# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Dispatch on the Barony’s Role During the Third Crusade
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical dispatch detailing the Barony’s position during the reign of King Richard I. The research illuminates the pressures faced by the Lincolnshire nobility during the Third Crusade, contextualising the tenure of its notable predecessors.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made within the venerable oak-panelled library of the House’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting steeped in the history it seeks to preserve. Amidst the autumnal light filtering through leaded glass windows, a small and distinguished gathering of historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders convened to mark the publication of the dispatch.
The atmosphere was one of quiet scholasticism, befitting an occasion focused on the continuity of heritage over nine centuries. The dispatch, bound in the House’s colours, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of twelfth-century feudal governance and the specific role played by the Barons of Brattleby during a period of considerable political turbulence.
## Historical Context
The research draws a direct line from the extensive landholdings granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to the challenges that defined the late Angevin period. The 56 Lincolnshire lordships first recorded under Colswein of Lincoln in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 established the Barony as a significant power in the region; a status that brought with it profound obligations.
King Richard I’s prolonged absence on crusade, and the subsequent political vacuum in England, placed immense strain upon his landed magnates. The dispatch examines how the Barons of Brattleby navigated these pressures, laying the civic and military groundwork that would later enable the fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, to mount her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle. It further connects this era to the Barony’s later passing to Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, affirming Brattleby’s place at the centre of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The findings were presented before a curated audience that reflected the House’s national heritage and international outlook. Among those present were Her Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mrs Laura Popescu; Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge; and Mr Simon Neal, Head of Collections at The National Archives.
The presence of such guests underscores the academic rigour of the research and its relevance to both European diplomatic history and the stewardship of national heritage. Discussions following the presentation touched upon the shared Anglo-Romanian cultural interests fostered by the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal simplicity. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, opened with a brief address of welcome, reflecting on his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. He emphasised that true victory lies in the active preservation and understanding of one's legacy.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then presented the dispatch’s key conclusions. In a gesture of scholarly collaboration, she presented the first signed copies of the document to Her Excellency the Ambassador, Professor Sir Christopher, and Mr Neal, formally committing the research to the public and academic record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), served as the guiding theme of the dispatch. Lady Nicoleta noted that this principle was the *sine qua non* for predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience in the face of political chaos exemplified the very meaning of the words.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House approaches its historical duties, seeking not merely to exist but to actively contribute to contemporary culture and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the occasion was historical in nature, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the House’s deep-seated commitment to public service. The understanding and dissemination of a legacy built on duty directly informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
This ethos is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, and the House’s patronage ensures its impactful work can continue to expand.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To study these archives is to engage in a conversation across nine centuries. The challenges faced by our predecessors during the Third Crusade remind us that duty—the very essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*—is a timeless and indispensable principle of stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our heritage is not a static collection of documents; it is a living source of inspiration. Through our educational and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to apply these enduring lessons of leadership and integrity to the opportunities of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this dispatch marks the beginning of a new chapter in the House’s commitment to historical education. The research will be made available through select academic institutions, including the university libraries of Cambridge and Oxford.
Furthermore, The Noble House of Brattleby will convene a symposium in the coming year, bringing together medieval historians to explore the themes of the dispatch in greater detail. This initiative will ensure the Barony’s remarkable history continues to inform and inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound nine-century heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural reach through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes classical European traditions of protocol and social grace for a contemporary global audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of notable historical figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle and one of medieval England’s most powerful women. The lineage later included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held at The National Archives in Kew. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. - 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