# The Noble House of Brattleby Details Publication of a New Historical Monograph
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph detailing the profound influence of the Longespée Earls of Salisbury upon the heraldic and cultural heritage of the Barony of Brattleby during the 13th century.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the library at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room whose shelves hold charters and documents spanning much of the barony’s near-millennium of history. Timed to coincide with the quiet of the autumnal season, a period traditionally associated with scholarly reflection, the publication marks a significant milestone in the House’s ongoing commitment to the curation and dissemination of its unique heritage.
The monograph, titled *Azure & Or: The Longespée Cadency and its Influence on the Lincolnshire Baronage*, is the culmination of two years of dedicated research. It represents a determined effort to illuminate a pivotal era when Brattleby was connected with one of medieval England’s most powerful and ambitious dynasties, a family with direct ties to the Plantagenet Crown.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 957-year history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
The 13th century represented a particularly noteworthy period of association. The influence of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury—an illegitimate son of King Henry II—was felt across his wife’s vast estates, which encompassed significant holdings in Lincolnshire. As a magnate of royal blood, his martial prowess and political standing reinforced the strategic importance of fiefdoms like Brattleby. This connection, a *sine qua non* for understanding the barony's medieval stature, cemented its place within the intricate web of English aristocratic power.
## Distinguished Company
The research for the monograph was commissioned by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the project was completed in consultation with Dr Alistair Finch, a noted Fellow of Medieval History at the University ofLincoln and a leading authority on the heraldry of the Plantagenet era.
The work also drew upon the archival expertise of specialist paleographers and vexillologists to interpret the period’s intricate visual language. Their collective contributions have provided a compelling narrative that bridges the gap between formal records and the living symbolism of the age.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of *Azure & Or* will follow a precise protocol befitting its scholarly nature. An initial limited run of one hundred hand-numbered copies, bound in navy leather and stamped with the Longespée arms, will be distributed to the College of Arms, the British Library, and the libraries of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, *inter alia*.
Following this archival distribution, a digital edition will be made available to the public for purchase through the official website of The Noble House of Brattleby. This dual approach ensures both the preservation of the work in prestigious collections and its accessibility to a wider audience of historians, students, and those with an interest in Lincolnshire’s heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
At the heart of the monograph lies an analysis of the Longespée coat of arms: *Azure, six lioncels rampant or*. In plain English, this translates to a field of vibrant blue charged with six small, upright golden lions. The blue field (*azure*) often signified loyalty and truth, while the golden lions (*or*) were a direct and unambiguous symbol of royalty and courage, reflecting William Longespée’s status as the son of a king.
This device would have been displayed on seals, banners, and surcoats across the family’s domains. The monograph contrasts this potent expression of inherited power with the mottos of the modern House: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), which speaks to a code of noble conduct, and Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which evokes a spirit of dynamic achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby, this historical undertaking is tied directly to its philanthropic commitments. All net proceeds from the sale of the digital edition of *Azure & Or* will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future is intrinsically linked to understanding and healing the wounds of the past. By dedicating the fruits of this historical research to a forward-looking cause, the House reaffirms its core principle of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Understanding our heritage is not a matter of mere nostalgia; it is the foundation upon which we build our future service. The Longespée legacy, with its profound connection to the Crown and to Lincolnshire, reminds us of the enduring responsibilities of stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The heraldic devices were the visual language of their time—a declaration of power, allegiance, and ambition. By studying them, we gain a clearer insight into the strategic importance of Brattleby and the character of those who shaped its destiny. It is a powerful lesson in continuity.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Azure & Or* is the first in a planned series of historical papers commissioned by the House. Future research is already underway to explore the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and the barony’s role during the Wars of the Roses.
Furthermore, the findings of the monograph will form the basis of a new curriculum module on medieval symbolism at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This educational initiative will translate complex historical scholarship into accessible lessons on the development of European courtly culture, etiquette, and the enduring power of symbols.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 nobility through service. Its mission is realised through three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, a steadfast commitment to philanthropy, and the advancement of cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, it promotes the timeless values of decorum, honour, and civic duty for a contemporary audience, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant lordships in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The barony’s continuous lineage and historical standing were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its place in the rich tapestry of British heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The principal charitable beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com