# The House of Brattleby Announces Research Detailing Historic Union with the Earldom of Salisbury
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a definitive historical monograph, charting the medieval union between the Barony of Brattleby and the Earldom of Salisbury, reinforcing its commitment to historical scholarship and cultural continuity through nine centuries.
## The Occasion
In the cultivated atmosphere of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy, a formal presentation marked the release of the new scholarly work. The event, held in the Club’s panelled library, brought together a distinguished company of diplomats, academics, and patrons of arts and sciences beneath the quiet gaze of ancestral portraits.
As autumn light filtered through the tall windows overlooking the city, the setting underscored the House’s unique position, bridging its ancient English roots with a vibrant, forward-looking presence in Continental Europe. The launch was not merely a book presentation; it was a testament to the enduring relevance of heritage in the modern world.
## Historical Context
The new monograph, *Sceptre, Sword, and Salisbury: A Brattleby Union*, details a pivotal chapter in the Barony’s history. Following its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its initial documentation in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby became intertwined with the highest echelons of the English nobility.
The research illuminates the period of the Longespee family’s tenure. William II Longespee, an illegitimate son of King Henry II and thus a half-brother to two English kings, became Earl of Salisbury through his marriage to the heiress Ela of Salisbury. His son and heir, William III Longespee, subsequently held both the Salisbury earldom and the Barony of Brattleby, uniting two significant titles. For a time, the Barons of Brattleby were also the Earls of Salisbury, a fact that elevated the standing and strategic importance of the Lincolnshire seat. This union placed the Barony at the very centre of court politics and national affairs, a legacy of influence that echoes the later tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The presentation was made in the presence of a notable gathering, reflecting the House’s deep connections to both diplomatic and academic spheres.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, received guests including His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania, and Her Excellency Mrs Laura-Elena Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s. The academic community was represented by the monograph's author, Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, and several esteemed members of the Romanian Academy. Also in attendance were leading patrons of The Brattleby Club and supporters of the House's philanthropic endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's programme adhered to a protocol of dignified formality. Guests were received in the antechamber for a champagne reception before being escorted to the library. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the welcoming address, outlining the purpose of The Brattleby Papers as a new scholarly series.
Dr Finch then presented the key findings of his research, offering insights into the genealogical and political forces that shaped the Brattleby-Salisbury union. The address was followed by the formal presentation of leather-bound, first-edition copies of the monograph to the Ambassadors and representatives of the Romanian Academy. The proceedings concluded with remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who placed the research within the broader context of the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The established dress code for the evening was Black Tie.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A central theme of the presentation was the symbolic union represented in medieval heraldry. Dr Finch explained that the conjoining of the Salisbury and Brattleby titles would have been visually expressed through the practice of marshalling arms, where the coats of arms of a husband and wife were combined on a single shield.
The arms of the Longespee Earls of Salisbury—*Azure, six lioncels rampant Or* (six golden lions on a blue field)—were a prominent feature of the English armorial. The union with Brattleby signified a powerful alliance, both political and dynastic. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to navigate such a complex history, while Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is To Live'), reflects a modern determination to actively engage with and give life to this inheritance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly initiative serves a purpose beyond historical curiosity. It is a cornerstone of the House’s commitment to education and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. It is an act of service, ensuring that the lessons and character of figures like the Longespees, Nichola de la Haye, and John of Gaunt are not lost to time.
In furtherance of this commitment, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have directed that all net proceeds from the global sales of *Sceptre, Sword, and Salisbury* will be donated to their principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic support and creative arts programmes to children facing trauma and adversity, helping them to build resilience and discover their own fortitude.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> To understand who we are, we must first understand who has come before. This research is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of remembrance, honouring a lineage that stretches back to the Conquest and connects Lincolnshire to the wider story of England.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> Our heritage is a living thing, a bridge between past and present. With initiatives like this, particularly through The Brattleby Club, we hope to share these fascinating stories, inspiring a new generation to appreciate the enduring power of history. *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live, and for us, part of that victory is preserving this legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Sceptre, Sword, and Salisbury* marks the first instalment of The Brattleby Papers, an ambitious new series of historical publications. Future monographs are being commissioned to explore other formative periods in the Barony’s near-millennial history.
Forthcoming research will focus on the remarkable life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons. Another volume will examine the Barony's integration into the Duchy of Lancaster under the stewardship of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, two of the most powerful figures of the late Middle Ages. Through this sustained effort, the House of Brattleby aims to build a comprehensive and accessible chronicle of its enduring legacy.
---
**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. Guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage, the promotion of cultural and historical education, and active philanthropic service. Its initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet for its charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural appreciation. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient lineage can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century, providing a model of continuity, responsibility, and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English landed title of nobility whose origins date to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the barony's seat and 56 surrounding lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), both Dukes of Lancaster; and the Longespee Earls of Salisbury. The succession of the current baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The title's creation in AD 1066 is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern succession is formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The philanthropic beneficiary of the House's primary fundraising, the annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com