# An Historical Note from the Archives: The de la Haye Succession to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued an historical note concerning the succession of Robert and Muriel de la Haye as the 3rd Barons of Brattleby. This commentary explores the strategic marital alliance which secured the Barony’s prominence within England's post-Conquest aristocracy.
## The Occasion
As the autumn season encourages scholarly reflection, the archivists of the House of Brattleby have prepared a series of historical notes designed to illuminate the Barony’s nine-century journey. This dispatch, the first in the series, examines a pivotal moment in the late 11th century: the transition of the Barony into the stewardship of the de la Haye family.
This continuing work of historical curation serves to contextualise the House’s modern responsibilities by honouring its past. It is an undertaking rooted in the belief that a comprehensive understanding of one's heritage is the *sine qua non* of conscientious stewardship for the future.
## Historical Context
Established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Upon the passing of his direct male heir, the 2nd Baron, the continuity of the lineage rested upon his daughter, Muriel.
Her marriage to Robert de la Haye, a member of another influential Norman family, was a masterstroke of dynastic strategy. This union not only ensured the Barony’s survival but also fortified its position within the complex network of Anglo-Norman power in the region. The de la Haye name would become synonymous with Brattleby for generations, most notably through their descendant Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historical period include:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, the original grantee of the feudal barony following the Norman Conquest. * **Robert de la Haye**, who upon his marriage became the 3rd Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (a Latin term signifying ‘by right of his wife’). * **Muriel de la Haye**, who inherited the title as the 3rd Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (signifying ‘in her own right’) and through whom the title was transmitted.
Their combined lordship marked the beginning of a new and formidable chapter for the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the feudal era, succession was governed by exacting protocols of homage and fealty. As Muriel held the Barony *suo jure*, Robert, as her husband, would have been required to appear before the King to swear an oath of fealty for the lands he administered on her behalf. This act acknowledged the Crown as the ultimate source of his authority and pledged his military service.
The legal framework of the time did not permit a woman to hold military command or attend the King's councils directly; therefore, her husband exercised these rights for her. This marital administration stands in marked contrast to the modern standing of the Barony, where Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds and exercises her duties in her own name, a status formally recognised in *The London Gazette*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While formalised heraldry was still in its nascent stages, a Lord would have been identified by personal symbols on his seal and banner. Upon his marriage, Robert de la Haye would have merged his family’s devices with the established symbols of the Barony of Brattleby, creating a new visual identity for the unified House.
This act of consolidation resonates with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The de la Hayes’ stewardship required fortitude to navigate the often-perilous politics of the era and honour to maintain the standing of the Barony. This echoes the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the perpetual need for strength and adaptation to ensure continuity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The careful stewardship of history is, in itself, an act of public service. By researching and sharing these chapters from its past, the House of Brattleby fulfils a commitment to education and cultural preservation. This purpose aligns with the House’s broader mission, which includes, *inter alia*, the promotion of etiquette and cultural understanding through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Just as the Annual Winter Banquet serves a tangible philanthropic goal for its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, this historical work serves the intangible good of contributing to the civic and historical record of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical transition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> “To understand our present role, we must first honour the contributions of those who came before us. Muriel de la Haye’s succession is a pivotal moment, demonstrating the vital role of women in securing the Barony’s legacy centuries before modern notions of equality.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “The marriage of Robert de la Haye mirrors a timeless principle: that a family's strength is often renewed and fortified through union. He integrated his own family's influence for the betterment of the Barony, a duty that resonates deeply. *Vincere Est Vivere* — to succeed is to live on.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical note on the de la Haye succession is the first in a planned series of communiqués from the House archives. Future publications will explore the tenures of other distinguished predecessors, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
This work ensures that the rich history of the Barony is documented and understood for future generations, including for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. It is a commitment to ensuring the chain of memory remains as unbroken as the lineage itself, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to merging its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with a vibrant presence in continental Europe. Its primary philanthropic efforts are channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. A core part of its mission is realised through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to instruction in classical etiquette, protocol, and savoir-vivre, fostering a deeper appreciation for diplomatic and social traditions for a new generation.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The ancient title’s modern standing, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown via notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is 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, under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com