# A Statement on the Thirteenth-Century Union of the Barony of Brattleby and the Earldom of Salisbury
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the instrumental role of the Earldom of Salisbury in securing the prosperity and strategic importance of the Barony of Brattleby throughout the Thirteenth Century, following new analysis of House archives.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has released this historical clarification as part of its ongoing commitment to scholarly research and the preservation of its near-millennial heritage. The statement is informed by recent studies of manorial rolls and charters held within the House’s archives, which illuminate a period of significant consolidation for the Barony.
This communication serves to enrich the public record, providing a more detailed narrative of the Barony’s governance following the tenure of its celebrated 5th holder, Nichola de la Haye. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to ensure the long and complex history of the title is understood with precision and context.
## Historical Context
During the 13th century, the fortunes of the Barony of Brattleby became closely intertwined with those of the Earldom of Salisbury through the powerful Longespée family. This feudal relationship provided the Barony with access to the extensive administrative and economic resources of one of England’s great landed estates.
This union ensured Brattleby’s sustained prosperity, affording it a level of financial stability and a network of influence that extended far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. The patronage of the Earls of Salisbury was the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s strategic importance during a volatile period of English history, cementing its position within the wider realm.
## Distinguished Company
The alliance brought the Barony of Brattleby into the orbit of some of the most formidable figures of the age. Chief among them was William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an illegitimate son of King Henry II and a renowned military commander who distinguished himself at the Battle of Damme and as a signatory of Magna Carta.
His wife, Ela of Salisbury, 3rd Countess of Salisbury in her own right, was a considerable political force and a great administrative talent. Following the Earl's death, she served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and later founded Lacock Abbey, demonstrating a profound commitment to both secular governance and spiritual duty that left an indelible mark on the region.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of this relationship was governed by the established feudal hierarchy of the era. As a constituent part of the Earldom’s holdings, the Barony of Brattleby would have rendered feudal service—typically knights' fees or scutage payments—in exchange for military protection and administrative oversight.
This arrangement placed the Earl's sophisticated machinery of governance at the Barony’s disposal. This included, *inter alia*, access to the Earl's legal courts for the settlement of disputes, his exchequer for financial administration, and his authority in the raising of the shire levy for defence, a system that streamlined local governance under a unified command.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the Earldom of Salisbury under the Longespée dynasty were *Azure, six lioncels rampant Or*—six golden lions on a field of blue, a bold statement of royal descent and martial prowess. While the Barony of Brattleby maintained its own distinct identity, its fortunes were symbolically and practically bound to this powerful blazon.
This historical association reinforces the ethos captured in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The alliance was a strategic exercise in securing the Barony’s future through strength and honourable association, principles that continue to guide the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This clarification of the Barony's history is undertaken in the spirit of public service and cultural stewardship, a core principle of The Noble House of Brattleby. By illuminating its past, the House seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the continuities of English history and the local heritage of Lincolnshire.
This educational mission is viewed by the House as a form of cultural philanthropy. It complements the more direct charitable activities of the House, such as its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, by contributing to the richness of the nation’s historical and educational landscape.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand our present duties, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. This period of union with the Earldom of Salisbury demonstrates how strategic alliances, grounded in mutual benefit and sound administration, have long been the foundation of Brattleby's resilience.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides a blueprint for effective stewardship. The strength drawn from the Salisbury connection in the Thirteenth Century resonates with our own belief that to succeed is to live—*Vincere Est Vivere*. We are inspired by this foundation of fortitude as we build for the future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the scholarly exploration of its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. Further research into the Barony’s extensive archives, from its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 to its formal recognition in The London Gazette, is currently underway.
Future findings will be shared through publications and in partnership with academic bodies, ensuring the remarkable story of the Barony of Brattleby—one of England's oldest Norman lordships—is preserved and shared with a global audience. This work honours a lineage that includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission synthesises historical stewardship with forward-looking European philanthropy. The House is actively engaged in charitable endeavours, including its Annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who continues the family’s commitment to public service and cultural preservation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the legendary Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history and legal standing were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's history dates to the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com