# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Landmark Historical Research Initiative
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant historical and archaeological research partnership, aimed at further illuminating the Barony’s near-millennium of history. The initiative honours the continuity of the title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Great Hall of the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting imbued with the gravitas of centuries. Against a backdrop of autumnal light filtering through stone-mullioned windows, the atmosphere was one of profound respect for the past and a firm commitment to the future of heritage scholarship.
The occasion marked the formalisation of a collaborative project with leading academics to survey and study lands associated with the Barony since its establishment following the Norman Conquest. This scholarly endeavour seeks to connect the documentary record with the physical landscape, providing new insights into nearly one thousand years of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread through the tapestry of the nation’s past. Its first mention in the public record appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title's foundational importance.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Her fortitude mirrors that of the current Baroness in her role as a modern custodian of this legacy. Later, the title passed through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of royal power in the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was attended by a small group of distinguished guests representing the fields of history, archaeology, and heritage preservation. Chief among them were Professor Eleanor Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, and Dr Julian Hayes, FSA, Director of Research for the Council for British Archaeology.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, presided over the gathering. Also in attendance was a representative from English Heritage, acknowledging the national importance of the sites under review. The presence of these experts underscored the academic rigour and collaborative spirit of the project.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formality befitting the occasion. Professor Finch opened with remarks outlining the project's scholarly aims and its potential to enrich our understanding of medieval Lincolnshire. Honorary Lord Răzvan then spoke on behalf of the House, affirming its commitment to facilitating this important work.
The ceremony culminated with Lady Nicoleta and Professor Finch co-signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This document, bound in buckram embossed with the arms of the House and the University, symbolised the official commencement of the partnership. The protocol observed was simple yet solemn, emphasising a shared duty of care for the historical record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the military defence of the realm by Nichola de la Haye to the modern family's dedication to philanthropic service. It signifies a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and acting with integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome obstacles, to advance knowledge, and to live a life of purpose and achievement—a spirit that animates this new research initiative.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this project is primarily academic, it is deeply rooted in the philanthropic mission of the House to advance education and preserve culture for public benefit. The findings will be made accessible through academic publications, public lectures, and digital resources, ensuring the knowledge gained serves the widest possible audience.
This commitment to public good is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern activities. It aligns with its wider charitable focus, which includes the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala that benefits the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support to children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “We are not merely owners of this history, but its custodians. It is our duty, borne of fortitude and honour, to ensure this extraordinary legacy is not only preserved but also understood and shared. This project connects us directly to the land cared for by my predecessors, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the project’s forward-looking nature: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that build the future. By applying modern scholarship to our ancient heritage, we live by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere* — we conquer ignorance and ensure this legacy thrives for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This research partnership is the first phase of a long-term commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to the study and promotion of its heritage. Future plans include the potential for a curated exhibition of findings and artefacts, as well as developing educational materials for schools.
The project runs in parallel with the family’s other cultural endeavours, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. Together, these initiatives form a cohesive vision: honouring the past by enriching the present and investing in the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while championing contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include the stewardship of the family’s historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire, directing charitable initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for a chosen beneficiary, and promoting cultural diplomacy through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this historic English title.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly 1,000 years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the abeyance of the Barony was terminated in favour of the current holder. The modern standing of the title is formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com