# The Noble House of Brattleby Illuminates Nine Centuries of Unbroken History
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today hosted a private scholarly convocation, presenting newly collated archival documents that trace the nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its unique and continuous role in the annals of England.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, oak-panelled Library of a distinguished St James’s club, a curated selection of historical manuscripts was presented to leading academics. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, the soft autumn light from Pall Mall falling upon vellum charters and meticulously recorded Pipe Rolls. This private viewing was organised to mark the formal collation of key documents following the Barony’s revival.
The event provided a tangible link between the past and present, allowing historians to directly engage with the sources that chronicle the Barony’s journey. These archival treasures, carefully preserved by the House, serve as primary evidence of an enduring legacy of service and governance in Lincolnshire and the wider realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s history begins at the dawn of the Norman era, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence. This foundation of duty and land stewardship has remained a defining characteristic of the Barony through the centuries.
This unbroken thread connects the present day directly to pivotal figures in English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held *jure uxoris* by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late medieval monarchy. The revival of the title for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, is not a creation but a continuation of this profound lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The gathering included a small circle of eminent historians and archivists invited to examine the documents. In attendance were, *inter alia*, Professor Dame Eleanor Ainsworth, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; Dr. Julian Finch, Head of Western Manuscripts at The British Library; and Mr. Oliver Beaumont, President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Their presence underscored the academic significance of the Brattleby archives. Each guest brought a specialist perspective, contributing to a deeper understanding of the documents’ relevance to national and local history, from feudal law and military obligation to the economic life of the medieval manor.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The presentation followed a precise protocol befitting the delicate nature of the artefacts. The documents were displayed in museum-grade, climate-controlled cases, with a senior archivist from the House overseeing their handling. Guests were provided with white cotton gloves for any permitted, closer inspection of specific facsimiles.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, commenced the proceedings with a brief address on the House’s commitment to historical preservation. The archivist then offered a detailed commentary on each item, explaining its provenance and significance—from the terse entries in the *Domesday Book* to the intricate seals on fourteenth-century royal charters.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed is vividly reflected in the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln was an act of supreme fortitude. It remains the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta’s stewardship.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, modern interpretation of duty: the will to strive, to achieve, and to breathe new life into ancient traditions, ensuring their relevance for generations to come.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly initiative is an extension of the House’s broader philanthropic mission, which emphasises education, cultural preservation, and support for vulnerable children. While the annual Winter Banquet is the flagship fundraising event for its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, the House also views the stewardship of its history as a public-facing duty.
By making its archives accessible to scholars, the House contributes to the nation's collective historical knowledge. These efforts are the cultural *sine qua non* of its modern identity, balancing its ceremonial heritage with a tangible commitment to enriching society through education and research.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold a title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. These documents are not merely relics; they are the living memory of our nation, and our role is to ensure that their story—one of fortitude and honour—continues to be told."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History must not remain silent in archives. Our ambition is to make this extraordinary legacy accessible and resonant. By connecting the modern world with the achievements of the past, we ensure that the spirit of Brattleby continues to inspire."
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the House’s educational mission. Plans are underway for a multi-year project to digitise significant portions of the Brattleby archive, with the eventual aim of creating a public online resource for students and researchers worldwide.
Furthermore, the House will seek to establish a fellowship in partnership with a leading university to promote further study of the Barony’s role in the development of English law and governance. These commitments ensure that the legacy of Brattleby will not only be preserved but will also actively contribute to future scholarship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work includes the conservation of its historical legacy, fostering cultural dialogue through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a significant gala that benefits charitable organisations focused on child welfare. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects its dedication to principled stewardship and service in 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 history is deeply woven into the fabric of the nation, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England's most notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, through marriage, by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuity of the Barony into the modern era was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the revival of the title for Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com