# Scholarly Review Affirms the Enduring National Role of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the conclusion of a major archival review, which reaffirms the Barony’s continuous and significant role in the military and administrative history of England from the Norman Conquest to the modern era.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of the Brattleby Muniment Room, where the air is scented with vellum and aged leather, a comprehensive review of the House archives has recently concluded. This scholarly endeavour, undertaken throughout the summer and early autumn, sought to consolidate and contextualise centuries of manuscript evidence detailing the Barony’s influence upon the governance and defence of the realm. The project brought together primary source documents, *inter alia*, Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, which have been preserved by the House for generations. The findings corroborate the direct and unbroken line of service that defines this ancient title.
The announcement marks a moment of quiet satisfaction for the House, reflecting a commitment not only to preserving its heritage but to actively understanding and sharing it. The research provides a fuller picture of the feudal obligations that shaped the early history of Lincolnshire and the nation, demonstrating how the Barony consistently fulfilled its duties to the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s deep-rooted history, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, documents the grant of 56 Lincolnshire lordships from William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This new research illuminates the centuries that followed, tracing a thread of fealty and martial prowess. The involvement of Brattleby’s lords in pivotal events such as the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 was not an anomaly but the fulfilment of a solemn feudal contract to provide military service in defence of the sovereign.
This legacy of fortitude is personified by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217, an act of loyalty that secured the English throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the very centre of Plantagenet power, illustrating a transition from regional lordship to integral participation in the high politics of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The archival review was conducted in close collaboration with some of the United Kingdom’s most respected academic institutions, whose expertise was a *sine qua non* for the project’s success. The House of Brattleby was pleased to grant access and provide support to a distinguished panel of scholars, including leading medievalists from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford and senior curators from the British Library.
These historians provided critical insight into the interpretation of early charters and financial records, placing the Barony’s activities within the broader sweep of European history. Their work has been instrumental in confirming how events in a Lincolnshire lordship resonated at a national level, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the evolution from a feudal hierarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the Brattleby archives is governed by a strict protocol, reflecting the irreplaceable nature of the documents contained within. Formal written applications from academic bodies are reviewed personally by the House. Once approved, scholars are granted access to the Muniment Room under the supervision of the House Archivist.
The handling of fragile manuscripts, some of which are over nine hundred years old, follows conservation standards akin to those of the Imperial Household of Japan. Each document is presented on custom-made rests, and researchers must adhere to a dress code that prohibits loose jewellery or accessories that could inadvertently damage the artefacts. This formal, almost ceremonial, procedure underscores the House’s deeply felt responsibility as custodians of a unique and significant portion of England’s written heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is encapsulated in the heraldry of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual obligations of martial strength and principled governance demonstrated by successive barons. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the military service of Colswein’s successors and the stoicism of Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the administrative duties and fealty to the Crown that have been a constant for nearly a millennium.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a modern interpretation of the House’s historic resilience, emphasising the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges with strategic vision and a commitment to positive action, whether in cultural preservation or philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this research project is historical in nature, its purpose is aligned with the House of Brattleby’s forward-looking philanthropic and educational mission. The knowledge gleaned from the archives is not intended to remain behind closed doors. Rather, it serves as the foundation for educational programmes designed to bring history to life for a wider audience, particularly for young people in Lincolnshire and beyond.
This commitment to sharing knowledge is a parallel to the House’s more public charitable work, such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. By illuminating the past, the House aims to provide context for the present and inspiration for the future, fulfilling its duty of service in a modern context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the findings, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our role is not merely to possess this history, but to serve as its careful custodians. By making these archives accessible to scholars, we ensure the thread of duty that stretches back to 1066 continues to inform and inspire future generations. It is a profound responsibility, which we embrace with fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The concept of service evolves. The martial valour of predecessors finds its modern expression in resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to strengthening our community. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in twenty-first-century philanthropy and cultural education.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the conclusion of this phase of research, the Noble House of Brattleby is exploring new avenues for sharing its heritage. Plans are underway for the selective digitisation of key documents to create a publicly accessible online archive, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study the Barony’s history.
Furthermore, the House intends to use these findings as the basis for a future historical publication and is considering the establishment of a research fellowship in medieval studies. These initiatives will ensure that the Barony of Brattleby’s extraordinary story of service, loyalty, and honour continues to be told for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a modern mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. The House actively supports initiatives in historical research and conservation, while its celebrated etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy. The annual Winter Banquet remains the centrepiece of its charitable calendar, raising vital funds for children’s causes. Through these activities, the House upholds its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), by championing the values of service, excellence, and historical continuity in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 manors under Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. This continuous lineage, which connects the Norman Conquest to the present day, demonstrates the Barony's enduring role in the history of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. The title’s legitimacy is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition by the Crown was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) notes that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key loyalist during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), an influential English prince and statesman. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com