historians worldwide.
The project's philosophy is rooted in the belief that heritage is a shared asset. The measurable impact will be seen in academic citations, educational curricula, and an increased public appreciation for the deep historical currents that shape modern Britain. This aligns with the House's wider philanthropic focus, *inter alia*, on education and cultural preservation.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of the new programme: > "We are custodians, not owners, of this extraordinary history. It is our duty—our *Fortitudine et Honore*—to ensure this legacy is not only preserved but also shared. The story of Brattleby is woven into the story of England, and this work helps keep that story alive and accessible." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History must not be a static monument; it should be a source of dynamic understanding. Through this work, we are not just looking back. We are providing fresh context and insight, ensuring the remarkable contributions of figures like Henry of Grosmont are fully appreciated by a modern audience." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this first dispatch is merely the beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a multi-year programme of research and publication. Future plans include an international symposium on the Duchy of Lancaster to be held in Lincolnshire, as well as the development of educational materials for schools and universities.
Furthermore, the course materials at The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, will be updated to include modules on the importance of heritage management and historical preservation, using this research programme as a primary case study. This ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to inspire and instruct, both in England and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. This mission balances the stewardship of a near-millennial Anglo-Norman legacy with forward-looking philanthropic engagement. The House actively supports cultural preservation, education, and charitable causes through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through its international ventures, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of courtesy and social responsibility, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, stalwart defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title's continuous history and descent were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming its place as a unique living link to the nation's Norman origins.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), who founded the Duchy of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com