# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Significant Archival Discovery Illuminating the Lineage of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced the formal presentation of recently catalogued archival documents at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. The collection affirms the nearly thousand-year continuity of the Barony and its connection to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of the Long Library at the family's Lincolnshire seat, a small, scholarly gathering convened to witness the presentation. A late autumn sun cast long shadows across oak-panelled walls lined with nine centuries of accumulated knowledge, the air filled with the faint, distinguished scent of beeswax and aged parchment.
The event was organised by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to mark the conclusion of a multi-year archival cataloguing project. This undertaking has brought to light documents that further solidify the Barony's continuous historical narrative, providing a tangible link from its Norman origins to its future custodial heir.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the few lordships to persist in an unbroken line from the Norman Conquest, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony's foundational importance in the establishment of the new kingdom.
These rediscovered documents — including vellum charters, manorial accounts, and witness lists from the royal court — illuminate the roles of key predecessors. They offer new insights into the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The records demonstrate a consistent pattern of service and duty to the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The intimate nature of the presentation underscored its scholarly significance. In attendance were the principals of the Noble House of Brattleby:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
They were joined by a select group of academics and archivists who had consulted on the project. These included senior fellows from the faculties of history at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, alongside specialist curators from the British Library, whose expertise was instrumental in contextualising the findings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but personal protocol, reflecting the House's blend of ancient tradition and modern function. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the gathering with short welcoming remarks, outlining the project's purpose. The Head Archivist for the House then delivered a formal presentation, detailing the provenance and significance of the key documents displayed.
Following the presentation, guests were invited to inspect the materials, which were carefully laid out under protective glass. Lady Nicoleta concluded the formal portion of the afternoon by speaking on the theme of stewardship, after which Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, was invited to place a symbolic white glove upon a foundational charter, signifying the transfer of knowledge to the next generation. The dress code observed was of lounge suits and day dress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism central to the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly present, encapsulating the enduring principles of resilience and duty that have guided the Barony for centuries. This ethos is seen as the *sine qua non* of the family's public service.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the ancient institution, focusing on overcoming modern challenges in the fields of commerce, culture, and philanthropy. The juxtaposition of these two mottos summarises the House's unique character: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this occasion was primarily historical, its purpose aligns with the House's core philanthropic mission: education and the preservation of cultural heritage. The findings from this archival project will not remain private; they are to be digitised and made available to academic institutions worldwide, contributing to the broader understanding of English medieval and constitutional history.
This commitment to sharing knowledge is a cornerstone of the family's modern activities. It finds a parallel in their support for charitable causes, most notably the upcoming annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala which raises funds for its chosen beneficiary, the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "These documents are not merely relics of a distant time; they are a living testament to an unbroken chain of responsibility. They remind us that our role is one of stewardship — to protect this heritage and ensure it is passed on, with its integrity intact, to those who will follow."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > "Our history provides the foundation, but its value is realised in our present actions. *Vincere Est Vivere* means applying the lessons of the past to meet the opportunities of today. This project enriches our understanding and strengthens our resolve to build a meaningful, contemporary legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The presentation of the archives marks not an end, but a new beginning. The House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of publications based on these findings, intended for both academic and general readership. A monograph detailing the role of the Barony during the Plantagenet era is already in its early stages.
In the coming months, the House will turn its attention to its other commitments, including the final preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, will launch its new curriculum, furthering the House's mission to promote cultural and social refinement. Each initiative flows from the same source: a profound respect for heritage, harnessed for the public good.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby bridges nearly one thousand years of English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its unique historical legacy, a commitment to impactful philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. The House is actively engaged in initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of duty, service, and cultural stewardship in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder mentioned in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. - Historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com