# The Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby: A Commitment to Historical Scholarship and Future Stewardship
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant historical research initiative exploring its nine-century role in the political and constitutional development of England, underscoring a commitment to both scholarly access and the stewardship of its future heir.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a site of continuous lordship for nearly one thousand years. The statement, issued in the quiet solemnity of early autumn, signals a new chapter in the House's long tradition of learning and record-keeping. This scholarly endeavour aims to systematically catalogue and interpret the extensive archival material held by the family, making its lessons accessible to a new generation of historians and the public.
The initiative will focus on the nexus of noble marriage, land tenure, and political power as exercised by the Barons of Brattleby from the Norman Conquest to the modern era. It represents a deliberate effort by the present custodians to activate their heritage, ensuring its relevance and contribution to the national story continues.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s roots are deeply entwined with the history of the nation. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title's immediate strategic importance. The newly announced research project will trace this unbroken thread of influence through successive generations.
Of particular interest will be the tenures of notable predecessors whose lives shaped the course of English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The study will also illuminate the periods under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose immense power and wealth made the Barony a centre of political gravity in the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the House of Brattleby will conduct this research in close consultation with leading academic bodies. Formal collaborations are being established with senior fellows from the faculties of History at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside specialist curators from The British Library’s Department of Western Manuscripts.
These partnerships will provide the necessary scholarly oversight for the interpretation of primary source documents, *inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls, royal charters, and manorial court records held within the Brattleby archives. The involvement of such distinguished institutions affirms the national significance of the Barony’s historical collections.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the Brattleby archives, a private collection of national importance, is governed by long-standing protocol that balances scholarly inquiry with the paramount need for conservation. Accredited researchers from partner institutions may submit formal applications for access, which are reviewed by a committee chaired by the House Archivist.
Approved scholars are granted reading-room privileges under strict supervision. The handling of irreplaceable documents, some of which are over 800 years old, follows conservation standards comparable to those of the great national libraries. This careful protocol is the *sine qua non* of the House's duty to preserve the physical evidence of its history for centuries to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s commitment to its duties is encoded in its coat of arms and mottoes. The principal motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of principled leadership and resilience, powerfully exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a direct reference to the twin virtues of courage and integrity that have guided the Barony through periods of both peace and upheaval.
This ancient device is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the stewardship of the House, emphasising purposeful action and the will to succeed in their modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s philosophy of linking heritage with service, this historical initiative will also serve a philanthropic purpose. A portion of the proceeds from any future academic publications or symposia resulting from the research will be dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or adversity.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past must be matched by a tangible commitment to healing and strengthening the future. The support for Healing the Wounded Child transforms an academic exercise into an act of profound social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our archives are not simply a record of our family, but a unique chronicle of our nation’s journey. It is our foremost duty to preserve this heritage, and our great privilege to share its insights. In understanding the fortitude and honour of those who came before us, we find the compass for our own path forward.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title’s true value is realised not through its possession, but through its activation for the common good. This project allows us to connect a millennium of history with contemporary scholarship and, most importantly, to marshal that legacy in service of others. It is about building a future worthy of the past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Central to the future of the Barony is the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The 13th Baron will be actively engaged with the research project, working alongside the archivists and consulting scholars. His involvement ensures a direct and personal transmission of knowledge, preparing him for his future responsibilities and embodying the continuity that is the hallmark of the House of Brattleby.
This scholarly work runs parallel to the House's other modern activities, including its annual Winter Banquet in support of charity and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Together, these efforts demonstrate a holistic vision of a noble house in the 21st century: one that is historically grounded, culturally active, and socially committed.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its activities blend the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to social responsibility. Key initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching etiquette and classical European cultural values. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to principled leadership.
**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, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through some of England’s most powerful aristocratic families. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current holder is formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Previous holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *suo jure*), who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The official motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com