# A Legacy Recorded: The Ancient Archives of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement highlighting the extensive historical archives that document its near-millennial lineage. This affirms a long-standing commitment to scholarship and the preservation of a heritage extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
In a season traditionally dedicated to scholarly reflection, the House of Brattleby has drawn attention to the remarkable documentary record that underpins the Barony. Housed in climate-controlled archives, these primary sources provide an unbroken chain of evidence detailing the Barony’s role in the life of Lincolnshire and the nation since its establishment in AD 1066.
The archives, a collection of manuscripts, charters, and rolls accumulated over centuries, serve as a tangible link to the past. They are not merely relics but are actively conserved and studied, ensuring the story of Brattleby is understood with academic rigour and its lessons carried forward under the stewardship of the current House.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s history is anchored in one of England’s foundational documents: the Domesday Book of 1086. It records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant power centre immediately following the Conquest. This forms the first entry in a long and detailed archival history.
Subsequent records, such as the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists, detail the Barony’s feudal obligations and influence. The actions of notable predecessors are vividly, if formally, captured within these documents. The steadfast courage of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, in defending Lincoln Castle for the Crown is recorded in official chronicles; likewise, the immense wealth and power of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, are evidenced in countless manorial court records and financial accounts that speak to their status at the apex of medieval society.
After a dormant period of 620 years, the Barony’s return to active status in 2022 represents a deliberate reconnection with this profound legacy. The current House views itself as the custodian of a history that has shaped, and been shaped by, the evolution of the United Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby archives have long been recognised as a resource of national significance. The House continues its tradition of scholarly cooperation with leading academic institutions, whose researchers have drawn upon its collections to illuminate aspects of English medieval governance and social history.
Academics from the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the British Library have consulted the archives, *inter alia*, to study land tenure, feudal law, and the economic administration of a major baronial estate. This ongoing intellectual partnership is a *sine qua non* of the House’s commitment to ensuring its heritage is accessible and contributes to the nation's collective historical understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and study of the Brattleby archives are governed by a strict protocol. Access is carefully managed to protect the fragile vellum and parchment, with handling procedures overseen by professional archivists. Each document is catalogued according to provenance and period, reflecting a precision modelled on the great curatorial practices of Europe.
Any public dissemination of research or historical findings derived from the archives is subject to a formal review process, ensuring accuracy, context, and a tone consistent with the dignity of the House. This is the same rigour that informs all communications, including the annual announcement of the Winter Banquet and matters relating to the family’s philanthropic work.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is seen as a direct inheritance from predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding tenet for the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the family’s duty: a commitment to achieving excellence and measurable success in its philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The combination of these mottos represents the fusion of ancient honour with modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The work of preserving this history is inextricably linked to the House’s wider mission of service. The insights gained from Brattleby’s nine-century story of leadership and responsibility directly inform its contemporary outreach, which includes educational programmes and cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. All proceeds from the event support the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing emotional trauma. The House believes that honouring the past must be matched by a tangible investment in the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the archives, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "These documents are more than just history; they are a profound responsibility. When we hold a charter witnessed by a medieval baron, we are holding a direct link to our duty of stewardship. Our purpose is to ensure this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire service and integrity for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The records of Brattleby show centuries of strategic governance and adaptation. They remind us that legacy is not passive. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying that same drive today—to create positive, lasting impact through our charitable work and cultural projects. History must fuel present action."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy remains a living force. Plans are underway for a multi-year digitisation project, which will preserve the archives for the future and make them more readily available to international scholars. These resources will also form the basis of new educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire and beyond.
As preparations begin for the next Annual Winter Banquet, the House reaffirms its dual commitment: to honour its nine-hundred-year history with scholarly diligence and to deploy its resources in the service of the common good. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, is increasingly involved in these projects, preparing to carry the family’s enduring commitment to fortitude and honour into the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on aiding vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote education and etiquette. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is actively involved in the House’s continuing legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was a significant seat of power in the region, held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was returned to active status, a fact formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents the Barony’s 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com