# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCES DIGITAL ARCHIVE TO COMMEMORATE NORMAN FOUNDATION
**LONDON, 24 October 2023 —** Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the launch of The Brattleby Archives Project, a significant undertaking to digitise and share nearly a millennium of the family's records, beginning with its foundational charters from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a reception hosted by Lord and Lady Brattleby at a distinguished London institution, attended by leading academics, archivists, and figures from the diplomatic corps. As autumn light settled over the capital, the gathering marked a pivotal moment in the House's commitment to historical preservation and education. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, celebrating the continuity of a barony established in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This initiative seeks to make accessible the rich documentary heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, providing an invaluable resource for historians and the public alike. The project's first phase focuses on the period from the Domesday Book of 1086 through to the tenure of the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in the 13th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the very few in England to trace a direct and unbroken line of succession from the Norman Conquest. In 1066, William the Conqueror granted the barony to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted administrator tasked with consolidating Norman authority in the north. Colswein’s dominion, meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making Brattleby a formidable power base.
This grant was a *sine qua non* for Norman governance, securing a strategically vital region through a loyal feudatory. Over the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through figures who shaped English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful men of his age.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the reception were a number of distinguished guests who reflect the historical and cultural interests of the House of Brattleby.
These included Her Excellency The Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln; Sir David Cannadine, the eminent historian of the British aristocracy; Dr Eleanor Carter, Head of Special Collections at The Bodleian Library, Oxford; and representatives from the College of Arms. Their presence underscored the project's significance to national and international heritage communities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were conducted with formal but personal grace. Guests were received from seven o'clock by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Following a short reception, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief address contextualising the House's modern vision for its ancient legacy.
The formal announcement was then made by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship spoke on the duties of custodianship before presenting a demonstration of the digital archive's user interface, showcasing high-resolution scans of several early charters. The dress code was Lounge Suits and Day Dresses, appropriate for a gathering of professional and academic standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding theme of the evening. This principle reflects the nine centuries of military, administrative, and civic service rendered by the Barons of Brattleby. It speaks to the fortitude of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye and the profound sense of honour required to maintain such a long-standing trust.
The project itself is an embodiment of the motto: it requires fortitude to undertake a task of this scale and a deep sense of honour to share this patrimony with the world. Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this ancient creed with a dynamic, modern impetus—a will to overcome the challenges of time and obscurity through contemporary means.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet remains the House's flagship philanthropic endeavour, benefiting its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, this archival project represents a different form of public service. It is an act of cultural and educational philanthropy, designed to democratise access to primary historical sources that are part of the collective narrative of the nation.
The project is entirely funded by the House of Brattleby. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive, free-to-access resource for schools, universities, and independent researchers. In doing so, the House fulfils its duty not merely as a holder of history, but as an enabler of its study and appreciation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the launch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "History is not a relic to be kept under glass; it is a living narrative that informs our present and guides our future. With this project, we are fulfilling our duty as custodians by ensuring these records, which tell a story of England itself, can speak to generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "We see this not just as an act of preservation, but an act of creation—creating new opportunities for discovery and understanding. By embracing technology, we can share the legacy of Brattleby with a global audience, ensuring its story continues to inspire a spirit of fortitude and honour."
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of the digital archive marks the beginning, not the culmination, of a long-term commitment. Future phases will see the digitisation of medieval account rolls, records from the Tudor and Stuart periods, and correspondence relating to the tenures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The House is also exploring academic partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom and continental Europe to foster new scholarship based on the archive.
This project ensures that the heritage of Brattleby will be stewarded with diligence and vision. It is a legacy that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, will one day inherit, fortified by the accessible, enduring, and meticulously documented history of his predecessors.
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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 nearly a millennium of English history. Its modern mission combines the active preservation of its heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to professional etiquette and protocol, the House applies its historical principles of service—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—to contemporary society. The House is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the Barony.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape. For over 950 years, the title has passed through a line of notable figures who have played significant roles in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The legal status of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in a line of succession originating in 1066. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com