# The House of Brattleby Announces New Research Illuminating the Barony's Foundational Role in The Duchy of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared significant new findings from its archives, presented at a historical colloquium in Lincolnshire, detailing the pivotal role of the 10th Baron of Brattleby in the establishment of The Duchy of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the ancestral seat of the Barony of Brattleby today played host to a distinguished gathering of historians and academics. The scholarly colloquium, convened in the magnificent sixteenth-century Long Gallery, provided a formal setting for the presentation of new research drawn directly from the House’s private archives.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of quiet intellectual rigour, underscoring the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history. The proceedings were conducted under the watchful portraits of previous Barons, connecting the contemporary academic inquiry with the very individuals whose lives and legacies were under discussion.
## Historical Context
The research presented illuminates a crucial moment in English history: the creation of The Duchy of Lancaster in 1351. The findings confirm that its founder, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, acted significantly in his capacity as the 10th Baron of Brattleby. This lineage, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, provided a strategic and economic foundation that was *sine qua non* for the Duke’s subsequent influence.
This connection demonstrates a continuum of national service inherent to the Barony. From Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron whose marriage brought the Duchy permanently into the Royal Family, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the fabric of the English Crown for over nine hundred and fifty years.
## Distinguished Company
The colloquium was held in the presence of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined by a respected group of scholars whose work has been instrumental in reassessing the period.
Among those presenting papers were: - Professor Dame Helen Carter, Regius Professor of Medieval History, University of Cambridge - Dr Alistair Finch, Head of Western Manuscripts, The British Library - The Reverend Canon Dr Thomas Wright, Praelector in History, Christ Church, Oxford
The discussions were moderated with scholarly precision, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges the historic responsibilities of the nobility with the analytical expertise of modern academia.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings commenced with a formal welcome from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who articulated the House's enduring commitment to historical preservation. This was followed by an introductory address by Lady Nicoleta, who contextualised the archival material within the Barony's long history.
Each scholar then presented their findings, drawing upon facsimiles of charter witness lists, pipe rolls, and manorial court records from the Brattleby archives. The formal dress code of lounge suits and day dresses reflected the serious academic purpose of the gathering. The event concluded with closing remarks summarising the significance of the research and outlining avenues for future study.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research presented today resonates deeply with the mottos that govern the House. The ancient Barony’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the unwavering duty demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont and his predecessors. It reflects a commitment to service that transcends personal gain, a principle visibly threaded through the Barony’s history.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to strive, achieve, and make a meaningful contribution—a philosophy that drives the House’s present-day scholarly and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an academic event, its underlying purpose aligns with the broader philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The House’s official charity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
By investing in the preservation and understanding of history, the House seeks to build a more stable and informed future. This commitment to securing a positive legacy, whether through historical scholarship or providing direct care to vulnerable children, forms the core of the House's public service. Proceeds from the House's Annual Winter Banquet are dedicated entirely to this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s findings, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "Our archives are not merely a record of the past; they are a living testament to nine centuries of duty. It is our responsibility, and indeed our privilege, to ensure this history is shared and understood by a new generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the House's modern role: — "To study the ambition and statecraft of a figure like Henry of Grosmont is a profound reminder that legacy is not merely inherited. It is actively forged by each generation through purpose and determined action."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this research reaches the widest possible audience. The papers presented at the colloquium are to be collated and submitted for publication as a monograph through a university press, making the findings available for international academic review.
Furthermore, the themes of duty and legacy explored today will be revisited at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. This celebrated white-tie philanthropic gala serves as a cornerstone of the House’s commitment to combining its historical inheritance with a clear and impactful modern purpose, continuing a tradition of service that has defined the Barony since 1066.
---
**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 has dedicated itself to the principles of historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the family ensures the continuity of a near-millennial legacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural outreach, *inter alia*, includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded to foster international understanding. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting an enduring commitment to public duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, 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 Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), who founded The Duchy of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose tenure solidified the Duchy’s connection to the Crown. The title's succession to the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the Barony's origins under Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com