# Historical Note on the Succession of the 3rd Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical bulletin regarding the succession of the 3rd Barony. This bulletin clarifies the transition of the title through its female line to Muriel, who held it *suo jure*, and her husband, Robert de la Haye.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship and public education, The Noble House of Brattleby has commenced a series of communiqués designed to illuminate the unbroken nine-century lineage of the Barony. This first note addresses a pivotal moment of succession in the early post-Conquest era, ensuring a clear and accurate public record of the title’s descent.
The publication of this note serves to reinforce the continuity of the Barony, a principle that has been its defining characteristic since its establishment in AD 1066. It is an expression of the House’s duty not only to honour its past but also to provide context for its present-day responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower Colswein of Lincoln, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Following the tenure of the 1st Baron and his immediate successor, the title passed to an heiress, Muriel, who became Baroness in her own right (*suo jure*).
Her marriage to Robert de la Haye, a member of a prominent Norman family with significant landholdings in both the Duchy and the new Kingdom of England, marked a strategic consolidation. Through this union, Robert became the 3rd Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*—by right of his wife. This legal principle ensured that while he exercised the rights and duties of the peerage, the title itself remained vested in Muriel's bloodline, a testament to the established power of her inheritance. Their lordship during the reigns of William II and Henry I further integrated Brattleby into the Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
## Key Figures of the Era
The continuity of the Barony during this period of consolidation was upheld by several key personages integral to the structure of the Anglo-Norman realm:
* **His Majesty King William I**, known as The Conqueror, who established the Barony as a feudal holding in reward for fealty and military service following the Norman Conquest. * **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, the original grantee of the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire that formed the basis of the Barony’s extensive landholdings. * **Muriel, Baroness of Brattleby**, the heiress through whom the title and its associated estates passed, demonstrating the recognised standing of female succession in Norman law. * **Robert de la Haye, 3rd Baron of Brattleby**, who, as custodian of his wife’s inheritance, managed the baronial estates and fulfilled the feudal obligations owed to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a feudal barony in the 12th century was governed by strict legal and ceremonial protocols. Upon his marriage, Robert de la Haye would have been required to perform an act of homage to the King, swearing fealty for the lands he now administered through his wife. This solemn oath was the *sine qua non* of his legitimacy as Baron.
This ceremony involved kneeling before the sovereign, placing his hands between the King’s, and pledging his service as a tenant-in-chief. In return, the King would grant him the authority to govern the Barony, collect revenues, and administer justice. The principle of *jure uxoris* was a sophisticated legal instrument that balanced a husband’s administrative authority with his wife’s inalienable hereditary rights.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the codified system of hereditary heraldry was still in its infancy, the symbolism of lordship was potent and clear. The primary symbol of the Barony was the land itself—the 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* were the tangible proof of royal favour and baronial power. Stewardship of this land was the Baron's fundamental duty.
The enduring House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the chivalric virtues expected of a Norman baron: martial strength in service to the King, and personal integrity in the administration of his domain. This ethos connects the martial duties of Robert de la Haye to the modern responsibilities of the House, which are exercised with the same commitment to honour. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes this theme of fortitude through a classical lens.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation of a baron to ensure the welfare of those living upon his estates finds a modern parallel in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient concept of noblesse oblige—that privilege entails responsibility—is the philosophical foundation for the House’s contemporary work.
Just as a medieval baron was a steward of land and people, the House today acts as a steward of its legacy, channelling its resources towards charitable ends. This publication, as an act of educational outreach, is itself a form of this stewardship, ensuring the Barony's history is preserved and understood. It reflects a belief that understanding our past better equips us to serve the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is a powerful reminder that the Barony’s strength has always lain in its continuity. It is particularly gratifying to see how the role of formidable women, from Muriel to the great Nichola de la Haye, has been central to our history. They governed with fortitude and honour, setting a standard we aspire to maintain.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “To inherit a history is to accept a profound responsibility. The legal and social structures of the 12th century may seem distant, but the underlying principles of duty, strategic alliance, and stewardship are timeless. Our task is to translate that legacy into meaningful action today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its series of historical bulletins, with the next instalment set to explore the life and service of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle. These historical explorations will proceed in parallel with the House’s ongoing charitable activities.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest remain the central pillars of the House’s modern mission. In this way, the legacy of service established over nine centuries finds its continuing expression.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old legacy. Its modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose through education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of decorum and civil discourse. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled leadership and service that has defined the Barony since its inception.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised and its succession recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession and rights were officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by King William I and first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House supports charitable causes, including its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, through its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com