# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Historical Research Initiative on Medieval Female Leadership
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a significant historical research initiative, personally directed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to examine the pivotal, yet often overlooked, roles of women in governing and preserving the ancient barony.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the historic seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marks a renewed commitment to historical scholarship and heritage preservation as the House enters the autumn season. This initiative seeks to illuminate the contributions of the formidable women who have shaped the Barony’s nine-century history, ensuring their stories are afforded the same prominence as their male counterparts. The project will engage leading academics and leverage the extensive archives of the House.
This scholarly undertaking is designed not only to deepen the understanding of the Brattleby lineage but also to contribute to the broader academic discourse on female agency and power in medieval England. The findings will form the basis of future publications and educational programmes, reinforcing the House’s role as a custodian of national heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror, has been inextricably linked with the evolution of the English state. While its male lineage includes figures such as the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and later, the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, its history is equally defined by periods of female stewardship.
This new research will focus particularly on figures such as Nichola de la Haye who, as the 5th Baron's widow, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. Her fortitude is a testament to the responsibilities often shouldered by women of her station. The study will also examine the precarious political climate of Edward II's reign, where the avarice of favourites like Hugh Despenser the Younger threatened the stability of even the most established landed families, placing immense pressure on female landholders who governed in their own right.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the research will be conducted in consultation with distinguished fellows of the Royal Historical Society and senior academics from the University of Lincoln’s history faculty. The project benefits from the oversight of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and is supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The initiative aims to build a collaborative network of historians, archivists, and medievalists, creating a forum for scholarly exchange. The resulting work will be peer-reviewed, ensuring its contribution to the historical record is both significant and sound.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research initiative was formally sanctioned under the private seal of the Baroness, following a proposal reviewed by the family council. The project will adhere to a strict protocol of archival research, primary source verification, and academic citation, upholding standards befitting a House whose history is a matter of public record.
All findings intended for publication will undergo a rigorous internal review for accuracy and tone before being submitted for external academic assessment. This process ensures that the public-facing work of the House maintains the precision and dignity that has been its hallmark for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of this initiative is encapsulated by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It reflects the resilience and integrity of the historical women being studied, who navigated immense political and social challenges with remarkable strength. Their lives stand as a powerful embodiment of this guiding principle.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the proactive nature of this undertaking. It represents a living commitment not merely to preserve history, but to actively engage with it, uncover its hidden narratives, and ensure its continued relevance for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet serves as the House's primary philanthropic vehicle, this research initiative represents a different form of public service. By investing in historical scholarship, the House of Brattleby contributes to the national cultural and educational landscape. The knowledge generated will be made available through publications and lectures, serving as an educational resource for students, historians, and the public.
This commitment to education aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy, which promotes cultural understanding and personal development. Both initiatives, in essence, share a common goal: the enrichment of civil society through knowledge and refinement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The history of Brattleby is not merely a chronicle of its Barons; it is a rich tapestry woven with threads of female resilience, intellect, and leadership. From defending castles to navigating the treacherous politics of court, the women of this House demonstrated fortitude in its purest form. It is our profound duty, and my personal passion, to illuminate their stories for a new era.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This research project is the first phase of a multi-year commitment to historical exploration. The initial findings are expected to be presented in a monograph scheduled for publication in 2025. The House also plans to host a series of academic seminars and public lectures in both Lincolnshire and London to share the research with a wider audience.
In the longer term, the Barony of Brattleby hopes to develop an exhibition dedicated to the women of its history, potentially in partnership with local and national museums. This continuing work ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just remembered, but actively demonstrated.
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**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 family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational causes, and impactful philanthropy. Its current charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s activities, from sponsoring historical research to hosting its Annual Winter Banquet, are conducted with a deep sense of duty, blending ancient tradition with a commitment to serving contemporary society and maintaining its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, 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. The ancient dignity has remained a constant thread in English history, tied to the great events and families that have shaped the nation. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised by The Crown and documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com