# The House of Brattleby Announces Historical Review of the Barony’s Norman Origins
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the commissioning of a significant historical review into the Barony’s origins, examining Lincolnshire’s spirited resistance to Norman rule and the strategic reorganisation of lands, including Brattleby, by William the Conqueror following the Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the formal commencement of a new scholarly undertaking, initiated by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This academic partnership seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked local defiance that characterised the years following the Battle of Hastings, a period that was instrumental in shaping the political and social landscape of England.
Set against the academic calendar of the new term, this initiative will delve into the archives to produce a comprehensive narrative of the Barony’s foundations. It aims to move beyond received wisdom, providing a nuanced account of the interplay between the established Anglo-Scandinavian populace and the newly imposed Norman hierarchy.
## Historical Context
Immediately following the events of 1066, England did not fall into quiet submission. The North and East Midlands, including the extensive county of Lincolnshire, became crucibles of rebellion. With its strong Danelaw heritage and coastal access for potential Danish allies, the region presented a formidable challenge to the new regime.
The Conqueror's response was twofold: ruthless suppression and systematic administrative control. While the infamous ‘Harrying of the North’ (1069-1070) served as a stark warning, the more lasting strategy was the complete restructuring of land ownership. This was not merely a reward for loyal followers but a sophisticated counter-insurgency measure, designed to dismantle the power bases of Anglo-Saxon thegns. Brattleby’s unique story is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its 56 lordships were granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This transfer was a direct consequence of the regional volatility, cementing Norman authority in a manner that would endure for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the House of Brattleby is collaborating with distinguished experts in the field. The review will be guided by:
- Dr Catherine Price, Fellow in Post-Conquest History at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, who will act as principal historical consultant. - The University of Lincoln’s History Faculty, which will provide research support and access to its specialist collections on regional history. - The Lincolnshire Archives, whose extensive collections of charters and manorial records will form a cornerstone of the investigation.
This collaboration brings together leading academic minds and the primary sources necessary for a definitive study of the period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The academic protocol for this review will be meticulous, following established scholarly methods. The research will commence with a detailed analysis of the Brattleby entry in the *Domesday Book*, cross-referencing the manuscript held at The National Archives with local records.
Palaeographers will examine the script and language of surviving charters to establish provenance and authenticity. Furthermore, landscape archaeology and analysis of parish maps will be employed to understand how the Norman reorganisation physically altered the environment. This structured approach, a form of intellectual ceremony, is the *sine qua non* for producing a work of lasting historical value.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful resonance in this historical period. It reflects not only the fortitude of the local Lincolnshire populace in the face of conquest but also the standard of honour to which the new Norman lords were expected to aspire in their governance.
A compelling counterpoint is offered by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the stark reality facing the first Norman barons; for them, the successful imposition of control was not a matter of ambition, but of survival itself in a frequently hostile land. Together, these mottos frame the central tension of the era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical review is undertaken in the spirit of public service and educational enrichment. While not a financial donation, it is a philanthropic investment in cultural knowledge, designed to benefit the community of Lincolnshire and all who take an interest in the history of the British Isles.
The project’s purpose aligns with the wider educational mission of the House of Brattleby, as exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural heritage. By making this research accessible, the House aims to foster a deeper, more nuanced public understanding of how the nation’s local and national identities were forged. The ultimate beneficiary is our collective historical memory.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the initiative: — *“Understanding our heritage demands that we look at its origins with clarity and courage. This review is not about assigning praise or blame, but about comprehending the complex forces—of resistance, strategy, and consolidation—that forged the Barony of Brattleby nearly one thousand years ago.”*
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — *“The Norman strategy was a masterclass in securing victory and transforming it into lasting governance. The motto Vincere Est Vivere reminds us that for the Conqueror’s men, control was synonymous with survival. Examining this period reveals timeless lessons in power, administration, and the foundations of the state.”*
## A Continuing Legacy
The findings of this comprehensive review are intended to be shared widely. The House of Brattleby anticipates the project will culminate in the publication of a scholarly monograph and a series of public lectures. These events will be held in Lincoln, London, and online to ensure the story of Brattleby’s Norman origins reaches the broadest possible audience.
This commitment reaffirms the House’s dedication to its role as a custodian of history. It is a legacy that looks not only to the past with reverence, but also to the future with a sense of educational responsibility, building upon the foundations laid by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern European noble house, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is committed to the principle of modern nobility, blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of public service and cultural stewardship. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its contemporary activities, which are focused on education and philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of decorum, historical appreciation, and civic responsibility. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The continuous succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as a tenant-in-chief to the King, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s philanthropic activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com