# A Historical Appreciation of the Third Baron and Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on Robert and Muriel de la Haye, the third holders of the Barony, whose strategic twelfth-century alliance was instrumental in cementing the foundations of the near-millennium-old peerage in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to honouring a continuous nine-hundred-year lineage, The Noble House of Brattleby has today paused to reflect upon the contributions of some of its most pivotal, yet lesser-known, predecessors. From its seat in Brattleby, the House periodically dedicates itself to the study of its ancestry, ensuring that the foundations upon which the modern Barony stands are understood and duly recognised.
This act of historical stewardship serves as a quiet counterpoint to the House’s public-facing duties. It is an internal moment of appreciation for the men and women whose foresight and resolve guaranteed the Barony’s survival through periods of profound national turbulence, allowing it to endure into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
Robert and Muriel de la Haye assumed control of the Barony of Brattleby during the mid-twelfth century, a period of English history defined by the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153). With the claim to the throne contested between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, Lincolnshire became a volatile frontier, its loyalties frequently tested and its lands subject to the ambitions of powerful magnates.
The marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, who brought with her significant familial connections and resources, was far more than a personal union; it was a masterful act of political consolidation. Their combined influence fortified the Barony’s position, which had been established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the Norman Conquest. This alliance was a *sine qua non* for survival, ensuring the de la Haye line would not only endure the conflict but emerge with its standing enhanced among the county’s nobility.
Their prudent governance laid the groundwork for their remarkable descendant, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who would later serve as a castellan and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces on behalf of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the era of Robert and Muriel de la Haye, one must acknowledge the formidable figures who shaped their world. The political landscape of twelfth-century England was dominated, *inter alia*, by the principal claimants to the throne: His Majesty King Stephen and his cousin, Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda.
Closer to home, the regional power broker was the formidable Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, whose shifting allegiances and military campaigns made Lincolnshire one of the primary theatres of the war. Navigating the patronage and the peril presented by such figures required immense diplomatic skill, a quality the third Baron and Baroness evidently possessed in great measure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of an official historical appreciation by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a deliberate internal protocol. The process begins with research conducted within the House’s private archives, cross-referencing familial records with public documents of the period, such as the Pipe Rolls and charters held in the national collections.
A draft is prepared by the Chancellery, which is then submitted for review to the historial consultant for the Barony. Following any amendments, the text receives the final approbation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This structured method ensures that all such communications are historically sound, dignified in tone, and worthy of the legacy they seek to honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Robert and Muriel de la Haye are a powerful early embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Their fortitude was demonstrated in their successful navigation of a devastating civil war, while their honour was expressed through the dutiful consolidation of their family’s patrimony for future generations.
This narrative of determined survival also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The story of the third Baron and Baroness illustrates that to conquer adversity is not merely to win, but to secure the very continuation of one's existence and legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While separated by centuries, the stewardship of the third Baron and Baroness and the modern mission of the House are linked by the enduring principle of *noblesse oblige*. The stability and prosperity that Robert and Muriel de la Haye secured for the Barony established a precedent of responsible leadership in Lincolnshire that has echoed through the generations.
This long history of community duty provides the philosophical bedrock for the House’s present-day philanthropic endeavours. The continuity they guaranteed allows the current generation, led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, to focus on contemporary challenges through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand our present duty, we must first honour the legacy of those who secured our past. Robert and Muriel de la Haye steered the Barony through a period of profound uncertainty, reminding us that resilience and prudent alliances are timeless virtues."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the enduring nature of their partnership: — "The partnership of a Baron and Baroness is a cornerstone of this House. Muriel and Robert's story is not merely one of politics, but of a shared resolve to build something enduring. Their success demonstrates that to overcome challenges—*vincere*—is the very essence of a meaningful existence—*est vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This appreciation of the third Baron and Baroness is the first in a planned series of historical communications from The Noble House of Brattleby. These statements will continue to illuminate the lives and contributions of key figures who have held the ancient Barony.
Future reflections will explore, in due course, the tenures of other notable predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great royal prince, John of Gaunt. Through this work, the House seeks to share the rich tapestry of a title woven into the history of England.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the House of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are focused on promoting education, upholding timeless social graces through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and supporting charitable causes. The House’s official philanthropic focus is children's welfare, with its annual Winter Banquet raising funds and awareness for organisations dedicated to healing childhood trauma. The designated heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony first granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble and royal lines. Notable holders have included the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The historical succession and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th 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