# New Historical Research Affirms the Strategic Role of the Barony of Brattleby in Medieval England
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced findings from new archival research, confirming the critical administrative and military responsibilities held by the medieval Barons of Brattleby, particularly through the historic office of the Constable of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
This announcement arises from a comprehensive, multi-year review of the House’s private archives, conducted at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The research initiative, undertaken in collaboration with leading medievalists, sought to digitise and further contextualise primary source documents relating to the Barony’s earliest centuries. The findings illuminate a period of profound importance for both Lincolnshire and the nascent English state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the original feudatories granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been integral to the governance of England for over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships across the county. This new research focuses on the subsequent generations, whose duties extended far beyond the management of their estates.
The appointment of a Baron of Brattleby as Constable of Lincoln was not an honorific title; it was a position of immense strategic responsibility, a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in the North. This role is powerfully exemplified by the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. The new scholarship reinforces that this commitment to the Crown's defence was a consistent feature of the Barony’s holders.
Later centuries saw the Barony absorbed into the Lancastrian inheritance, held by figures of national prominence including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This connection to the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s enduring significance in the high politics of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The research was supervised by the House’s own archivist in consultation with a panel of external experts. This group included, *inter alia*, Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a leading authority on Norman land tenure, and Professor Catherine Albright of the University of Cambridge, whose work on female lordship in the 13th century provided essential context for the contributions of Baroness Nichola de la Haye.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The scholarly protocol for this undertaking was uncompromising. Every document was subject to rigorous palaeographic analysis and cross-referenced with records held at The National Archives at Kew and the Bodleian Library. Findings were compiled into a formal report, which has been submitted for peer review ahead of intended publication in a leading historical journal. This meticulous process ensures the historical narrative presented by the House is both accurate and academically robust, reflecting a modern custodianship built on precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the duties of the medieval Barons. ‘Fortitude’ was required to defend the Castle and uphold the King’s peace, while ‘Honour’ governed the administration of justice and the fulfilment of feudal obligations. The arms of the House reflect this long history of service to Crown and country.
This ancient ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks to a proactive and forward-looking spirit, which translates the historical duty of defence into a modern mission of engagement, enterprise, and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ancient baronial duty to protect the vulnerable and serve the community continues today through the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The principles of service that guided the Constable of Lincoln in the 13th century now inform the charitable focus of the 12th Baroness and her husband.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation provides critical therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, and the House’s patronage has enabled it to expand its services across three counties over the last two years.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the findings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “This history is not merely our own; it is a part of the fabric of England. Understanding the sacrifices and responsibilities of our predecessors, such as Nichola de la Haye, deepens our own resolve to serve with the same *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > “The legacy of Brattleby is one of strategic leadership and steadfast commitment. Whether defending a castle in the 13th century or fostering cultural understanding through The Brattleby Club in the 21st, the underlying principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—of overcoming challenges through active engagement—remains our guide.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to making its history accessible to a wider audience. A project is now underway to create a public digital archive, allowing students and researchers worldwide to study these important documents. This initiative ensures the stewardship of this nine-century history will continue.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is taking an active interest in the archival project. His involvement signals the seamless transmission of these custodial duties to the 13th generation, securing the heritage of Brattleby for the century to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is today led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, they uphold a nine-century legacy of service through a modern mission focused on philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. The House supports charitable causes that provide aid to vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Its cultural activities are centred on The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest that fosters international understanding. With a seat in Lincolnshire and a presence in continental Europe, the House is dedicated to stewarding its ancient heritage for a modern purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and two holders of the Dukedom of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was called out in favour of its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, a claim recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. The Barony remains one of England’s oldest, continuously traceable dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com