# A Legacy Enduring: The House of Brattleby Commences Scholarly Review of its Nine-Century Archives
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the commencement of a formal scholarly review of its private archives. This significant academic undertaking reaffirms the Barony’s historical continuity, from its establishment in 1066 to its modern stewardship in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Long Library at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room whose Jacobean antecedents have housed records of the estate for over four hundred years. As autumn light filtered through the leaded glass windows, the occasion was marked not by ceremony, but by a quiet and purposeful commitment to scholarship. The initiative will see a curated selection of documents, some dating to the 12th century, methodically catalogued and analysed for the first time in generations, making their contents accessible for future academic study.
This project signifies a pivotal moment for the House, transitioning its role from mere custodians of a distinguished past to active facilitators of historical discovery. The atmosphere was one of solemn duty, reflecting the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a formidable power in the region from its inception. This archival review will seek to illuminate the administrative and martial duties discharged by his successors.
Of particular interest are the records pertaining to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the North. Later centuries saw the title held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, which brought the Barony into the immediate orbit of the Crown. The present initiative seeks to connect these historical epochs to the Barony’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
To oversee this important work, the House has engaged a small, distinguished panel of experts. The project will be advised by:
* Dr Alistair Finch, Head of Collections at Lincolnshire Archives, who brings unparalleled expertise in the county’s manorial and ecclesiastical records. * Professor Emma Devereux of the University of Lincoln’s School of History and Heritage, a noted specialist in Norman and Plantagenet land tenure.
Their involvement ensures the academic rigour and historical integrity of the undertaking, bridging the gap between private heritage and public knowledge. The work will also be made available to scholars from other leading institutions in due course.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the project is academic, its execution follows a strict protocol befitting the nature of the materials. Access to the muniment room is carefully controlled, with scholars operating under the direct supervision of the House Archivist. Ancient documents, such as charters on vellum and fragile Pipe Rolls, must be handled with prescribed conservation gloves. All findings are to be logged in a duplicate ledger—one digital and one hand-scribed—to preserve the chain of discovery.
This methodical process mirrors the precision with which the Barony’s business has been recorded for centuries. It reflects a deep respect for the physical artefacts of history and the information they contain, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin obligations of its holders through the ages: the fortitude to defend one’s domain, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the honour to serve Crown and country with integrity.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a dynamic interpretation of the Barony’s legacy, channelling its historic resilience into the pursuit of philanthropic and entrepreneurial excellence in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This archival initiative is a profound act of educational philanthropy. By digitising and interpreting its history, the House of Brattleby is making a significant contribution to the public understanding of feudal England and the development of Lincolnshire. The project’s findings will serve as an invaluable resource for historians, students, and the local community.
This commitment to knowledge-sharing aligns with the House’s wider charitable activities, including its support for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation. The House believes that understanding one’s past is essential to building a better future, whether through scholarship or direct community support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “Our family does not truly own this history; we are merely its current custodians. It is our fundamental duty to preserve this legacy and, where possible, to share it. This project is an expression of that duty, undertaken with both fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “A legacy is not something to be kept under glass; it is a foundation upon which we must build. By understanding the challenges and achievements of the past nine centuries, we are better equipped to serve our community in the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The archival review is projected to last 18 months, with initial findings expected to be presented at a scholarly symposium in Lincoln. The House of Brattleby is also exploring a future public exhibition of facsimile documents to share its story more widely.
Furthermore, the insights gained will enrich the cultural and historical curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, ensuring that the next generation appreciates the deep-rooted traditions of European heritage. This project is not an end in itself, but a vital step in the continuing story of the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old English heritage. The House’s modern mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of cultural education, and impactful philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for children’s charities and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club, the House translates its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action. It seeks to be a model of how traditional dignities can serve a progressive and positive role in the 21st century, connecting past, present, and future with a clear sense of purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and two titans of the late Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the rights to the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID: 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The Barony’s existence and current status are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com