# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Saxon Origins of the Brattleby Estate
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced research affirming the Saxon-era origins of its Lincolnshire estate, revealing a significant settlement that predates the Norman Conquest. The findings underscore the site’s deep historical importance, which extends far beyond its formal creation in 1066.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement released from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby marked a significant moment in the chronicling of its own history. The announcement, based on a consolidation of recent archaeological findings and documentary analysis, serves to re-contextualise the estate not as a Norman creation, but as the continuation of an established Anglo-Saxon centre of influence within the ancient kingdom of Lindsey.
This scholarly affirmation, while sober in its delivery, represents a profound development in the understanding of one of England’s oldest baronies. It connects the present House directly to the pre-Conquest peoples of the land, honouring a heritage that exceeds even its own nine and a half centuries of recorded feudal history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which detailed his control of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This new research, however, establishes that Colswein’s lordship was superimposed upon a pre-existing and organised Saxon estate, a common practice of the Normans to ensure continuity and effective governance.
This legacy of stewardship has been passed through a remarkable lineage. Its holders have included some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated as the steadfast defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to a royal dynasty.
The current announcement therefore adds a vital chapter to this long history, acknowledging the unnamed Saxon thegns and their people who first established a community at Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The research findings represent a careful synthesis of work undertaken in collaboration with several esteemed bodies. Academics from the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, *inter alia*, provided crucial analysis of archaeological evidence unearthed over the past decade.
Concurrently, a review of Anglo-Saxon charters and ecclesiastical records was conducted with guidance from specialists at the Lincolnshire Archives. This scholarly cooperation was indispensable, ensuring that the conclusions met the rigorous standards of historical and archaeological verification before their formal acceptance by the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming such a fundamental aspect of the House’s history followed a meticulous internal protocol. The first stage involved the commissioning of a comprehensive report synthesising all available archaeological data from the Brattleby area.
The second stage required intensive cross-referencing of this physical evidence with documentary sources, including manorial rolls, local chronicles, and early Church records, to establish a coherent timeline. The final stage was a private review of the dossier by a panel of independent historians specialising in the Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman transition, whose consensus was the *sine qua non* for today’s announcement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds new resonance in light of these findings. Fortitude reflects not only the military prowess of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye but also the resilience of the land and its people through centuries of change, including the seismic shift of the Norman Conquest itself.
Honour speaks to the duty of the present House to act as a faithful custodian of this entire history, both Norman and Saxon. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which injects a modern, dynamic impetus: to animate this ancient legacy with purpose and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This commitment to historical truth is an extension of the House’s core philanthropic philosophy: that a clear understanding of our past is essential for building a stronger future. The same intellectual rigour and sense of duty are applied to the House’s charitable endeavours.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support to children who have suffered trauma. The House of Brattleby believes that restoring history and healing lives are two sides of the same coin, as both actions seek to repair, strengthen, and provide a solid foundation from which to grow.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “This is a moment of profound humility and pride. To know that our stewardship extends back to roots even deeper than the Conquest is a solemn responsibility. We are not just the inheritors of a Norman title, but the custodians of a place that has been a home and a community for well over a millennium. Our duty is to honour every part of that story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it must also be our inspiration for the future. Understanding the Saxon origins of Brattleby enriches our modern initiatives, from the cultural work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to our philanthropic commitments here in Britain. It confirms that our House has always been built on resilience and adaptation, values that are more vital than ever today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to making this research more widely accessible to the public and the scholarly community. Plans are underway to digitise key documents and to support the publication of a monograph on the early history of the Brattleby estate.
These efforts will ensure that the story of Brattleby, from its Saxon beginnings to its present-day work, continues to be told with accuracy and purpose. It is a legacy defined not by nostalgia, but by a living commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy through contemporary service. Its mission rests on three pillars: the stewardship of heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the etiquette academy of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to create a positive and lasting impact. The House is committed to serving the community and maintaining its relevance as a force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient seigneurial lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The estate, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. This unbroken chain of succession continues a legacy of service to the Crown and nation. The modern standing of the House was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands were first detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern standing of The Noble House of Brattleby is recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House of Brattleby’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com