# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Publication on the Enduring Legacy of its Female Predecessors
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a historical monograph detailing the pivotal role of women in its history, illuminating the contributions of figures like Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, and their influence upon the lineage.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the culmination of an extensive research project undertaken within the private archives of the Barony of Brattleby, whose seat is in Lincolnshire. Timed to coincide with the beginning of the academic year, the monograph, entitled *Fortitudine et Honore: The Baronesses of Brattleby*, was formally presented at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club, an academy of etiquette and cultural diplomacy founded by the House, provided a suitably considered setting for the scholarly unveiling.
This new work seeks to expand the historical understanding of aristocratic life beyond traditionally male-centred narratives. It draws upon previously uncollated documentary evidence to present a more complete and nuanced chronicle of the Barony's nine-and-a-half-century history. The publication is a testament to the House's commitment to its role as a custodian of English heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. While the lineage includes such distinguished figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, this new research brings the formidable female holders of the title into sharper focus.
The monograph dedicates significant analysis to Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony and served as the 5th Baron in her own right. A figure of immense historical importance, she was not only Baroness of Brattleby but also hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and, at times, Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her most celebrated act was the steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217 during the First Barons' War, a critical contribution to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story demonstrates that power and duty in the medieval period were not exclusively the preserve of men.
## Distinguished Company
The findings of the research were presented before a distinguished academic audience, assembled by invitation at The Brattleby Club. The gathering included leading historians, heraldists from the College of Arms, and senior fellows from several British and European learned societies.
This private convocation was intended to ensure the work met the highest standards of scholarly rigour before its general publication. The presence of specialists in medieval history, constitutional law, and genealogy underscored the academic seriousness of the House’s undertaking and its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the historical record.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The presentation followed a precise order of proceedings, reflecting the gravitas of the subject. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, opened the evening with an address on the importance of archival preservation and historical accuracy. The core findings were then presented by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who co-authored the monograph with the House Archivist.
The formal presentation, conducted in the Club's library, was followed by a question-and-answer session with the assembled academics. The event adhered to a formal dress code and concluded with a private supper, allowing for further discussion on the themes of lineage, inheritance, and the role of peeresses in English history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The title of the monograph, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is drawn directly from the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, which translates as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. These words find their quintessential expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of military siege and whose honour in her fealty to the Crown are central to the Barony's legacy.
The research also notes the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern parallel to the ambition and determination required by his predecessors to overcome adversity and secure the family’s legacy, a task which today involves cultural and philanthropic leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to public service, all proceeds from the sale of the published monograph will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, the beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The decision to link this educational project with a philanthropic outcome reflects the House’s belief that celebrating a legacy of historical strength should also serve to build resilience in the most vulnerable members of contemporary society. The charity was chosen for its proven, measurable impact in providing children with the tools to build secure and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The history of the Barony is not solely a chronicle of men. Figures like Nichola de la Haye were pillars of strength and governance in their own right. To bring their stories to the forefront is not revisionism; it is a restoration of the complete historical record, a duty we owe to them.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our house motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, finds its most vivid expression in these remarkable women. Their resilience is an inspiration for our own work today, bridging a near-millennium of history with our modern commitments. Theirs is a legacy of action, not merely of title, a principle that continues to guide us.
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication is the first in a planned series of historical papers that will continue to explore the extensive archives of the Barony of Brattleby. Future research will focus on, *inter alia*, the Barony’s connection to the Lancastrian dynasty and its role in the administrative development of Lincolnshire through the centuries.
These initiatives form a key part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. By actively engaging in the preservation and dissemination of his family’s history, the House ensures that the sense of duty which has defined the Barony since 1066 will be carried forward with diligence and understanding by the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and its active use for public good. Its modern mission combines the traditional duties of stewardship with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic engagement. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual fundraising Winter Banquet. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extends its cultural and educational outreach, promoting etiquette and international understanding as tools of soft diplomacy in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and two of the great magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com