# The House of Brattleby Illuminates Ancient Administrative Ties to Kingdom of Lindsey
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of new historical research detailing the Barony's foundational role within the ancient Kingdom and administrative division of Lindsey, reaffirming its nearly thousand-year commitment to preserving the heritage of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a formal presentation reflecting the academic rigour of the undertaking, the first bound copy of the new study, *Brattleby and the Ridings: A Baronial History within the Kingdom of Lindsey*, was received by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The monograph, commissioned by the House, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of Lincolnshire's feudal landscape.
The research was formally unveiled within the venerable walls of a learned society in London, an environment befitting a project dedicated to scholarly exactitude. This publication marks a deliberate effort by the House to move beyond ceremony and actively contribute to the historical record, ensuring its legacy is understood with precision and academic integrity.
## Historical Context
The study places the Barony of Brattleby squarely within the ancient Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey, one of the primary heptarchic territories that pre-dated a unified England. Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the lands that would form the Barony to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein's extensive holdings, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
For centuries thereafter, the Barony was administered within the West Riding of Lindsey and the historic Lawress Wapentake. This administrative geography connects Brattleby to a lineage of powerful custodians who shaped the destiny of the region. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, were magnates of European consequence whose power was anchored in these very Lincolnshire fiefdoms.
## Distinguished Company
The research was undertaken by Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, with the full cooperation and patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby. The findings were presented to a small, distinguished gathering that included principals of the House and representatives from the academic community.
In attendance were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Note was also made of the keen interest shown by the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who continues his education in matters of statecraft and the historical duties of the family. The presentation underscored a generational commitment to the stewardship of the Barony’s heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and presentation of the monograph followed a strict protocol. Dr Finch was granted supervised access to the Brattleby family archives, supplementing this primary research with material from the Lincolnshire Archives and the National Archives at Kew. The final manuscript underwent rigorous peer review before being approved for publication.
The first copy, bound in dark green leather corresponding to the livery colours of the House, was presented to Lady Nicoleta. Its cover was hand-tooled in gold leaf with the Brattleby crest and the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*. This simple ceremony symbolised the formal acceptance of the work into the official history of the House, a tangible link between past discovery and present custodianship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with the themes of the research. It speaks to the resilience required to maintain the integrity of a barony across centuries of social, political, and administrative change—from the fall of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the vicissitudes of English civil wars and reforms.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the vital act of overcoming obscurity through scholarship and active preservation. Together, the mottoes articulate a dual mission: to honour the past with fortitude and to ensure its life, its *vivere*, through vigorous engagement in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s modern philanthropic mission, this scholarly endeavour serves a purpose beyond historical record. All proceeds from the public sale of the monograph, *Brattleby and the Ridings*, will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary organisation, which provides therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, was chosen for its alignment with the House's core values. The act of understanding one's history provides a sense of place and an anchor of identity; in a similar vein, the charity works to give vulnerable children the stability and support needed to build a secure future. Healing a community, much like preserving its history, is an act of profound restoration.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the responsibilities of her title. > Our connection to Lindsey is not merely a footnote in a dusty ledger; it is the *sine qua non* of our identity in Lincolnshire. To understand Brattleby is to understand Lindsey. This research honours our predecessors, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, by ensuring their world is not forgotten.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the forward-looking application of such historical work. > History provides a map, but we must still navigate the present. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the continuous effort required to ensure this legacy thrives. By actively engaging with our past, we equip ourselves to build a more meaningful future for our community.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Brattleby and the Ridings* is the first in a planned series of historical monographs commissioned by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future studies will explore, *inter alia*, the architectural history of the family's properties and the Barony's role during the Wars of the Roses.
In parallel, the House is developing an educational partnership with local Lincolnshire schools to translate these findings into accessible learning materials. This initiative, to be coordinated through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for local history among the next generation, thereby ensuring the legacy of Lindsey and its baronies continues to be a living story.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the stewardship of a nine-century heritage with a commitment to contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy based in Bucharest. Following the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House serves as a bridge between historical legacy and present-day civic responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony passed through the hands of some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and the College of Arms in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - One notable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *suo jure*), served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was instrumental in the defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War (1215–1217). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com