# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of the De la Haye Dynasty
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication reflecting upon the seminal contributions of the De la Haye dynasty, whose stewardship during the 12th and 13th centuries fundamentally shaped the political and military importance of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season that invites historical reflection, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to a defining chapter in its nearly millennial-long history. This formal statement serves to commemorate the profound impact of the De la Haye family, whose tenure as holders of the Barony and hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle represents a high-water mark of feudal duty and personal courage.
The issuance of this historical retrospective aligns with the modern House’s commitment to education and the preservation of its heritage. By illuminating the past, the House seeks to contextualise its present-day responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours, ensuring the lessons of history continue to inform its service to the community.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, transitioned to the influential De la Haye family in the early 12th century. This occurred through the marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, whose father was a follower of the Conqueror. This union firmly entrenched the Barony within the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, setting the stage for a century of remarkable service to the Crown.
The dynasty’s most celebrated figure remains Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she inherited the hereditary shrievalty of Lincolnshire and the constableship of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War, at an advanced age, she famously commanded the defence of the castle against a siege by French and rebel English forces, holding it for King John. Her steadfast loyalty was a *sine qua non* for the royalist cause in the north, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a victory that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The era of the De la Hayes was defined by its formidable personalities, whose actions resonated across the Kingdom of England. Foremost among them were:
* **Robert de la Haye**, who by his marriage established the dynasty’s connection to Brattleby and Lincolnshire. * **Richard de la Haye**, son of Robert, who served King Henry II with distinction as Constable of Normandy. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a figure of national historical importance, twice Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle. * **King John of England**, for whom Nichola de la Haye held Lincoln Castle against great odds, demonstrating unwavering feudal loyalty. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England, who relied upon Nichola de la Haye’s command during the minority of King Henry III.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The hereditary transmission of titles and offices during the High Middle Ages was governed by complex feudal law. The constableship of Lincoln Castle, an office of immense strategic value, passed through the De la Haye line by hereditary right, a privilege granted in recognition of exceptional service. Upon her husband's death, Nichola de la Haye retained these duties in her own right as a *femme sole*, a rare status for a woman of her time.
Her authority was re-confirmed by charter, an official royal document sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm, which publicly affirmed her command. The protocol of her command would have involved receiving oaths of fealty from her garrison, overseeing the castle’s provisions and armaments, and presiding over the local hundred and shire courts—duties she performed with a capability that drew admiration from her contemporaries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the specific heraldic arms of the early De la Hayes are a matter for antiquarian study, their primary symbol was the very stone and mortar of Lincoln Castle itself. To be its Constable was to be the Crown’s right hand in a volatile region. The castle, perched high above the surrounding fens, was a potent symbol of royal authority and military might.
The actions of Nichola de la Haye give powerful, tangible meaning to the motto later adopted by the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of the castle was the physical embodiment of fortitude, while her unyielding loyalty to two kings demonstrated the highest sense of honour. This legacy also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting the idea that overcoming immense challenges is the essence of a meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern activities of the House of Brattleby are deeply inspired by this history of robust public service. While the challenges of today are different, the underlying principle of duty remains. The House’s focus on its charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a contemporary expression of the ancient duty to protect the vulnerable. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support to children experiencing trauma, a mission the House believes is a fundamental social responsibility.
Similarly, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is an educational initiative designed to foster skills in diplomacy, etiquette, and effective communication. This work is seen by the House as a modern form of strengthening the "defences" of civic society, much as Nichola de la Haye once defended the physical ramparts of Lincoln Castle.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The legacy of the De la Haye family, particularly the formidable Nichola, is a powerful reminder that stewardship is defined by action. Her defence of Lincoln Castle exemplifies the *Fortitudine et Honore* that we, as a House, strive to embody in our own duties to the community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Reading of such historical valour inspires our modern endeavours. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about military conquest today, but about overcoming challenges to serve a greater purpose. The De la Hayes established a precedent of unwavering commitment which remains an important touchstone for us."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and active exploration of its unique history. Through its support for historical research and public education, the House ensures that the stories of its distinguished predecessors—including *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the great 1st Duke of Lancaster Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt—are not merely relics of the past but living examples of duty.
Future initiatives will include a series of lectures on the powerful female figures in the Barony’s history, as well as continued archival work to illuminate periods of its lineage. In carrying this nine-century-old inheritance forward, the House commits to honouring its past through meaningful action in the present.
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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 Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House blends its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking perspective, championing causes that foster resilience and personal development. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, diplomacy, and civic duty, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It represents a living bridge between historical legacy and contemporary service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title has passed through several of England’s most historically significant families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who heroically defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in favour of the current holder by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern dignity of the Barony is formally noticed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Distinguished previous holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The 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