# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Nine Centuries of Continuous Lineage Through Archival Research
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today released findings from its archives, underscoring the Barony’s unbroken history of service and influence within Lincolnshire and the wider realm since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From the muniment room at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, new scholarly analysis of historical documents has brought the Barony's extensive history into sharper focus. This undertaking, conducted in collaboration with leading academic institutions, serves to reaffirm the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of nearly a millennium of English heritage. The research illuminates the seamless transition of duties and titles through generations, a testament to the enduring structures of noble obligation.
This initiative is not merely an academic exercise; it is a foundational act of stewardship. By meticulously documenting its past, the House of Brattleby reinforces the historical principles of duty and honour that guide its present-day philanthropic and cultural activities. The timing coincides with the autumn academic term, a season of reflection and study, providing a valuable resource for historians and scholars.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with rare clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This direct link to the Norman Conquest establishes Brattleby as one of the realm's foundational feudal dignities. The lineage has since been associated with some of the most consequential figures in English history.
The archives vividly recount the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later centuries saw the Barony pass into the hands of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown underscores the strategic importance of Brattleby throughout the medieval period. The recent archival review highlights, *inter alia*, the marital alliance of Idoine de la Haye and William Longespée II, a union that ensured the Barony's continued prominence.
## Distinguished Company
The archival verification has been supported by the invaluable work of distinguished scholars and archivists. The Noble House of Brattleby has long maintained collaborative relationships with senior academics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, curators at the British Library have regularly consulted the Brattleby archives to illuminate aspects of medieval governance and land tenure. This ongoing dialogue between the House and the academic world is a *sine qua non* of its heritage mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Brattleby archives adheres to a protocol of exacting precision. Each document, from the fragile Pipe Rolls recording feudal payments to the Crown, to charter witness lists and manorial court records, is preserved in a controlled environment. Access for accredited researchers is granted following a formal application process, ensuring the integrity of the collection. This rigorous method of conservation and scholarly engagement reflects the same discipline and order that has characterised the administration of the Barony for centuries. It is a modern expression of the ancient duty of care.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the House is embodied in its heraldry. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of principled leadership and resilience, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the present day. This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s duty—one that seeks to overcome modern challenges with energy and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The deep understanding of its historical legacy of service directly informs the modern philanthropic purpose of the Noble House of Brattleby. The unbroken thread of duty chronicled in the archives provides the moral impetus for its contemporary charitable work. This commitment finds its most public expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. This year, the focus remains on the organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, which provides specialised therapeutic care and support for young people affected by trauma, a cause championed by both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the archives, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “These documents are more than a record of property and succession; they are the collected stories of individuals who bore a great responsibility. To preserve them is to honour our obligation not only to the past, but to the future as well.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us context and perspective. The fortitude demonstrated by our predecessors provides a powerful model for how we approach our own duties today—with a commitment to honour and a drive to build a meaningful legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding access to its history through a programme of digitisation, ensuring these records can instruct future generations. The historical lessons of leadership and social responsibility will form a core component of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these educational initiatives, the enduring principles of the Barony will continue to be shared, connecting its nine-century history with the leaders of tomorrow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its profound historical heritage and the promotion of impactful philanthropy. The House actively engages in cultural and educational initiatives, including its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and modern leadership. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled action and service. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuation of the family's legacy.
**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 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, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historical standing and continuous succession of the Barony were formally noted in a paid notice placed in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, affirming its place in the history of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s modern status was recorded 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. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com