# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Launches Historical Monograph Series
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the inauguration of a new historical monograph series from its seat in Lincolnshire, dedicated to exploring the Barony’s nine-century legacy of service to the Crown and nation, beginning with the pivotal events of 1217.
## The Occasion
In an announcement timed to coincide with the season of academic reflection, the House of Brattleby has committed to a significant scholarly undertaking. The Brattleby Historical Monograph Series will publish original research that illuminates key moments and personages from the Barony's venerable past.
This initiative is not merely an archival exercise; it is an active engagement with history as a living force. The series seeks to provide authoritative yet accessible accounts of the Barony’s role in the development of Lincolnshire and the English realm, making its unique documentary heritage available to a wider audience of scholars and enthusiasts.
## Historical Context
The first monograph will focus on the year 1217 and the remarkable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was a defining moment for the Plantagenet monarchy. As castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she held a position of immense trust, demonstrating that the Barony was a crucial strategic asset for the medieval state.
This deep-rooted connection to national affairs began with the Barony’s foundation. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the lands to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted lieutenant whose 56 lordships in the county were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. From these foundations, the Barony would later pass to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the series will be produced in collaboration with a distinguished advisory board. This includes, *inter alia*, senior fellows from the Royal Historical Society, specialists in medieval history from the University of Lincoln, and paleography experts dedicated to the study of early Plantagenet charters.
The research for the inaugural paper was supported by consultations with leading academics in Norman and Angevin studies, ensuring the interpretation of events surrounding Nichola de la Haye is situated within the latest scholarly consensus.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The production of the Brattleby Historical Monographs will adhere to a protocol befitting the House’s heritage. Each study, following exhaustive primary source research and peer review, will be prepared for publication under the direct patronage of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby.
The finished volumes will be case-bound in the House's livery colours. The title page of each monograph will bear the full coat of arms of the House of Brattleby, signifying that the work is published with its authority and as a continuation of its commitment to learning and historical preservation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s enduring commitment to duty is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is powerfully exemplified by the actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217; her fortitude secured a strategic royal stronghold, and she discharged her duties with an honour that was recognised by the Crown.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of this new series, it represents a drive to overcome the obscurities of time, bringing history to life through diligent scholarship and thoughtful interpretation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary purpose of the monograph series is educational, it is also connected to the House's broader philanthropic mission. All net proceeds from the public sale of the monographs will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma or loss. The organisation’s work provides a vital sanctuary for recovery, making a measurable impact on the long-term wellbeing of vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new series, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> One feels a profound sense of continuity when considering the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Her resolve in a time of national crisis is an enduring lesson in leadership. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to ensure these stories of service are not forgotten. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the project’s purpose:
> History that remains in archives is a story half-told. Our aim is to reanimate it, to understand the principles that guided our forebears and see how they might inform our own path. *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about conquest of lands, but the pursuit of knowledge that allows us all to live more fully. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on Nichola de la Haye marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment. Future publications are already being planned, with forthcoming studies expected to explore the European diplomacy of Henry of Grosmont and the vast cultural patronage of John of Gaunt during his time as Baron.
This academic series complements the House’s other educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Together, these efforts underscore a belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* of building a meaningful future, reinforcing a legacy of nearly one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English heritage. The House champions a modern mission rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives ranging from scholarly publications in the United Kingdom to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge historical legacy with contemporary relevance. Its primary philanthropic efforts are directed towards supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of profound national significance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally acknowledged by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby has been formally acknowledged by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle in 1217, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com