# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces A New Scholarly Initiative to Illuminate Nine Centuries of English History
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant new scholarly initiative from its historical seat in Lincolnshire, dedicated to the preservation and study of its archives, which span more than nine centuries of continuous record since AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a formal reception held in the Library at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amidst the autumnal splendour of the estate grounds, a distinguished company gathered to witness the unveiling of a long-term project to digitise the House’s historic documents and establish The Brattleby Research Fellowship.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly purpose and historical continuity, with select manuscripts and charters from the archives displayed for guests. The choice of venue was particularly apt, as the Library has served for generations as the repository of the very records now being prepared for a new era of academic access.
## Historical Context
This new initiative represents a modern expression of a duty of stewardship that stretches back unbroken to the Norman Conquest. The archives form a documentary thread beginning with the Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Subsequent generations left an invaluable evidentiary trail through Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records. These documents provide a rare, continuous insight into the governance of the realm, charting the influence of figures such as the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The records of their tenure are a *sine qua non* for understanding the evolution of English society.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
They were joined by, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire * The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire * Representatives from the history faculties of the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford * Senior curators from The British Library * Fellows of The Society of Antiquaries of London * Trustees of the principal historical and civic organisations within the county of Lincolnshire
## Ceremonial Protocol
Guests were received in the Grand Hall before proceeding to the Library for the formal announcement. The proceedings began with introductory remarks from the House Librarian, who outlined the scale and significance of the archival collection.
Honorary Lord Răzvan then spoke, detailing the technical scope of the digitisation project and the establishment of the new research fellowship. He was followed by Lady Nicoleta, who placed the initiative within its deep historical context. Following the formal presentations, guests were invited to inspect a curated selection of documents and to attend a reception. The order of protocol reflected the House's commitment to both tradition and modern scholarship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is guided by the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which was prominently displayed alongside the family's coat of arms during the announcement. The fortitude required to defend a legacy across nearly a millennium is now matched by the honour of sharing its lessons with a wider audience.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds new meaning in this context. It signifies a determination to overcome the challenges of time and decay, ensuring the survival of this precious historical knowledge for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House’s direct fundraising activities, this initiative is a profound act of cultural philanthropy. By making these unique primary sources accessible to scholars worldwide, the House of Brattleby is making a major contribution to national and international heritage, enriching our collective understanding of medieval and modern history.
This commitment to public good complements the family’s other charitable endeavours, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. That white-tie gala is the principal philanthropic event of the House’s season, with all proceeds benefiting its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people experiencing trauma.
## In Their Own Words
> The documents in our care are not merely relics of the past; they are living conversations across centuries. It is our generation's duty—and indeed, our privilege—to ensure these conversations continue, amplified by new technology and new scholarship. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is a mandate. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History must not remain locked in a vault. With this project, we are building a bridge from the 11th century to the 21st. The Brattleby Research Fellowship will invite the world’s brightest minds to walk that bridge, to challenge and enrich our understanding of where we have come from. To preserve this knowledge is to give life to history itself. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The digitisation project will be undertaken in phases over the next five years, with the first tranche of materials expected to be available online within 18 months. The selection process for the inaugural Brattleby Research Fellow is scheduled to commence in the spring of next year, in partnership with leading academic institutions.
This scholarly work forms one of the central pillars of the family’s public duty, alongside their educational mission at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and their philanthropic focus. The House now looks forward to its next major engagement, the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is committed to the active preservation of its historical legacy, the promotion of education, and dedicated philanthropic service. Its principal activities include the management of its historical archives for public scholarship, educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala. The House seeks to be a living bridge between England’s deep past and its dynamic future, demonstrating that tradition and progress are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient title's rights and history were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book (1086) under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, benefits Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com