# New Insights from The Brattleby Archives: The Barony’s Role in the Scottish Wars of Independence
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal publication of new translations from its private archives, detailing the Barony’s significant role during the Scottish Wars of Independence and the pivotal counsel provided to King Edward I.
## The Occasion
In a despatch issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House has made public a collection of newly translated Latin manuscripts. This scholarly release, representing years of careful conservation and academic review, illuminates a critical period in the history of the British Isles. The documents, *inter alia*, reveal the extent of the Barony’s involvement in the strategic planning of Edward I’s northern campaigns.
The announcement coincides with the autumn season, a time traditionally associated with scholarship and reflection. The release is not marked by a public ceremony but by the quiet, serious dissemination of historical knowledge, underscoring the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of nine centuries of documented history.
## Historical Context
The records confirm the influential position of the Barons of Brattleby in the councils of the Crown during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The feudal obligations of the Barony, first established under Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, placed its holders in direct service to the monarch. These documents elaborate upon the role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a key figure connected to the Barony, as a staunch and trusted advisor to Edward I.
This tradition of high service is a consistent thread throughout the Barony’s history. It is a legacy carried by formidable predecessors, from the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King, to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These latest findings reaffirm the Barony’s continuous presence at the nexus of royal power and national governance.
## Distinguished Company
The translation and interpretation of these complex medieval documents were conducted under the highest scholarly standards. The project was completed in close consultation with leading palaeographers and medievalists from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, who provided invaluable expertise in deciphering the period’s intricate court hand and political context.
Further verification was provided by specialists from the British Library, who have previously drawn upon the Brattleby archives for research into medieval governance. This collaboration ensures the integrity and academic value of the findings now being presented to the public.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such historical records follows a strict internal protocol. Each manuscript undergoes meticulous assessment and conservation by specialists before any scholarly work commences. The translation process itself is a rigorous discipline, requiring not only linguistic fluency but a deep understanding of feudal law, social customs, and the political nuances of the Angevin and Plantagenet courts.
Once translated, the findings were subjected to a process of peer review, a *sine qua non* for ensuring historical accuracy. The decision to publish was made by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan personally, in keeping with their commitment to making the heritage of the House accessible to scholars and the public.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions detailed in the manuscripts are a powerful embodiment of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The unwavering loyalty and determined counsel provided to the Crown, often during periods of national crisis, perfectly reflect this guiding principle of valiant and honourable service.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted as a call to overcome challenges, whether through philanthropic endeavour or, as in this case, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge to vanquish obscurity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this scholarly publication is not a fundraising initiative, it stands as an act of cultural philanthropy. By investing in the preservation and sharing of its unique historical archives, the House of Brattleby contributes to the nation’s collective memory and provides a vital resource for education and research.
This commitment to enlightenment runs parallel to the House’s charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, raises significant funds for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Both efforts, one historical and one contemporary, share a common goal: to restore and to heal, whether it be gaps in historical understanding or the adversities faced by vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "These documents are more than relics of a distant past; they are a living testament to the principle of duty that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. In sharing them, we honour the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* that was entrusted to us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective: — "Our responsibility is not merely to guard this history, but to animate it. By bringing these stories into the light, we engage in a form of discovery. It demonstrates that to understand where we are going, we must first appreciate from whence we came. In this, we find a victory of its own, for *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication is the first in a planned series of despatches from the Brattleby Archives, which will continue to shed light on the Barony's role in British and European history. The House remains dedicated to its dual mission of preserving its heritage while actively contributing to modern society.
This work continues alongside the House’s other commitments, including the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these diverse initiatives, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to build upon its enduring foundations of service, honour, and cultural stewardship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively stewards its nine-century heritage while engaging with contemporary issues. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on the support of vulnerable children through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child charity, most visibly supported by the annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest which promotes cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is seated in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The ancient feudal Barony's modern standing and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The annual fundraising gala, the Winter Banquet, is a white-tie event benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child charity. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com