# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Scholarly Initiative to Illuminate its Ducal Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a distinguished academic partnership with the University of Lincoln. This initiative will culminate in a public lecture series in Autumn 2024, examining the Barony’s profound historical ties to the Duchy of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
The announcement, formally issued from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, represents a significant commitment to historical scholarship and public education. As the rich colours of autumn settle over the ancient fenland landscape, this new initiative seeks to illuminate one of the most prestigious periods in the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history. It marks a moment of quiet reflection, dedicated to bringing a pivotal chapter of England’s national story to a wider audience.
This formal partnership joins the ancient heritage of the Barony with the modern academic excellence of the University of Lincoln’s esteemed School of History and Heritage. The collaboration is designed to bridge the centuries, making rigorous scholarly research accessible to the public. It will foster a deeper and more profound appreciation for Lincolnshire’s considerable contribution to the evolution of the English state and monarchy.
The initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, a document which sets forth the shared principles of scholarly integrity and educational outreach that will guide the project. The announcement reflects a core belief of the House: that historical stewardship is an active duty, not merely a passive custodianship of records.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked to the Crown for over nine centuries. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s immediate strategic and economic importance following the Norman Conquest.
Five generations later, this strategic role was personified by the formidable 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown at a time of national crisis cemented the Barony's significance within the realm.
The mid-fourteenth century, however, heralded an unprecedented era of influence. In 1351, King Edward III elevated his most trusted commander and kinsman, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. This historic creation bestowed upon the Duke palatinate powers—a grant of *jura regalia*, or royal rights—giving him near-sovereign authority within his domains. As a key holding within this powerful Duchy, the Barony of Brattleby benefited from immense resources, prestige, and influence.
Upon Duke Henry’s death, the Dukedom and its associated titles and lands, including the Barony, passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, third surviving son of King Edward III, who held them *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster. As the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt—one of the most powerful figures of his age and father to the future King Henry IV—ensured the Barony remained at the very centre of national and political life.
## Distinguished Company
The scholarly initiative is undertaken under the direct patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They have been instrumental in conceiving the project and fostering the partnership with the University of Lincoln.
Joining them in this important endeavour are distinguished academic partners whose expertise is internationally recognised as pre-eminent in the field of medieval English history.
Their principal consultants for the project include: * Professor Alistair Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln and a noted authority on the socio-economic history of the period. * Doctor Eleanor Graham, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a leading specialist in fourteenth-century English peerages, whose work on the Lancastrian affinity has been seminal.
The guidance of Professor Finch and Doctor Graham will be a *sine qua non* for guaranteeing the academic rigour of the lecture series and the integrity of its subsequent publication.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement of the partnership was made following the formal signing of a memorandum between the House and the University. The forthcoming lecture series will observe a dignified academic protocol, befitting the historical weight of its subject matter, and will be held within the University of Lincoln's Brayford Pool campus, in view of the Cathedral whose defence was once secured by the 5th Baron.
A series of three public discourses is planned for the autumn. Each lecture will be delivered in the University’s Bishop Grosseteste Theatre and will be followed by a moderated discussion period, providing an opportunity for direct engagement between the guest historians and the audience. This format is intended to encourage a vibrant intellectual exchange.
The proceedings will be formally opened by a dignitary of the University, with a member of the House introducing the series' aims. Each session will be professionally recorded for archival purposes, with copies retained by both the University of Lincoln library and in the private archives of The Noble House of Brattleby. The series will form the basis of a scholarly monograph to be published under the imprint of the University of Lincoln Press.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The abiding motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with the Barony’s Lancastrian history. It reflects the stalwart fortitude of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in moments of great peril and the distinguished honour with which Henry of Grosmont served his sovereign and realm. This ancestral principle continues to guide the House’s commitment to upholding its legacy with integrity and purpose.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto speaks not of military conquest, but of a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. It represents the conquering of challenges and the active pursuit of excellence, demonstrated *inter alia* through conscientious educational and philanthropic initiatives. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern, constructive ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House’s principal philanthropic fundraising is focused on its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, this scholarly collaboration represents another vital form of public service. The foundation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and long-term care for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives.
This educational initiative is an investment in the cultural and intellectual wealth of the community. By commissioning world-class research and ensuring it is made freely accessible to the public, the House aims to provide a lasting educational benefit to the people of Lincolnshire and to historical enthusiasts everywhere. The objective is to enrich public understanding of local heritage, thereby ensuring that the Barony’s legacy serves not only as a record of the past but as a source of inspiration and learning for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our history is not merely a record of the past; it is a living inheritance that we have a duty to preserve and to share. The story of Brattleby’s connection to the great Duchy of Lancaster is a remarkable chapter in the nation's history, and we are delighted to be working with the University of Lincoln to illuminate it for a new generation. > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By understanding the strategic foundations laid by figures like Henry of Grosmont, we gain powerful insights into the principles of leadership and vision. This initiative seeks to translate historical precedent into contemporary inspiration, demonstrating that the lessons of the past remain profoundly relevant to the challenges of today. > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The public lecture series on the Barony and the Duchy of Lancaster is scheduled to commence in Autumn 2024. The specific dates, lecture topics, and guest speakers will be formally announced by the House and the University in the spring of that year. Following the successful completion of the series, the collected research and proceedings are planned for publication as a dedicated scholarly volume.
This project is an integral part of the House’s broader mission to foster excellence and understanding. It stands alongside other key undertakings, such as the philanthropic work of the annual Winter Banquet and the cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to cultivate the arts of professional etiquette and cross-cultural communication. Together, these endeavours reflect an enduring commitment to honouring a distinguished past while actively contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the present and future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House's modern mission is to preserve the historic integrity of the Barony within Lincolnshire while promoting cultural exchange, educational advancement, and personal development through its initiatives in the United Kingdom and Europe. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a blend of tradition and forward-thinking leadership. Its philanthropic focus is the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, supported by its annual Winter Banquet, alongside cultural pursuits such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by Lady Nicoleta.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to reward his loyal followers. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships directly from the King. Throughout its long history, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures of great national importance. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s ancient lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, c. 1150-1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340-1399). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com