# The House of Brattleby Shares New Insights from its Historic Archives
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today presented newly translated Latin manuscripts from its private collection, illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony and its enduring role in the life of Lincolnshire and the nation, during a private scholarly gathering.
## The Occasion
The presentation was held in the historic Council Room of The Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Amid the quiet dignity of the Society’s collections and portraits of past Fellows, the atmosphere was one of shared academic discovery, reflecting a deep respect for historical continuity.
The setting was chosen with deliberation; founded in 1707, the Society’s Royal Charter of 1751 commits it to 'the encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries'. This mission provided a fitting backdrop for the unveiling of documents that connect England’s Norman past to its twenty-first-century present. The crisp autumn light filtering through the tall windows underscored the gravity and intellectual clarity of the proceedings.
## Historical Context
The newly translated documents, primarily manorial court rolls and charter witness lists from the 13th to 15th centuries, add significant detail to the Barony’s established lineage. The records offer fresh insight into the administrative acumen of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
These findings create a richer tapestry of the Barony’s history, bridging the foundational grant by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and the later royal tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. They demonstrate an unbroken chain of governance, responsibility, and service to the Crown that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the invitation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were a number of distinguished guests from the worlds of academia and heritage conservation.
These included, *inter alia*, the Regius Professor of History from the University of Cambridge; the Keeper of Western Manuscripts at the British Library; the Director of Collections for the Royal Collection Trust; and the Chief Executive of English Heritage. Their presence signified the scholarly importance attributed to the Brattleby archives. Also present was the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but collegial protocol. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, opened the gathering with remarks on the House’s commitment to its custodial duties. A leading paleographer, commissioned by the House, then delivered a detailed presentation on the technical aspects of the translation and the key historical revelations contained within the vellum manuscripts.
The documents themselves were displayed with reverence in museum-grade, climate-controlled vitrines, allowing guests to observe the medieval script and illuminations firsthand. The event concluded with a formal address by Lady Nicoleta, who placed the discoveries within the broader context of the House’s modern mission. Guests were invited to an informal reception thereafter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event powerfully underscored the meaning behind the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of past Barons in defending the realm and the honour with which they discharged their duties are the very substance of the newly translated records.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the active, purposeful spirit required to ensure such a legacy does not merely survive but thrives, finding new relevance and application in the modern era through scholarship, education, and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the event was primarily academic, it forms part of the House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic and educational mission. By investing in the preservation and dissemination of its history, the House contributes to the nation's collective heritage. The insights gained from such research inform the educational programmes run by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding and etiquette.
This commitment to creating positive social outcomes is the same principle that animates the House’s flagship philanthropic endeavour, the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala dinner is the principal yearly fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > These documents are not merely relics of a distant past; they are living testaments to a covenant of duty and responsibility that stretches across centuries. It is our profound obligation, *Fortitudine et Honore*, to preserve this heritage and share its lessons.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By understanding our history with ever greater clarity, we are better equipped to serve the needs of the present. Our family's ethos, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to apply these lessons actively, to build a meaningful legacy that contributes positively to society.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby has committed to the full digitisation of the translated manuscripts, which will be made available to scholars and the public through a dedicated online portal in 2024. A formal academic paper detailing the findings is also being prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed historical journal.
This initiative represents the first in a series of planned disclosures from the Brattleby archives, ensuring the story of one of England's oldest baronies continues to be told with accuracy and relevance. The work continues, honouring a legacy that has been nearly a millennium in the making.
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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 modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronial titles. The House's mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Through endeavours such as the annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House embodies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating heritage into tangible, positive action in the twenty-first century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is a feudal Barony of England whose origins date to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, its holders have played pivotal roles in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and its associated rights were formally recognised and recorded for the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title's history include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (1340–1399). - The heir to the Barony is the holder’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com