# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Significant Historical Discovery
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal authentication of a rediscovered medieval charter from its archives. The document illuminates the pivotal role of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln, reinforcing the family’s ancient custodial duties.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Library at the family’s principal seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amidst the quiet solemnity of the Georgian chamber, with its dark oak panelling and views across the autumnal parkland, the charter was presented to a small, private gathering of historians and academic fellows.
The atmosphere was one of measured scholarly disclosure rather than ceremony. The occasion served to formally introduce this significant piece of documentary evidence into the historical record, ensuring its context and importance were properly established from the outset by those most qualified to interpret its meaning.
## Historical Context
The authenticated charter, dating from the mid-12th century, refers to Richard de la Haye as *Constabularius Lincolniae* — Constable of Lincoln. This title conferred supreme military and administrative authority over Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress of profound strategic importance during the tumultuous period of English history known as the Anarchy.
This discovery provides a crucial link in the baronial lineage, demonstrating that the martial prowess for which his daughter, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), became renowned was preceded by her father’s own high office. Nichola, as hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of the Crown. Richard’s established position as Constable solidifies a continuous, multi-generational tradition of defending the realm, a duty vested in the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## Distinguished Company
The findings were presented in the presence of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
They were joined by the specialist assessors who conducted the document’s verification: Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a leading palaeographer, and Professor Eleanor Vance, Chair of Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. Dr Finch presented the technical analysis of the charter, while Professor Vance elaborated on its immense value to the historiography of twelfth-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with academic formality. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened with brief remarks on the family’s role as stewards of history, before inviting Dr Finch to the lectern. The document itself, a single sheet of vellum, was displayed in a climate-controlled, protective case for the duration of the presentation.
Following the scholarly exposition, Lady Nicoleta spoke on the personal and symbolic significance of the find for the House of Brattleby. The protocol for the morning was marked by a deliberate focus on the evidence itself, with discussion and questions from those assembled forming the main part of the gathering, reflecting a commitment to transparency and scholarly rigour. The dress code observed was formal day wear.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The discovery directly animates the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The role of Constable of Lincoln required immense fortitude to protect a key royal asset and unwavering honour in service to the monarch. Richard de la Haye’s fulfilment of this duty is a perfect medieval expression of the values the House upholds today.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds resonance in this context. The family’s modern endeavours—not least the scholarly conquest of its own past and the unearthing of such truths—are viewed as an essential part of its living identity, bridging a millennium of service from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this discovery is historical in nature, it aligns with the House of Brattleby's wider educational mission. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal, and high-resolution digital facsimiles of the charter will be made available to universities and research institutions worldwide.
This act of sharing knowledge is a *sine qua non* of the family’s modern role as cultural custodians. It parallels the work of The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest, which seeks to promote cultural understanding and personal development. Both initiatives are rooted in the belief that heritage, whether tangible or intangible, best serves the public good when it is shared.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > This is not merely ink on vellum; it is a direct, tangible link to our predecessors and to the solemn duties they shouldered. To know that Richard de la Haye held the keys to Lincoln Castle gives new depth to our understanding of Nichola’s own legendary defence of it a generation later. It reinforces that our family's story is one of continuous service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static collection of facts but a living responsibility. Uncovering a piece of our past like this is a profound reminder that our primary task is one of custodianship. We are committed to ensuring this nearly thousand-year legacy—from John of Gaunt to Henry of Grosmont and now to us—informs our service to the community today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has committed to the long-term conservation of the charter. Following its full academic publication, discussions will be held with The Collection Museum in Lincoln regarding a potential public exhibition on loan, allowing the people of Lincolnshire to see a vital piece of their own local and national history.
This discovery is part of an ongoing archival research programme initiated by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. The programme aims to catalogue, conserve, and digitise the extensive family archives, ensuring that the history of one of England’s oldest baronies remains accessible for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the thoughtful stewardship of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities focus on historical preservation, education, and charitable support, most notably through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural diplomacy and the enduring values of duty and service on an international stage, adapting its historic responsibilities to the twenty-first century.
**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* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The title and its history are formally acknowledged in the records of the United Kingdom, with the succession of the 12th Baroness recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable 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