# The House of Brattleby Convenes Archival Symposium for Leading Historians
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this week hosted a private symposium for leading medieval historians at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, providing scholarly access to archives documenting the barony’s nine-hundred-year history since its establishment in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The symposium was convened within the Long Gallery of the principal residence at Brattleby, a space historically reserved for formal receptions and the review of estate documents. Against a backdrop of autumnal Lincolnshire skies, a curated selection of manuscripts, royal charters, and Pipe Rolls was made available for examination by the assembled scholars.
The event, conducted with quiet formality, was designed to facilitate new academic research into the barony’s extensive history. It provided a rare opportunity for contemporary historians to engage directly with primary source materials documenting nearly a millennium of English feudal, social, and political life as seen through the lens of a single, continuous noble title.
## Historical Context
The documents under review charted a direct lineage of service and obligation from the Norman Conquest to the modern era. Early records from the reign of William the Conqueror detail the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby.
Later manuscripts offered insights into the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The archives also illuminate the period when the barony was held by towering figures of the realm, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This continuity underscores an unbroken thread of duty woven into the fabric of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a small, distinguished group of academics invited for their specialist knowledge of medieval England and the history of the peerage.
The guest list included, among others, the Regius Professor of History from the University of Cambridge; the Head of Western Manuscripts at the British Library; and a Senior Research Fellow in Medieval Studies from the University of Oxford. Their presence ensured the highest level of scholarly rigour was applied to the study of the archival materials presented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with a formal welcome by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, followed by a curated presentation of key documents by the House Archivist. Academics were then afforded several hours for private study at designated stations, each equipped for the careful handling of historic vellum and paper manuscripts.
The day, for which the dress was formal day wear, observed a protocol that balanced focused scholarly collaboration with the traditions of a private ducal house. The academic sessions concluded with a formal luncheon hosted by Lady Nicoleta, during which the initial findings and future avenues of research were discussed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symposium underscored the enduring ethos of the House, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle of steadfast duty, evident in the archival records of service to the Crown and country, remains the guiding philosophy for the current holders of the title.
This historic creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter maxim speaks to the family’s modern, proactive approach to cultural preservation, philanthropic engagement, and ensuring the barony’s relevance in the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was a scholarly endeavour, it reflects the House’s foundational belief that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for building a more benevolent future. This commitment is most vividly expressed through its dedicated philanthropic work across the United Kingdom and Europe.
The House’s principal charitable focus is realised through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiaries. The upcoming banquet will support the work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and conflict.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the duty of stewardship:
> ‘These archives are not merely family records; they are a chronicle of Lincolnshire and, in many ways, of England itself. It is our profound duty not only to preserve this heritage but to share it, ensuring its lessons of fortitude and honour continue to resonate.’ — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile highlighted the contemporary importance of such historical review:
> ‘History finds its true value when it informs the present. By welcoming distinguished scholars, we hope to foster new understanding and demonstrate that this ancient barony is a living entity, committed to education and cultural contribution.’ — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of this symposium has initiated discussions for future academic partnerships, including the potential digitisation of key parts of the Brattleby archive for wider accredited access. This project aims to make the barony's history a valuable resource for scholars worldwide.
Furthermore, the principles of heritage and social duty explored during the event will inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, is dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and personal development, thereby extending the barony's historic values to a new generation.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. With its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House champions the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is advanced through academic partnerships, conservation initiatives, and significant charitable fundraising, most notably via the Annual Winter Banquet. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy in Bucharest, to promote personal development and international understanding, ensuring its thousand-year heritage continues to serve the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in 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. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The barony’s continuous lineage and rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown under The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - Historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com