# The House of Brattleby Announces Publication of New Historical Research
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph examining the barony’s continuity during the 14th century, spotlighting the remarkable resilience of its chatelaines, including Alice de Lacy, following the political upheavals of the era.
## The Occasion
In an announcement made from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby affirmed its commitment to historical stewardship and academic research. This latest publication is the result of extensive work within the family's private archives, which are maintained at their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The monograph, entitled *Resilience and Rule: The Barony of Brattleby in the Age of Lancaster*, seeks to illuminate a period of profound transformation for both the Barony and the Kingdom.
The project represents a core pillar of the House's modern mission: to serve not only as custodians of a near-millennial heritage but also as active contributors to its study and dissemination. By commissioning such works, the House provides an invaluable resource for historians and ensures the lessons contained within its lineage remain accessible to a contemporary audience. This initiative underscores the principle that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for navigating the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been an integral part of the fabric of England for over 950 years. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is inextricably linked to the nation's own. This new research focuses on the 14th century, a time when the barony was held by the great House of Lancaster.
The monograph gives particular attention to the period following the execution of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, in 1322. It explores the subsequent role of his wife, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, and her administration of estates related to the barony. Her story offers a compelling case study in fortitude, positioned between the tenures of two of Brattleby's most significant barons: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose influence shaped the course of English royalty.
## Distinguished Company
While the announcement was made on behalf of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the project itself was a collaborative effort. The research was undertaken by the House Archivist, working in close consultation with a distinguished Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, who authored the final paper. Their work ensures the publication meets the highest standards of academic rigour.
The monograph acknowledges the contributions of several leading medievalists who provided peer review and contextual guidance. This assembly of expertise reflects the House's belief that historical interpretation thrives through scholarly dialogue, combining archival discovery with established academic insight.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with established tradition for such undertakings, the first copies of the monograph will be formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following this private presentation, copies will be deposited in the collections of the British Library and the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, ensuring their permanent preservation and availability for future scholars.
The publication will be bound in the House's livery colours and will feature the coat of arms on its frontispiece. The digital edition will be made available through select academic portals, reflecting a modern approach to the traditional duties of patronage. This dual format honours both precedent and the contemporary need for accessibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the new research resonate deeply with the guiding principles of the House. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is powerfully illustrated by the legacy of predecessors like Alice de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle. Their lives were defined by courage in the face of adversity, a quality the House seeks to celebrate.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the proactive nature of this historical project. It reflects a belief in overcoming the obscurities of time to bring the vital stories of the past to life. The publication is thus an act of both remembrance and revitalisation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This academic endeavour runs in parallel with the House’s primary philanthropic commitments. Proceeds from the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, are dedicated to the beneficiary organisation, Healing the Wounded Child. This charity provides specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilience and secure a more stable future.
The House of Brattleby perceives a clear thematic link between its charitable and historical work. By championing stories of historical resilience, *inter alia*, it reinforces the same values of strength and recovery that it supports through its philanthropic activities. Both initiatives aim to repair, restore, and foster strength for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the monograph's publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “History is not merely a record of events; it is the collective story of human endurance and duty. By bringing figures like Alice de Lacy into clearer focus, we not only honour our obligation to the past but also discover profound lessons in fortitude for the present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Our heritage is a living force, not a static monument. Through initiatives like this, we ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not confined to archives but actively contributes to a wider understanding of leadership and perseverance. It is how we live our history today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication marks the first in a planned series of historical monographs that will explore pivotal moments and personalities from the barony’s long history. Future research is anticipated to examine the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, a rare example of a female High Sheriff in 13th-century England, and the barony's role during the Wars of the Roses.
The cultural and educational programmes of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will incorporate findings from this research into its curriculum on Western heritage. This ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to inform and inspire a new generation, creating a bridge between English history and a global community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the 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 preserving its unique 950-year heritage while championing forward-looking philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's principal charitable focus is supporting the mental health and well-being of children who have faced trauma. Through its various activities, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of duty, resilience, and cultural continuity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the barony has been held by some of English history's most influential figures, 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, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights of the barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of 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 (1086), with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com