# A Legacy Chronicled: The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Scholarly Review of its Nine-Century Archives
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a scholarly initiative to consolidate and interpret its archives. The project will document the Barony's unbroken nine-century history of service, from the Norman Conquest to the present day, reaffirming its commitment to historical preservation.
## The Occasion
From their ancient family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have authorised a comprehensive review of the House’s private archives. The undertaking coincides with the autumn season, a traditional time of reflection and scholarly pursuit. It is a moment for taking stock of a legacy that mirrors the very development of the English nation.
This initiative will see the careful study of charters, pipe rolls, and manorial records which have been preserved within the Barony for generations. The project’s purpose is to codify this history and to prepare selected materials for future educational and cultural dissemination, ensuring the story of Brattleby remains accessible to new generations of historians and the public alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few English lordships to possess a continuous, documented history stretching back to its initial grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony's foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement of the realm.
This continuity of service and influence is visible through successive holders of the title. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French-backed baronial rebels in 1217. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power in the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
This significant historical review will be conducted in close collaboration with a small, distinguished group of academics and archivists, ensuring the highest standards of historical rigour. The House is pleased to consult with specialists in medieval paleography, Anglo-Norman history, and archival conservation throughout this process.
Leading the external advisory panel will be senior figures from the historical faculties of the Universities of Cambridge and Lincoln, alongside conservation experts from the British Library. Their collective expertise is a *sine qua non* for a project of this magnitude, ensuring the material is not only interpreted correctly but also preserved for the centuries to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The handling of such venerable documents is governed by a strict and unchanging protocol. Each manuscript is handled only by trained archivists wearing white cotton gloves, in a climate-controlled environment to prevent degradation. Fragile bindings are supported by archival cradles, and illumination is provided by low-temperature, indirect lighting.
No original document will be removed from the House’s archives. Instead, high-resolution digital facsimiles will be created *in situ* using state-of-the-art conservation technology. This method honours the physical integrity of the originals while allowing for detailed study. The order of proceedings will begin with the earliest Norman-era charters before moving methodically through feudal records, estate accounts, and personal correspondence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honourable administration of justice and land that has defined the Barony's contribution to Lincolnshire. It remains the guiding tenet of the House's modern activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, carries his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy of overcoming challenges, not in a martial sense, but through perseverance and a commitment to excellence in the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this archival project is historical in nature, its spirit aligns directly with the House's core philanthropic purpose. The deep-seated commitment to honouring the past serves as the moral foundation for its efforts to build a better future. A sense of duty, passed down through generations, is the driving force behind the House’s charitable focus.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the belief that honouring and healing the past — whether a nation's or an individual's — is essential for a healthy and prosperous future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “These archives are not merely records of land and title; they are intimate accounts of duty, stewardship, and the enduring bond between a family and a nation. It is our responsibility to preserve this continuity and to share its lessons of fortitude and honour with the wider world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “By understanding the challenges our predecessors overcame, we find the inspiration for our own mission today. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our most important victory lies in creating a lasting, positive impact. This project connects our past achievements to our future commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The findings from this archival review are expected to form the basis of a series of scholarly monographs and public lectures over the next several years. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to making this rich history accessible, *inter alia*, through partnerships with academic institutions and cultural bodies.
Future events hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and cultural academy, will incorporate programmes on the Barony's unique history and its place within the broader European aristocratic tradition. This ensures that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve, serving as a bridge between its English heritage and its contemporary European presence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural and historical preservation. By bridging its ancient lineage with contemporary purpose, the House actively supports philanthropic initiatives focused on child welfare and education. Through endeavours such as its annual Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the timeless values of duty, honour, and service. It seeks to use its unique platform to foster a deeper appreciation for history and to contribute positively to society, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with 56 lordships. The Barony boasts an unbroken line of succession and has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. This nine-hundred-year legacy of stewardship and service to the Crown and country was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded by The Crown with its publication in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com