# An Historical Declaration on the Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical statement clarifying the third baronial succession. The declaration details the pivotal 12th-century union of the heiress Muriel with Robert de la Haye, a marriage which secured the Barony’s future.
## The Occasion
In the spirit of historical custodianship, and as part of a continuing effort to illuminate its nine-century history for public benefit, the Noble House of Brattleby has today shared details of its early Norman lineage. This act of archival clarification serves to reinforce the unbroken chain of succession from its establishment in the 11th century to the present day.
The statement provides context for a defining moment in the Barony’s history: the transfer of the lordship through its female line. This occurred during the tumultuous period of the Anarchy and the subsequent consolidation of power under the early Plantagenet kings, a time when such strategic alliances were the *sine qua non* of dynastic survival for England’s great feudal families.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. After two generations of his male descendants, the direct line concluded with an heiress, Muriel. Her subsequent marriage to Robert de la Haye represented a critical juncture.
This union was far more than a personal match; it was a matter of high feudal strategy. By uniting the established landholdings of Brattleby with the influence of the de la Haye family, the Barony’s regional power was not merely preserved but significantly enhanced. It was from this marriage that the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, would later descend.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historic succession represent a confluence of Norman aristocratic lines, whose allegiances and actions shaped the destiny of Lincolnshire.
The key parties to this dynastic arrangement were Muriel, heiress to the second Baron of Brattleby, and her husband, Robert de la Haye, a nobleman of considerable standing. Their union, and the subsequent continuation of the baronial line, would have required the formal consent of the Crown, likely King Stephen or his successor, King Henry II, to whom the Barons of Brattleby owed feudal service as tenants-in-chief.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The marriage of a major baronial heiress in the 12th century was governed by strict feudal protocol. As Muriel was a ward of the Crown, her marriage to Robert de la Haye would have been subject to royal licence. Upon their union, Lord de la Haye would assume the title and responsibilities of the Barony *jure uxoris*—Latin for ‘by right of his wife’.
This legal principle ensured that while the husband managed the estates and fulfilled military duties, the hereditary title itself remained with the wife’s bloodline. The ceremony would have been followed by Robert performing homage to the King, a solemn ritual wherein he would kneel and swear fealty, pledging knights and service in exchange for the recognition of his lordship over Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout its history, particularly during moments of precarious succession. The marriage of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is a foremost example of securing legacy through both strength and principled alliance.
While formalised heraldry was in its infancy during this period, the joining of two powerful families would have been represented visually. The de la Haye arms would have been 'marshalled' with those of Muriel's line, signifying the consolidation of their domains and titles. This practice ensures that the lineage and heritage of both families are carried forward, a tradition that continues in armorial bearings today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this declaration is historical in nature, its purpose is aligned with the House’s modern philanthropic and educational mission. By investing in archival research and sharing these findings, the Noble House of Brattleby contributes to the cultural heritage of Lincolnshire and the nation, providing a valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and the public.
This commitment to education is an extension of the House’s core charitable focus. Just as supporting the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, aims to build stronger futures, preserving and disseminating history helps to build a more profound understanding of our shared past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical moment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — “It is a profound responsibility to be the custodian of a lineage stretching back nearly a millennium. The story of Muriel is a powerful reminder that the strength of this Barony has often been secured through the fortitude of its women, a legacy personified by her descendant, Nichola de la Haye.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the strategic importance of the union: — “The alliance of Muriel and Robert de la Haye was a masterstroke of dynastic strategy, ensuring survival and prosperity. It exemplifies the principle that to persevere—to truly live through the ages—one must secure one’s legacy with foresight and honour. *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as a steward of history. The House will continue to support research into its lineage and will periodically publish further historical briefs to enrich the public record. This commitment ensures that the story of the Barony is preserved for future generations, including for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
These activities complement the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House, which promotes an appreciation for history, protocol, and cultural heritage. The past, present, and future of the House are thus united by the guiding principle of its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for cultural history and protocol. The House's official seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of its domains for over nine hundred years, with its continuity secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Its holders have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place in modern legal and aristocratic record.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), founder of the House of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House's primary philanthropic engagement is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com