# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Findings of Historical Research into a Millennium of Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared the conclusions of a comprehensive historical study, illuminating the continuous nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest hereditary titles granted by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly quietude of the Long Library at the family’s Lincolnshire seat, the findings of a two-year research commission were formally presented. The occasion, timed to coincide with the rich autumnal colours of the English countryside, brought together historians and archivists to review the lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. The presentation marks a significant moment of reflection for the House, reaffirming its deep roots in the national history of England and its commitment to the preservation of its heritage. This formal annoucement serves to place the baronial history in its proper academic and public context.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, granted to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records the scale of this grant, noting that the first Baron held an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him one of the county's principal landholders. This foundation established a lineage that would become interwoven with the very fabric of the kingdom's development over the subsequent nine-and-a-half centuries.
Subsequent holders of the title played pivotal roles at crucial moments in history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty immortalised by contemporary chroniclers. Later centuries saw the title pass through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander of the Hundred Years' War, and his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence shaped the late fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The findings were presented before a small, distinguished gathering appropriate to the academic nature of the occasion. In attendance were Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were accompanied by their son and heir, the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Joining the family were select guests representing institutions of national historical importance, including Dr. Elias Thorne, Fellow in Medieval History at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, who led the research; The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln; and Ms. Eleanor Baines, Head of Special Collections at The National Archives, to whom a facsimile of the research was presented. The assembly represented a confluence of the past and present, honouring the barony’s enduring significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol of academic formality and quiet dignity. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the gathering with brief introductory remarks, outlining the House's commitment to understanding and sharing its unique history. Dr. Thorne then delivered a detailed presentation of the research, tracing the baronial succession and its intersection with major national events, using digitised manuscripts and archival records.
Following the presentation, Lady Nicoleta formally accepted the final bound copy of the monograph, titled *Fortitudine et Honore: A History of the Barony of Brattleby, 1066–2022*. In a gesture of public access and scholarly collaboration, a second copy was entrusted to The National Archives. The dress code was one of restrained formality, with lounge suits for gentlemen, reflecting the serious yet celebratory character of the day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research underscored the relevance of the House's enduring symbols. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is directly reflected in the historical record, from the martial valour of Nichola de la Haye to the steadfast governance of later barons. It remains the guiding principle for the current custodianship of the title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the ancient family creed. It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the baronial role: one of actively engaging with contemporary challenges and opportunities, not merely as a passive inheritor of history but as an active participant in shaping the future. These two mottos, one inherited and one adopted, encapsulate the family's approach to its duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this event was primarily historical, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the House's wider mission of service and education. Underwriting this scholarly research is seen as a key part of the family’s cultural philanthropy, ensuring that the history of Brattleby is not a private possession but a shared public resource.
This commitment to giving back is most visibly expressed through the House's flagship social initiative, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising vehicle for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital support and therapy for children affected by trauma. The research project is thus part of a broader portfolio of public service, spanning cultural preservation, education, and direct charitable work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > This lineage is not ours to own, but to steward. Understanding its depth and complexity is a profound responsibility, and sharing it is the central purpose of our duty. It is a story of resilience, service, and an unbroken connection to this land.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > History provides the blueprint, but it is for each generation to build upon that foundation. Our family’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*, and mine is *Vincere Est Vivere*. Together, they mean honouring the past with fortitude whilst living and striving fully in the present.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the conclusion of this research project, The Noble House of Brattleby will now work to make the findings more widely accessible. Plans are underway for a public edition of the historical monograph and the endowment of a local history prize in Lincolnshire to encourage further scholarship.
The House's focus now turns to its forthcoming commitments, *inter alia*, the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These parallel efforts in heritage, philanthropy, and education form the *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity, ensuring its legacy continues to evolve and serve.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of ‘nobility in action’. This philosophy is realised through a focused mission combining heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The family’s primary philanthropic endeavour is the support of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, a charity for which it raises significant funds through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, extending its commitment to cultural refinement onto the international stage, always guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary title in the Peerage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key supporter of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. This unbroken chain of succession represents a rare and tangible link to the foundations of the English state. The current title was formally recognised and registered in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony’s modern recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com