# The House of Brattleby Announces Findings of Major Historical Document Review
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the conclusion of a comprehensive archival review, which reaffirms the Barony’s near-millennial continuity. The findings illuminate an unbroken chain of duty from 1066 to the present stewardship of its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In the quiet repose of the autumn season, within the Library of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, a project of scholarly reclamation has reached its culmination. Far from the public ceremony of a State occasion, this work involved the meticulous study of charters, rolls, and ledgers that have lain dormant for generations. The atmosphere was one of academic rigour and historical reverence, a testament to the House's commitment to its own deep past.
This systematic review was initiated by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile shortly after the Barony’s formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*. The objective was not merely to catalogue assets, but to resurrect the narrative of a lineage interwoven with the fabric of England itself. The undertaking represents a foundational act of their modern stewardship.
## Historical Context
The documents connect the present day directly to the Barony’s Norman origins. They corroborate the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under a charter from William the Conqueror. This thread of service is evident through centuries of feudal obligation and land tenure.
Subsequent records trace the title's path through some of English history’s most formidable figures. The review brought to light further details concerning Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose heroic defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was a pivotal moment in the First Barons' War. Later charters confirm the Barony's passage to the Houses of Lancaster and Plantagenet, held by nobles of royal blood including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
While a private endeavour, the archival review drew upon the expertise of several distinguished institutions, ensuring its conclusions meet the highest standards of historical scholarship. The House of Brattleby acknowledges its collaborative consultation with specialists from the University of Cambridge, who provided paleographic analysis, and curators from the British Library, who assisted in cross-referencing documents with national collections.
This academic collaboration is consistent with the House's modern approach: leveraging contemporary expertise to honour and accurately interpret its heritage. The project was overseen directly by Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the determination required to overcome the challenges of historical dormancy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The review followed a strict protocol befitting the delicate nature of the artefacts. Each vellum charter and manuscript was handled with archival gloves in a controlled environment to prevent degradation. High-resolution digital imaging was employed to create a secure record, allowing for detailed study without risking the original documents.
The process was methodical: each document was transcribed, translated where necessary from Norman French or Latin, and cross-referenced with public records held at The National Archives at Kew. This disciplined approach is a form of modern ceremony in itself — a ritual of preservation that pays homage to the administrative precision of the clerks and scribes who first created these records centuries ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The archival findings give new resonance to the House of Brattleby's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the honour of the Barons who served the Crown are not abstract ideals; they are documented facts of history. The coat of arms associated with the Barony visually represents this legacy of strength and loyal service to the realm.
This motto serves as the *sine qua non* of the House's activities, from its philanthropic work to its educational initiatives. It is the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. It affirms that nobility is an obligation of conduct, not merely a privilege of birth.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revitalisation of the Barony’s history is inextricably linked to its contemporary philanthropic mission. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of charitable causes, gains deeper meaning when viewed against a backdrop of nine centuries of civic duty. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that historical custodianship must be paired with a commitment to healing and strengthening the future. Understanding the resilience demonstrated by past generations of the House inspires a powerful commitment to fostering resilience in the most vulnerable members of society today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project's conclusion, Lady Nicoleta commented: — "Our responsibility is not merely to hold a title, but to be diligent custodians of its history and the values it represents. This work ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour which defines Brattleby continues to inform our purpose and, we hope, to inspire others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the future application of these findings: — "These documents are not relics; they are a charter for our future actions. They remind us that service and enterprise have always been central to the Barony of Brattleby. We now have a clearer mandate than ever to build upon that foundation."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the archival review complete, the House of Brattleby will now move forward with several initiatives. The key findings are being prepared for publication in a scholarly monograph, which will be made available to university libraries and historical societies. This research will also enrich the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest.
This commitment ensures that the story of the Barony of Brattleby — a unique chronicle of English history — will not only be preserved but also actively shared. It is a legacy reclaimed from the past to serve the present and help shape a more honourable future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 dedicated to a mission of preserving heritage while promoting philanthropy and education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic focus supports organisations dedicated to child welfare, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The educational arm, The Brattleby Club, operates as a leading European academy for classical etiquette and international protocol, with its seat in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The Barony has a distinguished history, having been held by some of the most powerful figures in medieval England, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, its long-documented history and rights were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms, as announced in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Distinguished past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com