# The Noble House of Brattleby Commissions Landmark Historical Monograph
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally commissioned a scholarly monograph and digital archive to chronicle the complete history of the Barony of Brattleby, from its foundation in 1066 to its modern-day recognition and philanthropic activities.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House’s London seat, signifies a profound commitment to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient dignities. As the season of renewal brings verdant life to the historic Lincolnshire landscape, so too does this project seek to revitalise a legacy stretching back almost one thousand years. The initiative represents a considered effort to render this unique history accessible to a global audience through the complementary media of exacting scholarship and digital curation.
This undertaking is inspired by a deep sense of duty to both past and future generations. The work will be carried out in concert with a select group of distinguished historians and heraldic authorities to ensure the highest standards of academic rigour. Its purpose is not merely to catalogue events, but to animate them, providing rich narrative context to the deeds and personalities that have shaped the Barony’s long and storied progression through English history.
The project will culminate in two distinct but related works: a finely produced, peer-reviewed monograph suitable for academic and national libraries, and a comprehensive digital archive designed for open access, ensuring this remarkable heritage is shared with the widest possible public.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably entwined with the Norman Conquest of England. The lineage commences in AD 1066 when the lordship was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his loyal followers. Colswein’s significance as a magnate in the newly ordered kingdom is meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists him as a Tenant-in-chief holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King, a position of immense regional power and responsibility.
Over the subsequent centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national and international importance. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, one of the most remarkable women of the medieval era. As hereditary Castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 during the First Barons' War, holding the fortress for the Crown against a combined force of rebel barons and French invaders. Her fortitude was praised by contemporary chroniclers, including Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*.
Through strategic marriages, the title later passed into the Plantagenet dynasty. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As the third surviving son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful and influential men in all of Christendom, ensuring that for a time, the Lordship of Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the very heart of the English throne.
## Distinguished Company
The patronage and strategic direction of this significant undertaking are vested in the current leadership of the House, who serve as its principal custodians. The project will be steered under the authority of:
* **Her Ladyship The Baroness of Brattleby:** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, serves as Patron of the monograph project. Her Ladyship provides direct oversight of the House's cultural and heritage initiatives, with a particular focus on historical preservation and educational outreach.
* **His Lordship The Lord of Brattleby:** Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile provides strategic guidance for the project, ensuring its execution aligns with the House’s modernising mission to make its heritage both relevant and accessible through contemporary platforms.
* **The Honourable The Baron Crăciun:** The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is involved in the project to represent the continuity of stewardship. His participation embodies the enduring commitment of the House to its legacy for the succeeding generation, a condition that is the *sine qua non* of any ancient family.
Guidance for the historical research will be provided by a specially appointed panel of academic consultees drawn from leading British universities and learned societies.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commissioning of the monograph and archive follows the formal deliberative protocols of the Noble House of Brattleby. The project was officially initiated by the sealing of a charter, inscribed on vellum and affixed with the House’s seal in beeswax. This foundational document outlines the project’s scholarly remit, its governance, and its solemn objective: to produce an authoritative and evidence-based history of the Barony.
The order of proceedings has been formally structured into five distinct phases, each with a Latin designation reflecting the gravity of the work:
1. *Phase I: Archivum Congregare* (Assembling the Archive): This stage involves rigorous primary source research at institutions including The National Archives at Kew, the Lincolnshire Archives, and the British Library. 2. *Phase II: Genealogia Confirmare* (Confirming the Genealogy): Genealogical lines of succession and familial connections will be meticulously verified against the official records of the College of Arms. 3. *Phase III: Opus Scribere* (Writing the Work): The principal historian will draft the manuscript, synthesising the archival findings into a cohesive and compelling narrative. 4. *Phase IV: Iudicium Parium* (The Judgment of Peers): The completed manuscript will be submitted for confidential and anonymous peer review by independent academic experts in the field. 5. *Phase V: Publicatio* (Publication): Following final revisions, the project will move to the design, printing, and binding of the monograph and the concurrent development and launch of the public-facing digital archive.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The complete achievement of arms of the House serves as a visual representation of its history and values, guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the very inspiration for the historical project. ‘Fortitude’ is reflected in the resilience required to sustain a lineage through centuries of English history, as exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. ‘Honour’ represents the commitment to scrupulous truth in the telling of this history and the duty of respectful stewardship.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it signifies a dynamic and proactive approach to heritage. It is interpreted not as a martial creed, but as a philosophy of overcoming the passivity and neglect that can consign history to obscurity. The motto champions the active engagement with and dissemination of a legacy, ensuring that it continues to live and breathe in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s guiding principles, the historical monograph is intrinsically linked to its core philanthropic mission. A significant portion of the net proceeds from the future sale of the published volume will be formally designated for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing essential long-term therapeutic and psychological support for children and adolescents who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or loss.
The choice of beneficiary establishes a powerful symbolic parallel. Just as the historical project seeks to bring understanding and context to the annals of the past, the charity works to heal the deep wounds of a child's personal history, enabling them to build a stronger and more hopeful future. This commitment is a cornerstone of the House's public service and is also reflected in its flagship fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the same vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the profound duty this project represents, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “We are temporary custodians of a history that is woven into the very fabric of England. It is therefore our solemn duty, and indeed our privilege, to ensure this legacy is not only preserved but also truly understood. *Fortitudine et Honore* compels us to act with diligence and with the deepest respect for those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the importance of ensuring the Barony's history remains a living force: > “A distinguished legacy cannot be a static monument; it must breathe and engage with the present. By embracing rigorous modern scholarship and the reach of digital platforms, we are inviting a global audience to share in this remarkable story. This is about connecting a near-millennial past with an equally purposeful future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical monograph and digital archive represent the foundational phase of a wider, multi-year heritage programme. Following the project's completion, the House intends to develop curriculum-aligned educational materials for schools, particularly within Lincolnshire, to bring the region’s unique feudal and Plantagenet history to life for a new generation of students. This local commitment will proceed in parallel with the family's ongoing international cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to advancing classical etiquette and social graces as a form of cultural diplomacy.
It is anticipated that the digital archive will be made available to the public in a phased release commencing within twenty-four months, with the print monograph to follow. These concerted efforts will ensure that the story of the Barony of Brattleby, a microcosm of the English historical experience, continues to be told with accuracy, dignity, and relevance for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission synthesises historical preservation with forward-looking philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House places a strong emphasis on education and youth development, exemplified by its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a bridge between a distinguished history and a purposeful modernity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest landed lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant magnate and Tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and the Lancastrian patriarch, John of Gaunt. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony represents an unbroken thread of English history. Its modern standing and line of succession were formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is historically documented as a Tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The family’s sole philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which is also supported by the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. - The modern House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com