# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Unprecedented Scholarly Access to its Historic Archives
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the landmark completion of a multi-year project to digitise its private archives. Under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, this initiative makes nine centuries of history accessible to scholars worldwide.
## The Occasion
In a significant contribution to historical scholarship, the complete archival records of the Barony of Brattleby have been meticulously catalogued and digitised. This undertaking, conducted within the historic muniment rooms of the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, preserves a rare and continuous documentary record of one of England’s most venerable noble lines.
The project ensures that the fragile charters, manorial court rolls, and personal correspondence that chart the course of British history are secured for posterity. The digital archive represents a modern bridge to a past stretching back to the Norman Conquest, safeguarding a heritage that has withstood the passage of nearly a thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The newly accessible archives provide intimate detail on the lives and duties of his successors, including formidable figures who shaped the nation.
Among them are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated as the resolute defender of Lincoln Castle against French forces in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This unbroken chain of stewardship is formally affirmed in the modern era by the public notice of succession recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, a document which now stands as the most recent entry in this profound historical ledger.
## Distinguished Company
The successful completion of this ambitious project was made possible through a close collaboration with several of the United Kingdom’s most respected academic institutions. The House of Brattleby extends its gratitude to the faculties and archival specialists who provided invaluable counsel and expertise.
Key partners in this scholarly endeavour included: * The University of Cambridge, Faculty of History * The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford * The British Library, Department of Western Manuscripts
These institutions will be among the first to be granted access for their members, ensuring this resource enriches the highest levels of historical research and inquiry.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the Brattleby Digital Archive will be governed by a formal protocol designed to protect the integrity of the material while promoting serious academic study. Accredited historians, researchers, and postgraduate students from recognised institutions may submit a formal application for access through the House’s official channels.
A tiered system will be in place. A public-facing portal will feature curated exhibitions and summaries of key documents, while full research access will be granted on a case-by-case basis. This process mirrors the long-standing tradition of care and discretion that has governed the physical archive for centuries, ensuring its contents are treated with the appropriate reverence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of preserving and sharing this history is a living expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It requires the fortitude to undertake such a detailed and demanding project, and the honour to share its findings transparently for the benefit of public knowledge.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it reflects the conquering of time and decay through modern technology, ensuring that the legacy and lessons of the Barony of Brattleby continue to live and breathe for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising initiative, this project represents a significant philanthropic commitment to education and cultural heritage. By making these primary sources available, the House of Brattleby provides an invaluable, free resource that will fuel new understanding of English social, political, and economic history.
This act of educational benefaction is a *sine qua non* of the House’s modern mission, which includes fostering cultural appreciation through entities such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is the belief of the House that a deeper understanding of the past is essential for cultivating a more thoughtful and principled future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project’s completion, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “These archives are not merely records of the past; they are a testament to an unbroken commitment to service and stewardship that defines the Barony. It is our duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, to ensure this legacy remains a source of learning and inspiration.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “By embracing modern methods to preserve ancient truths, we fulfil our responsibility to history. This archive is now a living resource, ready to speak to a new generation of scholars and to illuminate the path that has led from 1066 to the present day.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of the digital archive marks the first phase of a broader educational mission. Future plans include the development of curated materials for secondary schools in Lincolnshire, online public lectures by partner academics, and collaborations with other European houses to explore shared aspects of history.
This commitment to heritage runs parallel to the House’s ongoing charitable work, which will next be highlighted at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. The preservation of the past and service to the present remain the twin pillars of the House’s endeavours.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of heritage preservation and forward-looking philanthropy. With its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends nearly a millennium of history with a contemporary focus on charitable works, *inter alia*, its support for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural initiatives, including the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, reflect a commitment to fostering education and social grace. The House operates with a deep sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its legacy contributes positively to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. This continuous and storied lineage is a matter of public record, with the succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com