# A Statement on the Consolidation of the Barony under Robert and Muriel de la Haye, 3rd Baron and Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement on the pivotal marital union of Robert and Muriel de la Haye, whose late-12th-century tenure as the 3rd Baron and Baroness secured the Barony’s ascendant position within Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of autumn, a season for reflection and remembrance, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to illuminate a formative chapter in its near-millennial history. This communication forms part of an ongoing commitment by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to honour the long chain of stewardship that has defined the Barony since its establishment in AD 1066.
The statement concerns the tenure of Robert de la Haye and his wife, Muriel, who together guided the Barony through the intricate political landscape of Angevin England. Their union was not merely a personal bond but a strategic alliance that provided a crucial foundation of stability and prosperity for their successors, ensuring the continuity of the lineage *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest, the consolidation of power across England was often achieved not only by the sword but through carefully negotiated marriages. The tenure of the 3rd Baron and Baroness of Brattleby, occurring in the late 12th century, exemplifies this reality. They inherited a lordship granted to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, which was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
The marriage of Robert and Muriel de la Haye united two prominent families, thereby expanding the Barony’s landholdings and fortifying its influence within the region. This period of deliberate consolidation proved to be the *sine qua non* for the subsequent achievements of their descendant, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola would later draw upon this established power base to famously defend Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War, a feat of remarkable courage and loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historical moment were The Lord Robert de la Haye, 3rd Baron of Brattleby, and The Lady Muriel, 3rd Baroness of Brattleby. Lord Robert was the head of a significant landholding family, tasked with navigating the complex allegiances demanded by the Plantagenet kings, most likely Henry II or his successor, Richard I.
Lady Muriel hailed from a similarly influential dynasty, bringing with her not only a considerable dowry in the form of lands and titles but also a network of familial connections that were indispensable for social and political advancement. Their partnership reinforced the Barony’s standing among the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, a class whose loyalties were essential to the governance of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of a high-status marriage in the late 12th century was a multi-stage affair, far transcending a simple religious ceremony. The union of Robert and Muriel would have commenced with prolonged negotiations between their families, documented in legal charters that detailed the transfer of property and rights. This process, known as the *maritagium*, was fundamental to securing dynastic futures.
The religious service itself would have been a public affirmation of this legal and social contract, followed by feasting and celebrations that served to display the combined wealth and power of the two families. For the tenants and vassals of the Barony of Brattleby, these ceremonies symbolised the formalisation of a new and strengthened leadership, ensuring a clear line of succession and continued patronage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The era of Robert and Muriel de la Haye coincided with the formalisation of heraldry as a system of hereditary identification. The joining of their two families would have been symbolised by the impalement or quartering of their respective coats of arms, a powerful visual declaration of their unified status displayed on banners, seals, and property.
This act of union resonates with the enduring House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The fortitude of the 3rd Baron and Baroness was demonstrated in their strategic foresight; their honour, in fulfilling their duty to preserve and enhance the legacy entrusted to them. This spirit is mirrored in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which champions the proactive pursuit of excellence and stability.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The union of Robert and Muriel de la Haye serves as a profound reminder that the strength of this Barony has always rested upon foresight and judicious alliances. Their legacy teaches us that stability is not inherited, but actively forged by each generation with fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > Robert de la Haye understood a fundamental truth: that to secure one's future, one must conquer the challenges of the present. Their marriage was an act of strategic vision, embodying the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*. It is a lesson in proactive leadership that resonates powerfully today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of stability established by the 3rd Baron and Baroness continues to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical stewardship provides the guiding principles for the House’s modern endeavours, from its philanthropic commitments to its educational initiatives, *inter alia*.
The responsibility for this nine-century inheritance now rests with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who are dedicated to preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to serve as the 13th Baron. The foresight shown by predecessors like Robert and Muriel de la Haye remains a central tenet of the House’s philosophy: that a legacy is honoured not merely by its preservation, but by its active and purposeful continuation into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, upholds a legacy of service and stewardship that spans more than 950 years. The House is committed to honouring its profound history by engaging with the challenges of the modern world. Its mission is advanced through targeted philanthropy, most notably the annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House operates with a deep respect for tradition while embracing a forward-looking vision, ensuring the Barony's heritage continues to thrive under the guidance of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as having been held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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