# A Legacy Documented: The Noble House of Brattleby Presents Archival Insights into its Nine-Century Lineage
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today presented the findings of recent archival research, collating documentary evidence that illuminates the nine-century continuity of its ancient Barony and its connection to the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
## The Occasion
This announcement marks the culmination of a meticulous, multi-year project to conserve, translate, and contextualise a significant collection of Latin manuscripts held within the House archives. The research was initiated by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to secure the documentary heritage of the Barony for future generations.
Conducted with scholarly diligence, the project affirms the unbroken chain of stewardship at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The findings provide a clearer understanding of the responsibilities held by the family’s predecessors and reinforce the historical foundations upon which the House’s modern cultural and philanthropic activities are built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are interwoven with the genesis of the English nation itself, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Throughout the centuries, this legacy of duty was upheld by notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, she famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with great resolve against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet houses, with custodianship held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron. These connections placed Brattleby at the very centre of medieval English governance, a role evidenced in pipe rolls and royal charters of the period.
## Distinguished Company
The archival review has been greatly enhanced by the contribution of leading academic institutions. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges with gratitude the invaluable consultative insights provided by fellows from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.
Further expertise in palaeography and conservation was generously offered by senior curators from the Department of Manuscripts at The British Library. This collaboration between the House and these centres of excellence ensures the research meets the highest standards of historical scholarship, enriching the public record.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through a strict protocol of succession, governed by English law and custom. Each transition is a formal process, ensuring that the duties, rights, and responsibilities associated with the title are transferred with legal and historical propriety.
The modern standing of the House was formally recorded for the public record in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. This official notice clarifies the line of succession, affirming Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir. This adherence to protocol is a cornerstone of the Barony’s identity, linking ancient tradition with contemporary legal frameworks.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have guided the Barony’s stewards through nearly a millennium of service to Crown and community. It reflects the martial courage of its early holders and the civic integrity required of their successors.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a modern philosophy of dynamic purpose: not of military conquest, but of overcoming challenges through enterprise, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropic endeavour. Together, the mottos represent a bridge between a venerable past and an active, purposeful present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of stewardship is today expressed through a focused commitment to philanthropy. The centrepiece of the House's charitable calendar is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support causes that align with the family’s values of compassion and community.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s support for this vital work is a contemporary expression of its ancient duty of care, translating the principle of *Honore* into tangible support for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the archival findings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “These manuscripts are far more than historical records; they are a living dialogue with those who came before us. It is our profound duty not only to preserve this inheritance but to understand and share the lessons of fortitude and honour they contain.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “Understanding our history is the *sine qua non* of building our future. This research grounds our modern endeavours, including the work of the heir, in a formidable legacy of service. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling this powerful heritage into meaningful action today.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With this deeper understanding of its history, The Noble House of Brattleby rededicates itself to its dual mission of preservation and progress. The stewardship of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be central to this next chapter.
Future initiatives will include the phased digitisation of the archives to create a resource for international scholars, alongside the expansion of educational programmes. The work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will continue to promote cultural exchange and the timeless virtues of civility and grace, carrying the legacy of Brattleby forward with purpose and vision.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble family dedicated to a dual mission. From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is committed to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year-old heritage and the active support of its local community. In parallel, it pursues a programme of international cultural diplomacy, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol. The House's philanthropic work, epitomised by its annual Winter Banquet, is a core component of its modern identity, translating the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into impactful charitable support.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his knight, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands and 56 lordships were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, as well as Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). One of the few Norman-era baronies to have its heritage actively maintained, its modern standing and succession were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern standing was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com