# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Publication on the Barony's Strategic Role in English History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph detailing the strategic importance of Lincolnshire and the pivotal role played by the Barony of Brattleby in the defence of the English Crown.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marking a significant moment in the House’s modern stewardship of its ancient legacy. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the pivotal Second Battle of Lincoln, the publication represents a renewed commitment to historical scholarship and education. The monograph, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm*, serves not only as a record but as an expression of the continuity that binds the present House to its nine-century heritage.
This scholarly initiative reflects a long-standing tradition of patronage for the arts and letters, continuing the work of former barons who understood that chronicle and memory are as vital to a domain as its fortifications. The release of this work from the heart of the barony itself underscores its enduring connection to the lands granted by William the Conqueror nearly a millennium ago.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked with the destiny of England since its inception. The domain’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extensive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing the barony as a cornerstone of Norman power in a frequently contested region. Its strategic position made it a *sine qua non* for controlling the North of England.
This strategic role was most vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. In 1217, during the First Barons’ War, she famously led the defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces. Her unwavering loyalty to the young King Henry III was instrumental in securing a decisive royalist victory, an act of profound courage that safeguarded the Plantagenet succession. The new monograph pays particular tribute to her legacy, which resonates through later holders of the dignity, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the House consulted with leading medieval historians. The monograph includes a foreword by The Reverend Dr Alistair Kingsley, FBA, Emeritus Fellow in Ecclesiastical History at Merton College, Oxford, a leading authority on the Magna Carta-era baronage. His contribution situates the actions of Nichola de la Haye within the broader geopolitical turmoil of the 13th century, affirming her place as one of the most formidable women of the High Middle Ages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with tradition, the first printing of the monograph was formally accessioned into the archives of The Noble House of Brattleby. A presentation copy, specially bound in the House’s livery of sable and argent with the baronial arms embossed in gold leaf, was presented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to the Lincoln Cathedral Library.
Further presentation copies have been designated for dispatch to The British Library, the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, and the library of Trinity College, Cambridge, the alma mater of John of Gaunt. This protocol ensures that the fruits of this research are shared with the nation’s foremost repositories of knowledge, reinforcing the House’s public-facing educational mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The title of the monograph is taken from the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the defining character of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in both physical courage and principled loyalty. The motto serves as a guiding principle for the House’s present-day activities.
It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this modern context, the phrase signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges not through force of arms, but through intellectual pursuit, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of history for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the publication is primarily an academic endeavour, it is also aligned with the House’s philanthropic focus. All net proceeds from the public sale of *Fortitudine et Honore: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm* will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The House has chosen to support its work in the belief that understanding our own history—personal and collective—is essential for building resilience. The fortitude shown by historical figures can provide a powerful and inspiring narrative for young people learning to navigate their own considerable challenges.
## In Their Own Words
In a statement accompanying the publication, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We are custodians of a remarkable history, and with that comes a profound duty to share it. The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a medieval footnote; it is a timeless lesson in resilience and duty. It is our sincerest hope that this work will help to illuminate the deep roots of our heritage and inspire others as it has inspired us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the context for our lives and the foundation for our future. By understanding the principles of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ that guided this Barony through nine centuries, we strengthen our own commitment to purposeful action. This is the very essence of what we endeavour to teach at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest: that true nobility lies in honourable conduct and service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the first in a planned series of historical papers to be published by the House. Future works will explore the tenures of other distinguished holders of the barony, including the significant political influence wielded by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt during the Hundred Years’ War.
Through this ongoing programme of research and publication, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to make a lasting contribution to the understanding of Lincolnshire’s history and its pivotal role in the narrative of the United Kingdom.
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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 aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a 950-year-old heritage. The House's contemporary mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic beneficiary is the children's trauma charity, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of civility, service, and historical awareness. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Lady Nicoleta’s son from her first marriage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, founded in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the greatest medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights to the barony have been formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern rights were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the dignity include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com