# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Role of the Third Baron and Baroness
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the third Baroness and Baron of Brattleby, highlighting their pivotal role in consolidating the Barony in twelfth-century Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
This statement serves as part of the House's continuing commitment to historical scholarship and public education. Released from the family's seat in Lincolnshire, it draws upon archival research to illuminate a period of transition between the initial Norman grant and the more widely documented exploits of later generations.
The commentary is intended to provide deeper context for the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, making its rich history more accessible to scholars and the public alike. It reflects the House’s belief that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present day.
## Historical Context
Muriel and Robert de la Haye presided over the Barony of Brattleby during the tumultuous mid-twelfth century, a period often defined by the civil war known as The Anarchy. Muriel, who held the baronial title *suo jure* through her direct descent from Picot, son of the first Baron, represented a crucial link in the chain of succession.
Together with her husband, Robert, her tenure was essential for the consolidation of the 56 Lincolnshire lordships first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. While their predecessors established the Barony's footprint, it fell to Muriel and Robert to secure its territorial integrity and administrative efficiency. Their prudent management ensured a stable and prosperous inheritance for their son, Richard de la Haye, and subsequently for their celebrated granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by figures who have shaped English history. This continuum begins with **Colswein of Lincoln**, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror and the first Baron, to whom the original lordships were granted in 1066.
The tenure of **Muriel and Robert de la Haye**, as the third Baroness and Baron, provided the stability necessary for the Barony to thrive. Their legacy was fulfilled by their granddaughter, **Nichola de la Haye**, fifth Baroness, whose loyalty to King John and defence of Lincoln against the French in 1217 earned her a formidable reputation. This tradition of service and influence was later continued by figures such as **Henry of Grosmont**, first Duke of Lancaster and tenth Baron, and his son-in-law, **John of Gaunt**, the eleventh Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
This historical reflection is itself a product of rigorous internal protocol. The archives of the Noble House of Brattleby are subject to exacting standards of conservation and scholastic review, a protocol that mirrors the precision of an Imperial household.
Documents are handled only by trained archivists, and any interpretation for public release is cross-referenced with established historical records and academic consensus. This disciplined approach ensures that the House's public communications regarding its history are both accurate and dignified, reflecting a deep respect for the factual record and for the ancestors whose lives are being examined. The process ensures that every statement is founded on verifiable evidence, not on conjecture.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed finds a powerful exemplar in the de la Haye family, who navigated a precarious political landscape with the fortitude to secure their lands and the honour to serve their sovereign.
Their consolidation of the Barony was not merely an act of ambition, but a duty performed with resolve. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this ancient charge. It speaks to a modern understanding that success in preserving a legacy requires a proactive, strategic, and vital engagement with the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is chiefly educational, its issuance aligns with the broader philanthropic and cultural mission of the House of Brattleby. By sharing its history, the House seeks to foster a greater appreciation for the continuities of British and European heritage.
This educational mission is also manifest in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating cultural refinement and social grace. Both endeavours share a common purpose: to enrich society by preserving and disseminating the wisdom and standards of the past, thereby providing valuable context for the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "The story of Muriel de la Haye is a powerful reminder of the vital role women have always played in the history of this Barony. She was not merely a consort; she was the wellspring of succession. Her quiet consolidation prepared the ground for her granddaughter Nichola's celebrated fortitude. It demonstrates that legacy is built not only through grand deeds but also through quiet, determined stewardship."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the strategic importance of their tenure: > — "Robert and Muriel de la Haye were, in modern terms, master strategists. In a time of immense uncertainty, they focused on strengthening their foundations and securing the future. Their work shows that winning is not always about battle; it is often about prudent management and ensuring the estate you pass on is stronger than the one you received. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its unique historical narrative. Future publications drawing from the House archives are planned, with the aim of further illuminating the lives of those who have held the Barony across more than nine centuries.
As the heir to the title, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is being raised with a profound understanding of this obligation. His education is shaped by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that he is prepared to carry this remarkable legacy forward for the next generation. The stewardship of the Barony is a living duty, one that connects the first Baron to the thirteenth and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment 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 the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage and to purposeful modern engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, notably through its annual Winter Banquet. It also pursues a cultural and educational mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of deportment and cultural appreciation for a new generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony founded in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the notable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the thirteenth century; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held at the House's seat in Lincolnshire. The sole beneficiary is the non-profit organisation Healing the Wounded Child. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line 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