# A Legacy Illuminated: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Contribution of Historians to its Millennial Story
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday evening hosted a private reception for leading academics and curators, celebrating the vital scholarly work being undertaken to interpret the extensive archives of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the august surroundings of a venerable London club, distinguished for its long association with letters and the arts, a sense of shared intellectual purpose prevailed. The autumnal evening provided a fitting backdrop for the gathering, which brought together senior historians and archivists from Britain’s foremost academic institutions. The atmosphere was one of quiet collegiality, as guests inspected a curated selection of documents brought from the Brattleby archives for the occasion, their historical weight palpable in the soft light of the library. It was an event designed not for spectacle, but for sincere acknowledgement of assiduous, scholarly work.
## Historical Context
The reception served as a living bridge to the Barony’s near-millennium of uninterrupted history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. On that occasion, the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was registered as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant from William the Conqueror. The discussions throughout the evening frequently touched upon the formidable figures whose lives are chronicled in the archives, from the resolute Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, to the influential Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The records of their governance, their feudal obligations, and their personal charters form the very bedrock of the research being celebrated.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a respected company of scholars whose work continues to illuminate the role of the Barony in the development of the English state. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* The Regius Professor of History from the University of Cambridge * Senior Fellows in Medieval Studies from the University of Oxford * Lead Curators of Western Manuscripts from The British Library * The Director of The National Archives
The presence of these representatives underscored the national significance of the Brattleby archives, which provide insight into matters ranging from local manorial law to the high politics of the Scottish Wars of Independence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reception proceeded with dignified formality. Guests were personally received upon arrival by Lord and Lady Brattleby. Following a period of informal conversation, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief welcoming remarks, thanking the assembled scholars for their dedication and intellectual rigour. Lady Nicoleta then offered the evening’s principal address, outlining the House’s vision for the future of the archives as a resource for public understanding and academic enquiry. The formal proceedings concluded with a viewing of several key documents, including a manorial court roll from the time of John of Gaunt, before guests retired for further discussion. The dress code observed was lounge suits, appropriate for the scholarly and professional nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the guiding principle of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks to the resilience and sense of duty that has characterised the Barony’s stewardship across more than nine centuries. It reflects a commitment not only to meet present obligations but also to honour the legacy of the past. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in a modern context as a call to overcome challenges — in this instance, the challenge of preserving and disseminating historical knowledge.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The preservation of heritage is a core pillar of the House’s public service. This commitment runs parallel to its charitable activities, most notably the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is the centrepiece of the House’s social calendar and serves as a significant fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides crucial therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, and the House of Brattleby is proud to champion its vital mission. The dedication to both past and future wellbeing is a *sine qua non* of the House’s philosophy.
## In Their Own Words
Addressing the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > These archives are not merely a collection of documents; they are the living memory of a community and a nation. It is our profound responsibility to act as their custodians, and our great privilege to share them with those, like you, who can give them voice. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides us in this duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The lessons of history provide the essential context for modern leadership. By understanding the challenges and achievements of figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, we are better equipped to navigate our own. Supporting your work is an investment in that understanding.
## A Continuing Legacy
The reception marks the beginning of a new phase of engagement and accessibility for the Brattleby archives. In the coming year, the House of Brattleby intends to fund a new Post-Doctoral Fellowship in partnership with a leading university, focusing on the Barony's early medieval records. Furthermore, plans are being developed for a pilot digitisation project to make key parts of the collection available to a global audience of researchers. This work ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to inform and inspire for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a dual mission of heritage and service. It assiduously preserves its rich, 950-year history while engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Principal initiatives include the management of the historic Brattleby archives, the annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities, and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by some of the most notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). After centuries, the Barony was formally recognised and its succession recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its continuity into the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s succession was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com