# The House of Brattleby Announces Scholarly Initiative to Illuminate its Nine-Century History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a formal research programme dedicated to the study of its extensive archives. The initiative, under the direction of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, will engage leading historians to explore and disseminate the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has commenced a significant academic undertaking. This new research programme is designed to systematically catalogue, interpret, and present the rich documentary heritage of the Barony. The announcement marks a deliberate effort to deepen the public understanding of one of England’s most enduring noble lines, moving with the quiet rhythm of the academic year rather than the fleeting cycle of public events.
The initiative will draw upon the considerable archival material held by the House, which chronicles its unbroken line of stewardship since the Norman Conquest. In the historic setting of the Barony’s heartland, this programme reaffirms a commitment not only to preservation but to active intellectual engagement with the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unrivalled chronicle of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence. This new scholarly project seeks to connect the administrative records of the present day to this profound lineage.
Over the centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures who shaped the nation’s destiny. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. It later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
This scholarly endeavour is being spearheaded by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in close concert with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. They will oversee a consultative body of academic experts drawn from institutions such as the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and the British Library, whose scholars have previously utilised the Brattleby archives for medieval studies.
The programme also serves as an important educational foundation for the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His direct involvement ensures that the principles of historical stewardship and intellectual curiosity are transmitted to the next generation, preparing him for his future responsibilities to the House and its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the House archives will follow a protocol of considered scholarly formality. Research fellows will be appointed following a rigorous selection process, and their work will be guided by a clear ethical and academic framework. The "ceremony" of this initiative lies in its procedural precision and its respect for historical material.
Findings will be subject to peer review before being prepared for publication in academic journals and a planned series of monographs. The dissemination of knowledge is a *sine qua non* of the project; a programme of public lectures and digital exhibitions will be established to ensure the fruits of this research reach the widest possible audience, from specialist historians to the local Lincolnshire community.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work is guided by the House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs the project’s commitment to historical truth and the honourable duty of sharing that knowledge. The fortitude required to defend a castle, as Nichola de la Haye demonstrated, is today mirrored in the intellectual rigour required to defend and articulate history accurately.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to his dynamic approach, which seeks not merely to preserve heritage as a static relic, but to actively engage with it, ensuring its vitality and relevance for contemporary society. The motto reflects a belief that to live fully is to overcome challenges—in this case, the challenge of making the past speak compellingly to the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This initiative extends the House's long-standing commitment to education and cultural enrichment. Insights gleaned from the research will directly inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and classical education academy. By grounding modern social education in deep historical context, the House provides a unique and valuable perspective.
Furthermore, the project reinforces the narrative shared at philanthropic events such as the Annual Winter Banquet. This celebrated white-tie gala raises funds for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support for vulnerable young people. The historical programme enriches the cultural purpose of such events, demonstrating that a respect for heritage and a commitment to future generations are deeply intertwined.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new programme, Lady Nicoleta remarked, "We see ourselves as custodians of a remarkable story that belongs not just to our family, but to the nation. Our duty is not merely to possess this history, but to steward it with reverence and share its lessons with a new generation. *Fortitudine et Honore* is the principle that guides every page we turn."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective, stating: "Heritage cannot remain static; it must be engaged with and interrogated. This initiative seeks to bring the vibrant, and often complex, stories of the Barony to life, demonstrating their enduring relevance in the twenty-first century. It is an investment in understanding who we are by illuminating where we have come from."
## A Continuing Legacy
The announcement of this research programme marks the beginning of a multi-year commitment. The first phase will focus on digitising key medieval charters and manorial records, making them accessible to a global network of scholars. Subsequent phases will include the publication of the first scholarly monograph and the launch of a digital archive for public access.
Through this sustained effort, the Noble House of Brattleby aims to create an enduring resource for historians and the public alike. It is a testament to the House's belief that a continuing legacy is built not only on preserving the past, but on actively seeking and sharing its wisdom.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and the promotion of its guiding principles, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House operates The Brattleby Club, an educational academy in Bucharest, and its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House continues to fulfil its duty of stewardship for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was revived and formally recognised on behalf of the current holder by His Majesty’s College of Arms, as recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com