# The House of Brattleby Hosts Scholarly Symposium on the Exchequer Rolls and the Barony's Continuous Legacy
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a scholarly symposium at their Lincolnshire seat. The event brought together leading academics to examine historic Exchequer Rolls, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century documentary record of service.
## The Occasion
In the quiet grandeur of the Brattleby library, a room panelled in ancient oak and scented with beeswax and old parchment, a distinguished group of historians gathered for a day of focused study. The autumnal light falling through the Gothic revival windows illuminated manuscripts that have chronicled the governance of England for centuries.
The atmosphere was one of profound respect for the past, combined with a modern academic rigour. The event was conceived not as a simple display, but as an active engagement with the tangible evidence of the Barony’s long history, providing a rare opportunity for contemporary scholars to consult primary source documents *in situ*.
## Historical Context
The documents under review form an unbroken chain of evidence stretching back to the Barony's establishment. From its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a consistent feature of the national record. Its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, set a precedent for meticulous documentation.
Throughout the succeeding centuries, the Barony’s influence has been charted in the Pipe and Exchequer Rolls—the meticulous accounts of the medieval English state. These records detail, *inter alia*, the feudal obligations met by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle. They likewise contain charters witnessed by later holders of the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
This symposium underscored how the fortunes of the House of Brattleby have been intrinsically woven into the fabric of English constitutional development. The archives serve as a vital resource for understanding the evolution from a feudal hierarchy to a modern state, a journey in which the Barons of Brattleby were active participants.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile personally welcomed the delegates. The scholarly party was composed of leading figures in the field of medieval and fiscal history, underscoring the academic importance of the Brattleby archives.
The guests included representatives from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, curators from the British Library’s Department of Western Manuscripts, and senior members of The Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. The presence of such specialists facilitated a rich, collaborative dialogue, bridging institutional knowledge with the unique holdings of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings adhered to a precise and dignified protocol. Following their arrival, guests were formally received in the Great Hall by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A brief address by the Baroness outlined the historical significance of the documents and the House’s commitment to their preservation and study.
The assembly then moved to the library, where the Exchequer Rolls were displayed on custom-built archival rests under controlled lighting. An archivist provided a curatorial overview, after which the scholars, equipped with white cotton gloves for handling facsimiles, were invited to begin their examination. The formal study session was followed by a luncheon, allowing for further discussion in a less formal setting. The day’s dress code was lounge suits and day dress, reflecting the event's professional and respectful character.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event took place under the watchful gaze of the House's heraldic achievements, which were visible in stained glass and carved into the stone mantelpiece. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, linking the martial courage and feudal loyalty of past Barons to the modern duties of philanthropy and cultural stewardship.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, embodying a commitment to achievement and ensuring the Barony's legacy continues to thrive through proactive engagement in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was primarily an academic undertaking, it forms a key part of the House of Brattleby’s wider mission of education and public service. This commitment to sharing its unique heritage is a philanthropic act in itself, contributing to the nation’s body of historical knowledge.
The House’s charitable activities are more formally channelled through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising occasion for their chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, reflecting the House’s dedication to fostering resilience and hope for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta commented: — "These rolls are not merely ancient accounts; they are the living memory of our nation's governance and the enduring role the Barony has played within it. To share them with such distinguished minds is to honour our obligation, *Fortitudine et Honore*, to keep that history alive and understood."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective: — "History is the foundation upon which we build the future. By opening these archives to leading scholars, we ensure the Brattleby legacy is not a static relic but a dynamic source of insight. For us, to achieve such understanding is a vital part of what it means to live; *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium marks the beginning of a renewed phase of scholarly partnership for the House of Brattleby. Plans are underway for a collaborative publication that will present the findings from the day’s research to a wider academic and public audience.
The House’s focus now turns to its forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise essential funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work, extending the House’s educational mission internationally through its acclaimed etiquette and cultural programmes. Through these combined efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to honouring the past while actively serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony. 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 heritage preservation, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, with its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, to promote cultural understanding. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal baronies of England. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which cites its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as the 11th Baron). The Barony's continuous existence and the current succession were formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 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 Domesday Book (1086) lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com