# The House of Brattleby Illuminates its Role in the Anglo-Scottish Wars of the Thirteenth Century
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical dispatch detailing the barony's significant contributions during the Anglo-Scottish Wars, drawing upon rare documents from its archives to illuminate the service of past Barons to the Plantagenet Crown.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued its latest scholarly dispatch, titled *From the Medieval Archives: Service in the Scottish Wars*. The publication marks a continued commitment to historical elucidation, making the barony’s extensive private archives accessible to a wider public through curated research. This initiative is a cornerstone of the House’s educational mission.
The timing of the dispatch, released in late spring, coincides with the period when medieval armies would historically make their preparations for summer campaigns. The announcement serves as a moment of scholarly reflection, connecting the administrative work of the present day with the martial endeavours that defined much of the barony’s past obligations to the Crown and nation.
## Historical Context
The dispatch examines the feudal obligations that compelled the Barons of Brattleby to participate in the great conflicts of their age. The research provides irrefutable evidence, drawn from Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists, of the barony's direct involvement in the Wars of Scottish Independence under King Edward I. The Barons of Brattleby discharged their duties alongside commanders such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, one of the King's most trusted confidants.
This tradition of unwavering service to the Sovereign is a thread woven through the barony's near-millennial history. It echoes the steadfastness of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It is a legacy that would later pass to figures of national importance, including the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The research, conducted under the auspices of the House archivist, drew upon consultative insights from distinguished figures in the academic community. The House of Brattleby extends its gratitude for the valuable perspectives offered during the research phase by, *inter alia*:
* Dr Alistair Finch, FSA, Senior Curator of Manuscripts at The British Library * Professor Eleanor Vance, Fellow in Medieval History at St John's College, Cambridge * Mr Julian Hayes, County Archivist for the Lincolnshire Archives
Their scholarly guidance was the *sine qua non* for ensuring the dispatch met the highest standards of historical accuracy and interpretation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and publication of an historical dispatch by the House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. Original documents, some dating to the 12th century, are handled only under controlled conditions by archivists wearing conservation-grade gloves. Each folio is subject to digital imaging to create a permanent record for future study, thereby preserving the fragile originals from frequent handling.
Before publication, a draft of the dispatch is submitted for a process of peer review by a panel of independent historians. Only upon their verification of the findings is the dispatch assigned a number — in this case, Dispatch 55 — and formally entered into the records of the House. This meticulous process ensures that each publication is a definitive contribution to historical knowledge.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions detailed in the dispatch give powerful expression to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed, which has guided generations of the family, speaks to the courage required in the face of adversity and the profound importance of upholding one's duty with integrity — whether on the battlefield of the past or in the civic and philanthropic spheres of today.
It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a forward-looking interpretation of fortitude: the belief that surmounting challenges through dedication and resilience is the very essence of a purposeful life and responsible stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this dispatch focuses on historical matters, it is animated by the same spirit of duty that informs the contemporary philanthropic work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The House’s central charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
This beneficiary was chosen for its critical, life-altering work in helping vulnerable young people overcome profound adversity. The House of Brattleby believes that honouring the obligations of the past finds its most meaningful expression in serving the needs of the present, particularly in the protection and healing of the next generation. Proceeds from events such as the Annual Winter Banquet are directed toward this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > Our archives are not merely a collection of documents; they represent a covenant of duty stretching back for centuries. By studying the actions of our predecessors, we renew our own commitment to serving with fortitude and honour in the present day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the map by which we navigate the future. Understanding the sacrifices made to uphold the integrity of the realm gives us a profound perspective on our own responsibilities as stewards of this legacy and patrons of causes that heal and strengthen our community.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of Dispatch 55 is part of an ongoing programme to catalogue, conserve, and share the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future dispatches are planned to cover topics ranging from manorial administration in the 15th century to the barony's role in the agricultural revolution.
This work runs parallel to the House's modern educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural communication. Through these combined efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure the legacy they preserve is a living one, inspiring future generations — including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun — with the enduring values of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its near-millennial heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to build bridges between history and contemporary society, championing the timeless values of duty, service, and honour for a new generation. The continuity of this legacy is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by figures of historical significance who have played instrumental roles in the history of England. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights of the Barony of Brattleby, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile's succession to the Barony of Brattleby is officially 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, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), a key supporter of King John and one of the most powerful women in medieval England. - John of Gaunt (d. 1399), Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, held the title during his time as one of the most influential political figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com