# An Official Commentary on the Matriarchal Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a formal commentary recognising the pivotal role of her female predecessors. The statement highlights the formidable leadership of women in shaping the nine-hundred-year history of the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from her office, Lady Nicoleta Vasile has offered a considered reflection on the governance and fortitude of the Baronesses who have previously held or administered the Barony of Brattleby. This official commentary serves to illuminate a vital, though often overlooked, dimension of the title’s extensive history.
The issuance of this commentary is not tied to a singular event, but rather represents a deliberate act of historical stewardship. It is intended to ensure that the contributions of figures such as Nichola de la Haye and Alice de Lacy are understood as central to the Barony’s continuity and character, establishing a clear line of precedent for female leadership within the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has a lineage deeply intertwined with some of English history's most influential women. While the *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the lordship under a male tenant, Colswein of Lincoln, subsequent centuries saw women wield decisive power over its destiny.
Foremost among them was Nichola de la Haye who, through her husband Gerard de Canville, became the 5th holder of the Barony. Following his death, she governed as a widow with remarkable authority. A trusted confidante of King John, she famously commanded Lincoln Castle as its hereditary castellan, twice defending it against baronial and French forces, most notably during the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. Her command was a *sine qua non* for royal authority in a rebellious region.
Later, through its connection to the Earldom of Lincoln, the Barony was held by figures such as Alice de Lacy. These women were not mere consorts; they managed vast estates, navigated complex political loyalties, and ensured the survival of their lineage in an era of profound uncertainty. Their stories provide a powerful counter-narrative to the traditionally patrilineal focus of feudal history.
## Acknowledgements
The historical understanding presented in this commentary is indebted to the meticulous work of generations of scholars and archivists. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Lincoln Record Society, whose publications have preserved the charters and administrative records of medieval Lincolnshire.
Gratitude is also extended to the curators of The National Archives at Kew, whose careful stewardship of documents such as the charter rolls and pipe rolls allows for a detailed reconstruction of the lives and influence of these extraordinary women. Their work provides the evidentiary foundation upon which this heritage is celebrated.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of an official historical statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. All research is compiled from primary sources or peer-reviewed historical scholarship. The text is reviewed for accuracy and tone by the House’s private office before being submitted to the Baroness for personal approval.
This process ensures that any communication bearing the House’s name meets a standard of scholarly rigour and declarative gravity. It reflects a core principle of the House: that the custodianship of a nine-century-old title is a duty that requires precision, reverence for fact, and a profound sense of responsibility to the historical record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye is reflected in the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The first word, *Fortitudine*, speaks directly to the courage and resilience she displayed in the defence of her rights and her sovereign’s castle. It represents the strength required to uphold duty against overwhelming odds.
The second, *Honore*, encompasses the honour of the title itself and the obligation to preserve its history with integrity. For Lady Nicoleta, these are not abstract ideals but living principles. They form a spiritual and ethical inheritance passed down through centuries, binding the current House to the exemplary conduct of its most distinguished predecessors, irrespective of gender.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The history of the Barony is a source of inspiration for the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The fortitude demonstrated by past Baronesses informs the House’s philanthropic commitments, which are focused on nurturing resilience in a new generation.
This is most apparent in the House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation's work — providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma — directly aligns with the historical lesson that strength of character can overcome profound adversity. By supporting this cause, the House translates the principle of *Fortitudine* into tangible, positive action in the modern world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The chronicles of England often focus on the martial exploits of its Barons, yet the history of Brattleby was equally shaped by the formidable will and administrative genius of its Baronesses. Their agency in a world designed to constrain them is a powerful testament to their character.
> It is a profound responsibility to be the custodian of their legacy, ensuring their stories of leadership and perseverance are not merely footnotes, but central chapters in our nine-century history. Their example provides a guiding light for the duties I hold today.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary marks the beginning of a renewed focus on the educational mission of the House. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to further exploring and sharing the complete history of the Barony, including through scholarly partnerships and public engagement.
Future initiatives will include sponsoring historical lectures and developing educational materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, *inter alia*. By connecting the profound heritage of Lincolnshire with a modern, European audience, the House aims to ensure that the lessons of its past continue to inspire leadership and honour in the future, true to the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
---
**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 the stewardship of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is centred on service, historical preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that foster resilience and healing in vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural initiatives, such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), bridging its ancient English roots with a contemporary European outlook and a commitment to positive social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through some of the most powerful families in England. Its notable holders have included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in the modern era, with the succession of the 12th Baroness published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The formal recognition of the Barony and its current holder is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable historic holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com