# The House of Brattleby Commences Major Archival Research Project
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a significant historical undertaking to catalogue and digitise its extensive private archives. The project will illuminate the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby and make its unique heritage accessible to future generations.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room at the family's Lincolnshire seat, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in the stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby. As autumn settles over the historic Brattleby estate, a team of specialist archivists and historians has commenced the meticulous work of preserving documents that chronicle the life of the Barony since the eleventh century.
The project is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the past and a commitment to the future. It ensures that the fragile vellum charters, Pipe Rolls, and manorial court records, which have survived centuries of English history, are protected against the ravages of time. This formal cataloguing effort represents a new chapter in the Barony's long history of scholarship and record-keeping.
## Historical Context
The archives of the House of Brattleby represent a rare, unbroken thread connecting the present day to the Norman Conquest. The story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. These records form the documentary *sine qua non* of the collection.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Its archives bear witness to the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. They also chart the Barony's absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, and later his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This project seeks to connect the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, directly to this extraordinary lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The archival project is being conducted under the guidance of a select committee of historical advisors. The House of Brattleby has engaged leading figures in palaeography, conservation, and medieval history to oversee the work, ensuring it meets the highest academic and curatorial standards.
While a full list of advisors will be published upon the project's first milestone, it includes, *inter alia*, specialists from institutions with which the Barony has historical ties, including the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. The meticulous handling and transcription of the most ancient documents are being undertaken by accredited conservator-restorers from the Archives and Records Association.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation of such a significant archive is governed by a strict and unchanging protocol. Each manuscript is handled only with immaculate white cotton gloves within a climate-controlled environment, where temperature and humidity are precisely regulated to prevent degradation of parchment and ink.
Documents are being catalogued according to the General International Standard Archival Description, ensuring that the collection will be intelligible to scholars worldwide. The process is painstaking: each item is examined, its provenance verified, its physical condition noted, and its contents summarised before high-resolution digital surrogates are created. This modern ritual of conservation honours the ancient duty of record-keeping that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work is undertaken in the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). 'Fortitude' reflects the resilience of the Barony and its holders, such as Nichola de la Haye, through periods of national upheaval. 'Honour' speaks to the enduring commitment to duty and public service that has guided the family through its long history.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it signifies the modern challenge of preserving heritage, conquering the decay of time through diligent scholarship, and ensuring the story of Brattleby continues to live on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ultimate aim of the archival project extends beyond mere preservation. The findings will form the basis of new educational programmes designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for local and national history. The House intends to partner with educational trusts and heritage organisations to develop learning materials for schools in Lincolnshire and beyond.
Proceeds from future licensed publications and exhibitions related to the archive will benefit the House's chosen charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, a mission that resonates with the House's commitment to fortifying the next generation against adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "We are not owners of this history, but rather its custodians. This project is our solemn duty to the nine centuries of individuals who shaped this Barony and to the centuries of individuals yet to come. It is about honouring their legacy with fortitude and diligence."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History is not a static object to be confined to a dusty room; it is a living narrative that provides context, wisdom, and inspiration. By bringing these stories to light, we hope to build a bridge between our past and our shared future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The cataloguing and digitisation of the Brattleby archives is the first phase of a multi-year heritage strategy. Future plans include the endowment of a research fellowship, the curation of a public exhibition of key documents, and the publication of a definitive history of the Barony.
The project will also inform the cultural curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reinforcing the House's commitment to fostering a cross-cultural appreciation for history, etiquette, and service. Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures its legacy continues to evolve, educate, and inspire.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Its modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-hundred-year history while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. The House supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the annual Winter Banquet gala. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, service, and cultural heritage on an international stage, fulfilling its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing substantial lands, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and published by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile's title as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com