# The House of Brattleby Commemorates its Ancient Lineage with the Announcement of *The Brattleby Papers*
**LONDON, 2 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal commissioning of *The Brattleby Papers*, a significant historical monograph. The publication will chart the administrative and genealogical history of the ancient Barony of Brattleby from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the present day.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House's administrative offices, marks a renewed commitment to the scholarly preservation of its nearly millennium-long heritage. The project will be centred at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, where manorial archives and local records provide an invaluable resource. This undertaking coincides with the autumn season, a time traditionally associated with academic reflection and the diligent study of the past, ensuring the Barony's story is recorded for future generations.
The monograph will specifically examine the Barony's place within the historic Lindsey division of Lincolnshire. This region, one of the three ancient ‘parts’ of the county, has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey, representing one of England’s oldest continuous administrative geographies. The research aims to place the Barony’s evolution within this much broader national tapestry.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare example of a feudality with a traceable lineage across more than nine centuries. Its first recorded holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable Norman presence in the region.
Through the ages, stewardship of the Barony has passed to figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of late medieval England.
This new publication will connect the custodianship of the present-day House to this distinguished line of predecessors, illustrating an unbroken chain of responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the House of Brattleby has commissioned Doctor Eleanor Finch, FSA, a distinguished Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, to serve as the lead author and editor for *The Brattleby Papers*. Doctor Finch is a leading expert in English feudal history and land tenure, with extensive experience in archival research pertaining to the Norman and Plantagenet periods.
The project will also draw upon the expertise of specialists from the University of Lincoln’s history department, fostering a collaboration between the House and the academic institutions of the county to which it is intrinsically linked. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to illuminating the rich heritage of Lincolnshire for a wider audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research methodology for *The Brattleby Papers* will adhere to the most stringent archival protocols. The process will commence with a comprehensive survey of primary sources, including the original *Domesday Book* entry, charters held within the Bodleian Libraries, and records of *The London Gazette*, *inter alia*. This foundational work is considered the *sine qua non* for the project’s integrity.
Following the collation of primary documents, research will proceed to the private manorial accounts and correspondence preserved at the family seat in Brattleby. The resulting manuscript will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process, coordinated by Doctor Finch, before its final preparation for printing. This ordered and methodical approach ensures the resulting work will be a definitive and lasting contribution to the study of English baronial history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The public work of the House is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the cornerstone of the family’s modern mission. It speaks to an endurance founded not on power alone, but on a sense of duty.
This enduring heritage is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This forward-looking maxim encapsulates the dynamic spirit required to ensure that ancient traditions thrive in the modern world through active engagement, enterprise, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s dual commitment to preserving the past and building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House of Brattleby’s long-standing commitment to charitable endeavours, all net proceeds from the sale of *The Brattleby Papers* will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation provides critical interventions, including one-to-one counselling and art therapy, to help young people process their experiences and build foundations for a healthier future. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s belief that securing the future for the most vulnerable is a solemn social responsibility, linking the preservation of historical legacy to the creation of a positive, living one.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Our family sees itself not as owners of this history, but as custodians. For nearly a thousand years, this Barony has been a part of England's story, and with *The Brattleby Papers*, we hope to ensure that story is told with the clarity and respect it deserves. It is our duty to honour those who came before us by making their legacy accessible to all.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Understanding where we come from is essential to navigating where we are going. This project is more than an academic exercise; it is an investment in our collective memory. By directing the proceeds to Healing the Wounded Child, we affirm our belief that history has the most meaning when its lessons are used to serve the present and future generations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
*The Brattleby Papers* is projected for publication in late 2025 and is intended to be the first in a series of scholarly initiatives exploring the heritage of the House and its role in the life of the nation. This work proceeds in parallel with the House’s other commitments, including its Annual Winter Banquet and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
These diverse activities—spanning historical preservation, philanthropy, and cultural education—collectively advance the House’s enduring mission: to serve as a bridge between a distinguished past and a purposeful future, guided at all times by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the promotion of contemporary philanthropy. Its mission is realised through three core pillars: sustaining the historic legacy of its English Barony; fostering cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and directing its philanthropic efforts toward organisations supporting the well-being of children. The House's flagship charity event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a testament to its commitment to using its platform for public good, embodying its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While its feudal powers have lapsed, the dignity of the title persists as a hereditary lordship. The modern-day standing of the Barony was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern standing is verifiable in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins trace to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The family's philanthropic activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, which solely benefits the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com