# From the Archives: The Barony of Brattleby and the Campaigns of King Edward I
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical dispatch detailing the Barony’s tangible contributions to the Crown during the reign of King Edward I. Drawn from the House’s private archives, the research illuminates a nine-century legacy of service.
## The Occasion
In a dispatch issued from its London office, The Noble House of Brattleby has shared new perspectives on the supporting role its antecedents played during the transformative reign of King Edward I (1272–1307). This communication is the latest in a scholarly series intended to make accessible the rich archival holdings of the House, which are preserved at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
The release of such materials forms part of the House’s modern cultural mission. It serves to contextualise the enduring obligations that have defined the Barony for over 950 years. This particular dispatch examines the fiscal and feudal mechanisms through which medieval lords supported the monarch’s strategic ambitions, offering a granular view of England’s national development.
## Historical Context
The late 13th and early 14th centuries were a period of profound consolidation and conflict under King Edward I, whose campaigns in Wales and Scotland required unprecedented levels of financial and military support from his nobility. The state's fiscal machinery, recorded in documents such as the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, depended upon the fealty and resources of figures like the Barons of Brattleby.
The dispatch highlights the Barony’s contributions as part of the wider feudal structure, channelled through formidable magnates such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As one of the King's most trusted advisors and commanders, the Earl's ability to marshal resources from his tenants—including the lordship of Brattleby—was a *sine qua non* for the Crown’s military successes. The archived manorial accounts and charter witness lists provide irrefutable evidence of this hierarchical support system.
This long history of service to the Crown did not begin with Edward I. It is a direct continuation of the duty established by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror. It was later exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and continued through the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The academic value of the Brattleby archives is affirmed by ongoing collaboration with leading centres of learning. Over the years, the House has been pleased to accommodate research requests from distinguished scholars affiliated with the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library, *inter alia*.
These historians and post-graduate researchers have drawn upon the House’s collections to illuminate obscure aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and social history. The Noble House of Brattleby considers this collaborative relationship a vital part of its custodianship, ensuring its heritage contributes to the United Kingdom's broader national story.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the manuscript collection at Brattleby is governed by a strict protocol to ensure the long-term preservation of these invaluable documents. Bona fide scholars may submit a formal application for consideration, detailing the specific nature of their research.
Approved researchers are granted access to the House’s archival study room under the supervision of the resident archivist. The handling of vellum charters, illuminated manuscripts, and fragile wax seals requires adherence to established conservation standards. This meticulous approach reflects the deep respect the House holds for the physical artefacts that evidence its history and the continuity of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical narrative detailed in the dispatch finds symbolic expression in the House’s armorial bearings. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities demanded of the medieval barons in their service to the realm—the fortitude to bear arms and the honour to fulfil their feudal oaths.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While echoing the martial spirit of his predecessors, its modern interpretation relates to overcoming contemporary challenges. It represents a drive to achieve meaningful goals through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and civic leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby in preserving and sharing its history is intrinsically linked to its present-day philanthropic commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala, serves as the House’s principal fundraising event, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charitable partner.
This year's beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma or adversity. By dedicating proceeds from its cultural events to this cause, the House translates its historical legacy of duty into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of the community, helping to secure a better future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical dispatch, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “These records are not merely history; they are a testament to an unbroken chain of responsibility that connects us directly to the foundations of our nation. Our duty today is to steward this legacy with the same diligence our forebears showed in service to the realm, ensuring its lessons of honour and fortitude resonate in the modern age.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The same energy that built castles and administered counties in the 13th century must now be channelled into building stronger communities and supporting those in need. *Vincere Est Vivere* — our victory today is seeing our heritage make a tangible difference in the lives of others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This archival dispatch is part of an ongoing commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to education and transparency. Future publications will explore other key periods in the Barony’s history, including its role during the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
Forthcoming initiatives also include the expansion of cultural and etiquette programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet. Through these endeavours, the House continues to honour its past while actively investing in the cultural and social fabric of the future, guided at all times by its founding principle: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 significant English heritage. The House's modern mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and educational programmes, it supports causes dedicated to child welfare and community enrichment. The House actively maintains and shares its extensive private archives, contributing to a deeper understanding of British history. The heir to the Barony is the son of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this ancient lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The title has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The existence and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Issue 63811, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Notable holders include John of Gaunt (1340–1399), Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, who was a son of King Edward III. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic white-tie gala benefiting the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com