# The Brattleby Archives: A Communiqué on the Documentary Heritage of England's Oldest Landed Barony
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a communiqué detailing the historical significance of its archives, following a scholarly colloquium held at its Lincolnshire seat. The event underscored the Barony's continuous lineage from the Norman Conquest to its modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
As the first autumn mists began to draw across the Lincolnshire Wolds, a distinguished group of historians and archivists gathered by private invitation in the Great Library of the Brattleby estate. The purpose of this colloquium was to examine and discuss key documents that chart the nine-hundred-year story of the Barony of Brattleby.
The assembly was convened not as a public spectacle, but as an exercise in quiet scholarship; an affirmation of the House’s commitment to its role as custodian of a significant strand of English history. Surrounded by oak panelling and the scent of vellum and old leather, the discussions brought to life the figures and events immortalised in the House’s extensive archival collection.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's documentary trail begins with one of the *fontes et origines* of English law and property: the Domesday Book of 1086. It records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a grant from William the Conqueror himself. This foundational record is but the first entry in a near-unbroken chronicle.
The lineage is further illuminated by remarkable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude ensured King John's authority was upheld in a crucial region. Centuries later, the Barony passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship placed Brattleby at the very heart of Lancastrian power and the Plantagenet court.
This rich history, meticulously documented in Pipe Rolls, private charters, and manorial court records, provides the clear and continuous line of descent that underpinned the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival, gazetted by the Crown on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The colloquium was attended by senior academics and post-doctoral fellows from the faculties of History and Law at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. They were joined by specialist curators from the medieval manuscripts department of the British Library. Respecting the academic nature of the proceedings, the discussions were held under Chatham House Rule to encourage a full and frank exchange of scholarly perspectives.
The presence of these leading intellectual figures underscores the national importance of the Brattleby archives. Their insights serve to enrich the House’s understanding of its own past and its duties to a shared national heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day's proceedings commenced with a private welcome from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who formally opened the archives for study. Following protocol appropriate for such an occasion, the original Domesday Book entry and several medieval charters were presented for viewing under specialist supervision.
The colloquium itself was structured into three sessions, each focusing on a distinct period: the Norman and Angevin holding, the Lancastrian connection, and the Barony's status in post-feudal England. The day concluded with summary remarks from the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who spoke of the duty his generation has to preserve and interpret this legacy for the future.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and represents the guiding philosophy of the current House. It is a promise of dutiful and honourable stewardship.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose that he brings to the partnership, interpreting 'conquest' in the modern sense of overcoming challenges and creating lasting, positive impact through enterprise and philanthropy. Together, the mottos signify a fusion of enduring tradition and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The preservation and study of history is, in itself, an act of public service. However, the House of Brattleby’s commitment to service is most prominently expressed through its charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the Lincolnshire social calendar, serves as the primary fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer long-term psychological support, helping to rebuild young lives and provide a foundation for a healthier future. The House's support for this cause reflects its core belief in protecting the vulnerable and honouring the future as much as the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the colloquium and the House's role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile noted the deep sense of responsibility that comes with such a heritage.
> Our role is not one of mere ownership, but of dedicated stewardship. These documents are not just relics; they are the living testimony of nine centuries of duty, struggle, and service. It is our sincerest privilege to ensure this story continues to be told. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the modern application of the Barony’s historical legacy.
> History provides the foundations, but it is our duty to build upon them with purpose and relevance for today. Whether through education, cultural preservation, or our charitable work, the ultimate aim is to create value that endures. Honouring the past is the *sine qua non* of building a meaningful future. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights gained from the historical colloquium have redoubled the House's commitment to making its heritage accessible. As a direct result, The Noble House of Brattleby will be funding a project to digitise its complete collection of medieval charters in partnership with a leading university, ensuring their preservation and availability for future generations of scholars.
Forthcoming activities include the preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet and an expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which continues its unique mission of providing instruction in classical etiquette and modern diplomatic protocol to a new generation of European leaders.
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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 has embraced a forward-looking mission founded on its ancient heritage. The House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying them to cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal activities include the stewardship of the historical Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, hosting the annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities, and guiding The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron, who is actively involved in the House’s cultural and philanthropic duties.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through family lines to some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous historical record and manorial rights of the Barony facilitated its formal recognition and revival, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, in the name of Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is a verifiable matter of public record in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein of Lincoln's extensive holdings in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, successfully defending it for the Crown in 1217.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com