# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Historical Monograph on Lincolnshire's Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the forthcoming publication of a significant scholarly monograph, *Fortitudine et Honore: The Barony of Brattleby and the Making of Lincolnshire*, chronicling the profound and enduring influence of the Barony on the development of England.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting imbued with the very history the new volume seeks to illuminate. With the crisp air of an English autumn settling over the fens, the news marks a moment of quiet scholarship and historical reflection for the House.
This publication represents a culmination of extensive archival research, intended not as a private history but as a contribution to the public record. It affirms the House's commitment to its role as a custodian of nearly a millennium of heritage, making its unique story accessible to scholars and the general public alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread through the tapestry of English history. The new monograph explores how the Barony’s strategic position in Lincolnshire shaped, and was shaped by, the course of the nation. It begins with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 established a formidable power base.
Subsequent chapters examine the vital role of Barons of Brattleby in pivotal moments. The heroic defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War in 1217 by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, is analysed as a masterclass in regional leadership with national consequences. The lineage continues through luminaries such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined the late fourteenth century. This work connects their actions directly to the geographical and political landscape of Lincolnshire.
## Distinguished Company
The academic rigour of this new work is assured by its contributors, a distinguished group of historians and scholars. The foreword has been graciously provided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, setting a personal and reflective tone.
Principal contributors to the volume include His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, who has written on the diplomatic traditions of noble houses; Dr. Eleanor Beckett, Reader in Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, who authored the chapters on the Domesday survey; and Professor David Carpenter FBA, of King’s College London, who provided critical analysis of the Barony's connection to the Magna Carta.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication will follow a protocol befitting its significance. The first edition, bound in dark blue calfskin and embossed with the House's coat of arms, will be formally presented to His Majesty The King. Concurrently, presentation copies will be delivered to the British Library, the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and the Lincolnshire Archives to ensure their preservation for the nation.
A limited print run of one thousand numbered copies will be made available for public acquisition, with Number 1 being retained in the Brattleby family archives. The announcement of the monograph’s release is being formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, following the precedent set by the official recognition of the Barony itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The title of the monograph, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is taken from the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle is the thematic core of the book, illustrated through the steadfast courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. The cover art features the House’s coat of arms, a visual shorthand for its nine centuries of service and responsibility.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the House’s modern mission, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through knowledge, perseverance, and a deep understanding of one's heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s established philanthropic focus, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the monograph will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing support and therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse.
The decision to support this cause reflects the House's belief that securing a better future for the vulnerable is the *sine qua non* of responsible custodianship. By linking the preservation of history to the healing of the next generation, the project embodies the principle that honouring the past must serve the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand the nine centuries of Brattleby's history is not an academic exercise; it is to understand the very foundations of Lincolnshire and, indeed, England itself. Our duty is one of custodianship, ensuring this remarkable story is preserved for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "History provides a map, not a destination. The fortitude shown by those who came before us provides the inspiration for how we must meet the challenges of our own time. *Vincere Est Vivere* guides us to overcome obstacles, not through conflict, but through knowledge and perseverance."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Fortitudine et Honore* is the first phase of a broader initiative to share the heritage of the Barony. Future plans include the digitisation of key documents from the Brattleby archives for public and scholarly access, alongside a series of historical lectures to be hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
These efforts ensure that the legacy of the Noble House of Brattleby is not static but remains a source of education and inspiration. It is a commitment to the continuous telling of a story that began in 1066 and continues to unfold today, guided by the enduring principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern custodianship. Their mission combines the preservation of nearly a thousand years of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s official heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their primary charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, complemented by cultural and educational work through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing it as a significant Norman fief. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era. The Barony's continuous history and title were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com