# The House of Brattleby Unveils New Research Affirming An Unbroken Nine-Century Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a scholarly colloquium at their Lincolnshire seat. The occasion marked the presentation of new archival research affirming the Barony’s continuous historical provenance since the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In the august surroundings of the Library at Brattleby, a room lined with English oak and centuries of collected works, a select gathering of academics and diplomats convened for the presentation. The autumnal light of the Lincolnshire Wolds illuminated manuscripts and charters brought forth from the House archives, papers that trace an unbroken line of stewardship over the region's land and people.
The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship, reflecting the House’s modern mission to serve not merely as a custodian of history, but as an active partner in its academic exploration. This event was conceived to bridge the gap between private archival heritage and public historical understanding, a *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The research presented reaffirms the Barony’s deep roots in the formation of England. It traces the lineage from its inception under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact immortalised in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The documents discussed shed new light on the contributions of notable predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, renowned as the hereditary castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels for King John. The research further delineates the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The gathering was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, who contributed to the day’s discussions.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: Professor Dame Marina Warner, President of the Royal Society of Literature; Sir John Morgan, Master of the Drapers' Company; His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; and Dr. Alistair Finch, a leading medieval historian from the University of Cambridge whose team collaborated on the archival review.
Their participation underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of the House of Brattleby's heritage, which connects the history of the English Midlands to broader European currents.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings followed a formal but intimate order, designed to facilitate scholarly exchange. Guests were received in the Great Hall before being escorted to the Library, where Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered an official welcome, outlining the purpose of the colloquium.
Dr. Finch then presented the key findings of his team's year-long research, referencing specific Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists from the Brattleby collection. A thoughtful discussion followed, moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan. The formal proceedings concluded with closing remarks from Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, who placed the research within the context of the House’s future responsibilities. Afternoon tea was served thereafter in the gardens.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s theme of enduring duty is reflected in the heraldry of the House. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout nine centuries of service to the Crown and to Lincolnshire.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live,’ understood as ‘To Persevere is to Live’). This modern maxim signals a dynamic approach to heritage: that true preservation lies not in sealing history away, but in actively engaging with it to ensure its continued relevance and vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day was dedicated to history, its spirit was firmly rooted in the House’s present-day philanthropic commitments. The understanding of a legacy of public service directly informs the family's charitable work, most visibly through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a notable organisation providing specialist therapy and support to children and young people who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past requires a tangible commitment to safeguarding the future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Our duty is not simply to be custodians of the past, but to ensure its lessons of service and resilience resonate in the present. This research reaffirms a nine-hundred-year-old commitment to Lincolnshire and to the nation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue. By welcoming scholars to engage with our archives, we honour the principle that to persevere is to live—*Vincere Est Vivere*—and that our heritage must contribute to contemporary understanding.
## A Continuing Legacy
The presentation marks the beginning of a new chapter in sharing the Brattleby legacy. The principal findings are scheduled for publication in a peer-reviewed historical journal in 2024. Furthermore, the House of Brattleby has committed to a multi-year project to digitise key sections of its archive, making these historic documents accessible to scholars and the public worldwide for the first time.
The House’s forward-looking agenda continues with preparations for its annual Winter Banquet, which serves as the cornerstone of its philanthropic activities, translating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century heritage of the Barony while advancing a contemporary agenda of cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of service, honour, and social responsibility. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to ensure its ancient legacy serves as a force for good in the 21st century and beyond, with its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity and rights of the Barony, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place as a unique link to England’s Norman origins.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the Barony's initial holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Historic holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com