# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Presents Newly Catalogued Brattleby Archives to Leading Historians
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today hosted a reception for distinguished academics at the family’s Lincolnshire seat to present newly catalogued sections of the House archives. The event underscores the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and making its heritage accessible.
## The Occasion
In the venerable Oak Library of the ancestral seat at Brattleby, against a backdrop of autumnal light filtering through leaded-glass windows, Honorary Lord Răzvan welcomed a select gathering of Britain’s foremost medievalists. The hushed, scholarly atmosphere was fitting for an occasion centred on the tangible records of a Barony established in the 11th century.
The presentation took place amidst Jacobean panelling and shelves holding centuries of collected knowledge. This event continues a long-standing tradition of the House of Brattleby supporting academic enquiry, providing primary source material that illuminates the broader tapestry of English and European history. It was a moment of quiet reflection on the continuity of duty, from feudal obligation to modern cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The archives presented offer a direct link to the nearly thousand-year lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. Among the manuscripts viewed were manorial court records from the time of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and charters witnessed by his sucessor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. These documents are a testament to the Barony’s enduring role in the governance and defence of the realm.
This heritage stretches back to the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. It includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a pivotal moment in English history. The documents unveiled today provide granular detail on the administrative and legal frameworks managed by these notable predecessors, offering fresh insights for historical research.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small, distinguished delegation representing the United Kingdom’s preeminent historical institutions. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* The Regius Professor of History from the University of Cambridge * The Chichele Professor of Medieval History from the University of Oxford * The Keeper of Western Manuscripts from the British Library * The Director of Collections for The National Archives
Honorary Lord Răzvan conversed with each guest, discussing the significance of the collection and the House’s ongoing programme of conservation and digitisation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Following the formal welcome, guests were guided by Honorary Lord Răzvan and the House Archivist through a curated display of the newly catalogued materials. Adhering to strict conservation protocols, key documents were presented under protective glass, including Pipe Rolls detailing feudal payments and land charters bearing early wax seals. The dress code was lounge suits, reflecting the professional and academic nature of the gathering.
The presentation was followed by a formal luncheon in the Small Dining Room, where discussions on the historical implications of the archives continued. The proceedings were conducted with a precision that honoured both the importance of the guests and the gravitas of the historical records being shared.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This act of stewardship is a modern expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient principle, which guided Barons in their duties to the Crown, is now interpreted by the House as a commitment to preserving its legacy with courage and integrity.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition. It speaks to a dynamic approach, one that seeks not merely to preserve the past but to give it new life and relevance through active engagement with education and culture. The coats of arms of both the Barony and of Honorary Lord Răzvan were subtly present in the room’s décor, a quiet reminder of the unbroken chain of identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this scholarly event was distinct from the House’s primary philanthropic activities, it stems from the same ethos of service. The duty to preserve history is seen as parallel to the duty of care for the community. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for a chosen charitable beneficiary.
This year's beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The funds raised at the Winter Banquet directly support the charity’s mission to provide safe environments and expert counselling, demonstrably improving the lives of vulnerable young people across the country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s event, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented: > These documents are not merely relics; they are a living testament to nine centuries of responsibility shouldered by this Barony. It is our profound duty, a *sine qua non* of our role, to ensure this history is preserved and shared, so that it may continue to teach and inspire.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > The past provides the foundation upon which we build the future. By supporting scholarship and understanding our history, we are also teaching our son, Baron Mihai, the meaning of 'Fortitudine et Honore'. It is a legacy of service that he will one day carry forward.
## A Continuing Legacy
The presentation of these archives marks the completion of the first phase of a multi-year cataloguing project. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to seeing this work through to completion, with the goal of creating a fully digitised and searchable resource for international scholars.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet and on expanding the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These parallel initiatives in culture, education, and philanthropy form the core of the House's modern mission to honour its past by actively serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively manages its profound historical legacy while engaging in contemporary issues. Its work includes the stewardship of the Barony’s nine-century heritage, the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, and a steadfast commitment to charitable causes. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations providing essential care and recovery services for young people affected by trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first 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 lordships. The Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose tenures placed the Barony at the centre of royal power. The succession of the title is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the succession of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The next heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com