# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Significant Archival Discovery
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally accessioned recently rediscovered medieval documents into its private archives. This significant historical find offers new insight into the administration of the ancient barony and reinforces the family’s enduring commitment to its role as steward.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of the Muniment Room at their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family marked the formal authentication and cataloguing of a collection of manorial accounts and correspondence. The documents, dating from the late 14th century, were unearthed during recent, careful restoration work on the oldest parts of the residence.
Illuminated by the soft autumn light filtering through stone mullioned windows, the occasion was one of scholarly diligence rather than public ceremony. It represented a direct and tangible connection to the barony's nine-hundred-and-fifty-eight-year history, reaffirming the House's dedication to its past as a foundation for its future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken chain of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This new discovery provides a remarkable echo of that foundational record.
These authenticated documents date from the tenure of the 11th Baron, the illustrious John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. They offer an intimate glimpse into the economic and social life of the barony during his time, complementing the more martial legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness (jure uxoris), who famously defended Lincoln Castle. The find bridges the gap between great figures of history and the daily business of their domains.
## Distinguished Company
The formal cataloguing was undertaken by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, in the presence of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were joined by leading archivists and palaeographers from the University of Lincoln, who provided independent verification of the documents' provenance and significance. This collaboration between the House and the academic community is a *sine qua non* of its approach to historical stewardship, ensuring that its heritage is both preserved and understood according to the highest standards.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The accession followed a precise protocol befitting the delicate nature of the artefacts. Each folio, preserved on vellum, was handled with archival gloves and placed in a custom-made, climate-controlled case. Honorary Lord Răzvan reviewed the scholarly summary while Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, made the final entry in the House’s official register.
By affixing her signature to the catalogue entry, Lady Nicoleta performed an act of continuity—a simple administrative gesture that echoed centuries of baronial oversight. The proceedings were conducted with a quiet dignity, reflecting a deep-seated respect for the materials and the history they represent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds particular resonance in this discovery. It speaks to the fortitude required to preserve such fragile records across the centuries and the honour of presenting them truthfully. The act of conservation is, in itself, an expression of this guiding principle.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which in this context signifies an active, rather than passive, custodianship. It underscores the family’s belief that to live fully is to engage with and master the challenges of the present, *inter alia*, by drawing strength and wisdom from the past.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this was not a philanthropic event, its purpose extends beyond mere preservation. The knowledge gleaned from these documents will enrich the educational mission of the House. Insights into medieval governance and social responsibility will be incorporated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and leadership academy.
Furthermore, the digitised records will eventually be made available to scholars, ensuring this discovery contributes to the wider body of historical knowledge—a philanthropic gesture of an intellectual nature, aimed at benefiting public understanding and academic research.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold in one’s hands the same documents that John of Gaunt's stewards once reviewed is a profoundly humbling experience. It reinforces our role not as owners, but as temporary custodians in a chain stretching back to 1066. Our duty is, quite simply, to preserve and pass on this legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue with the past that informs our present actions. These discoveries sharpen our understanding of the challenges our predecessors faced and, in turn, provide valuable lessons for the leadership and charitable work we pursue today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has commissioned a complete scholarly analysis and high-resolution digitisation of the documents. The findings are expected to form the basis of a monograph, and a presentation is planned for an international historical symposium in the coming year.
This work of preservation and education continues alongside the family’s other commitments, including the preparations for their Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting their chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child. The event serves as a modern expression of the same principle of noble service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century legacy. Their mission, conducted under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), balances the preservation of historical heritage with forward-looking philanthropic and educational initiatives. These include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and modern leadership. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve a dynamic and valuable purpose in the 21st century by championing charity, culture, and education on an international stage. The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. Over the centuries, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the immensely powerful John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical significance of the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's succession was formally recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) lists the barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings. - Notable historical barons include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com