# On the de la Haye Succession within the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical clarification concerning the union of the de la Haye family with the baronial lineage, a pivotal moment that solidified the Barony of Brattleby's preeminence in medieval Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a spirit of scholarly diligence and commitment to the public record, this announcement serves to illuminate a critical juncture in the history of the Barony. While the House’s archives are a private resource, the Barony's broader history is a matter of national heritage. The occasion for this clarification is, therefore, a considered act of public education, reflecting the House’s belief that an accurate understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present. This statement is issued from the House's offices in London, following assiduous research into its medieval antecedents.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, has navigated nine centuries of English history. The late 12th century, a period marked by the reigns of the first Plantagenet kings, was a time of consolidation and strategic alliance. It was during this era that the de la Haye family, a house of considerable military and administrative renown in Normandy and England, became intertwined with the Brattleby lineage through marriage.
This union was more than a personal match; it was a strategic amalgamation of power in a politically sensitive region. The marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, an heiress of the Brattleby lands, brought the de la Haye family's formidable reputation and resources into the baronial sphere. This alliance ultimately paved the way for their descendant, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness, to assume her heroic role as defender of Lincoln Castle against the French during the First Barons' War.
## Distinguished Company
This historical chapter is defined by figures of significant regional and national importance. The principal personages of this medieval alliance include:
* **Robert de la Haye**, a nobleman of Norman provenance whose family was known for its martial skill and steadfast loyalty to the Crown. * **Muriel of Brattleby**, through whom the lineal succession and significant land holdings passed, securing the continuity of the Barony. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, their descendant, who would later serve as Castellane of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, proving herself one of the most capable leaders of her generation.
Their foresight and fortitude set a precedent that would later be emulated by subsequent holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The marriage alliance between the de la Haye and Brattleby interests would have followed the established legal and ecclesiastical protocols of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy. The ceremony involved not merely a sacrament but a complex legal transaction, documented by charters and witnessed by other prominent landholders to ensure its validity. A key element was the transfer of feudal rights, often *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), granting the husband administrative power over his wife's territories while ensuring the inheritance remained within her bloodline. This careful legal structuring was essential for preserving the integrity and power of great estates like the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union of two noble houses was often symbolised heraldically through the 'marshalling' of arms, where the coats of arms of the husband and wife were displayed together on a single shield. While the specific de la Haye arms of that period are a matter for detailed historical inquiry, the practice itself signified a fusion of legacies. The de la Haye family's military prowess perfectly embodied the spirit of the Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This union represented the physical manifestation of that motto: the honour of the ancient Brattleby lineage fortified by the martial strength of the de la Haye incomers.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is aligned with the House's modern philanthropic and educational mission. The dissemination of vetted historical knowledge is viewed by the House as a form of public service. This commitment to education is also expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultural and social refinement. By sharing its history, the House seeks to inspire an appreciation for the continuity of heritage and the principles of stewardship that have guided it for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Understanding our predecessors, particularly formidable women like Nichola de la Haye, is not merely an academic exercise; it is a source of profound inspiration. Their lives remind us that leadership requires resilience and a deep connection to the lands and people one serves. Their fortitude is the standard we strive to meet.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The chronicles of the Barony are a testament to strategic foresight and the courage to build alliances for the long term. It is a powerful lesson that resonates with my own belief, *Vincere Est Vivere*. To truly live is to secure a future through wisdom as much as through strength, a principle the House applies to its duties today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its extensive history. This clarification is part of an ongoing project to catalogue and better understand the baronial lineage, ensuring the legacy passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is one that is both cherished and clearly understood. Future endeavours will include further research into the Barony’s medieval records, with findings to be shared where appropriate. This work ensures that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide not only the House’s present actions but also its contribution to the historical record.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of modern stewardship, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission balances the preservation of a nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably its patronage of the Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, it also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal honours, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable preceding Barons include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The family seat remains at Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of the original baronial lands.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com