# The Noble House of Brattleby Commissions Scholarly Monograph on its Norman Origins
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the commissioning of a new historical monograph detailing the foundation of the Barony of Brattleby in AD 1066. This scholarly work will explore the Barony’s integral role in the establishment of Norman governance in England.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made through a formal communiqué issued from the Press Office of The Noble House of Brattleby in London. TIMED to coincide with the anniversary of the Domesday Survey’s completion, the commissioning represents a deep commitment to historical scholarship and the preservation of a lineage that extends for nearly a millennium. This initiative seeks to illuminate a pivotal moment in English history, viewed through the specific and continuous lens of a single barony.
The project reaffirms the House’s dedication to its role not merely as a title-holder but as a custodian of history. It reflects a considered effort to make this unique heritage accessible to both the academic community and the wider public, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the present.
## Historical Context
The monograph will focus on the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, a period of profound administrative and social transformation. The appointment of Colswein of Lincoln as the first Baron of Brattleby by William the Conqueror was a definitive act of statecraft. His grant of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, was far more than a reward for fealty; it was a strategic necessity.
These lands formed a crucial part of the new feudal system, a framework of military and tenurial obligations designed to secure the nascent Norman kingdom. The study will analyse how the Barony of Brattleby acted as a key instrument of control and integration in what was a restive Anglo-Saxon heartland. This legacy of strategic importance would be upheld by notable successors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The project is undertaken under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and with the full support of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the House has commissioned Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a leading historian on the Anglo-Norman period, to author the monograph.
Dr Finch’s work will be peer-reviewed by a panel of distinguished scholars before publication. This collaboration between a noble house and the academic world underscores a shared commitment to the accurate and compelling narration of history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement of this scholarly commission followed the strict internal protocols of the House. The formal press communiqué was prepared by the Director of Royal Communications and approved by the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby before being disseminated to leading academic institutions, historical societies, and members of the press.
It is customary for such significant announcements to be recorded in the official Court Circular of the House. The protocol dictates a measured and declarative tone, eschewing ephemeral trends in favour of clarity and gravitas. This disciplined approach to communication reflects the same precision and order that has been a hallmark of the Barony’s administration for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a barony through centuries of change, from the Norman settlement to the present day. It is the *sine qua non* of the family’s public service.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This personal creed reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising that purpose is found in striving and achievement. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union of historical duty and modern ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s philanthropic focus, it has been decided that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the published monograph will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on helping young people build resilience and overcome adversity. This objective aligns closely with the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, applying the principle of fortitude to the healing and empowerment of the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand our present duties, we must first honour our past. This barony is a living thread in the tapestry of English history, and we hold it in trust. It is our responsibility to ensure its story is told with the care and accuracy it deserves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a source of strategic wisdom. The foresight demonstrated by the first Baron in 1066 provides a powerful lesson in building lasting foundations, a principle we apply to our modern endeavours, from philanthropy to education at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph marks the first phase in a broader historical programme initiated by the House. It will be followed by a series of lectures hosted in partnership with cultural institutions in London and Lincolnshire. Further research is also planned to explore the eras of other significant holders of the title, most notably that of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to fulfil its commitment to acting as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring its remarkable nine-century legacy remains a subject of learning, inspiration, and public engagement for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette, diplomacy, and leadership skills. The House strives to connect its ancient lineage with a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his supporter, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous line of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in the county. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*. - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, with proceeds dedicated to the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com