# House of Brattleby Announces Research Partnership Exploring Its Medieval Heritage
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new scholarly partnership with the University of Lincoln to research the barony’s nine-century history. The initiative will focus on the House’s foundational role in Lincolnshire and its connection to the Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a modest and scholarly reception held within the historic Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral. As the crisp autumn light filtered through the cathedral's famous rose windows, a small gathering of academics, local historians, and civic leaders convened to mark the formal inauguration of this significant research project. The choice of venue was deliberate, serving as a poignant reminder of the Barony of Brattleby’s deep and enduring ties to the city and county.
The atmosphere was one of quiet gravitas, reflecting the academic nature of the endeavour. The occasion was not a gala but a formal commitment to the preservation and dissemination of local and national heritage. It represented a confluence of past and present, where ancient stone walls bore witness to a new chapter in the stewardship of a long and storied history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most ancient noble dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region from the earliest days of Norman rule. This new research partnership will seek to illuminate the continuous thread of service connecting that foundational era to the present day.
Of particular focus will be the lives of notable predecessors, whose actions shaped English history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Two centuries later, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, served as a founding knight of the Order of the Garter. His inclusion in that most chivalrous of societies by King Edward III, alongside his successor in the barony, John of Gaunt, cemented the House’s place at the very centre of royal power and medieval chivalry.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined by key figures from the academic and local community, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, who provided introductory remarks on the cathedral’s shared history with the Barony. * Professor Alistair Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, who will oversee the academic direction of the project. * Councillor Patricia Anne Bradwell OBE, Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council. * The Right Honourable Sir Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for Gainsborough.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Befitting the scholarly setting, the proceedings were marked by a dignified and understated protocol. Guests were welcomed into the Chapter House by the Dean of Lincoln, who spoke briefly on the city’s historical relationship with the Barons of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta then took to the lectern to deliver the principal announcement, formally launching the partnership.
Honorary Lord Răzvan followed, speaking on the modern relevance of historical study and the House’s commitment to education. Finally, Professor Finch outlined the project’s academic scope, its intended methodologies, and the anticipated outcomes for both the university and the public. The formal remarks concluded with the signing of a ceremonial memorandum of understanding between the House and the University.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is guided by the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is seen as the *sine qua non* of the barony’s nine-hundred-year history, embodied by the courage of Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric duty of Henry of Grosmont. The research project is itself an act of honouring this legacy.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of the baronial spirit: one of overcoming challenges through purpose and dynamic action. Together, the mottos reflect a philosophy of respecting heritage while actively shaping the future, a central theme of the new partnership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Noble House of Brattleby’s principal philanthropic efforts are directed towards its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity, this research partnership represents a significant intellectual and cultural contribution. By funding this scholarly work, the House aims to make a lasting investment in public knowledge.
The project’s findings will be made accessible through publications, public lectures, and future digital resources, ensuring the heritage of Lincolnshire and the history of the Barony of Brattleby are shared with the widest possible audience. This commitment to education aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living narrative that informs our present and guides our future. It is our foremost duty, as custodians of this ancient barony, to ensure that this story is told with accuracy, rigour, and a deep sense of respect for those who came before us. *Fortitudine et Honore* must be a principle we live, not just one we recite.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By partnering with a distinguished institution like the University of Lincoln, we seek not only to illuminate the past but to draw lessons of leadership and duty that resonate in the twenty-first century. For us, this endeavour embodies the principle that *vincere est vivere* — to live a meaningful life is to engage, build, and contribute.
## A Continuing Legacy
This academic partnership is a long-term commitment, with the first research papers expected to be presented in late 2024. The House of Brattleby also looks forward to its next major philanthropic engagement, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes.
The research initiative and the House’s ongoing philanthropic work are twin pillars of a modern mission: to honour nearly a millennium of history through active, forward-looking service to the community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of 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 most ancient baronies. Its mission is realised through three main pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet. It also operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 extensively documents its initial holdings, listing 56 lordships under Colswein's tenure. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of England’s most powerful medieval magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession and rights were formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in AD 1348. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com