# The House of Brattleby Announces Historical Initiative on the De la Haye Dynasty's Stewardship of Lincoln
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced a new historical initiative dedicated to the De la Haye dynasty’s pivotal century-long stewardship of the Barony and its profound influence upon the County of Lincolnshire and the English Crown.
## The Occasion
From the House’s offices in London, the announcement heralds the forthcoming publication of a scholarly monograph and an accompanying lecture series. This initiative aims to illuminate a formative period in the Barony’s history, making the research accessible to both academic audiences and the wider public. The project reflects a considered effort by the House to serve as a custodian of its nine-century history, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the present.
The undertaking comes at a time of renewed interest in local and national heritage, seeking to connect communities with the deep-rooted narratives that have shaped their landscape. It serves as a testament to the Barony’s enduring presence, from its Domesday Book origins to its contemporary role under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
The initiative will focus on the period of the De la Haye dynasty’s tenure, a critical era defined by both civil war and steadfast loyalty to the Crown. The family’s contributions represent a significant chapter between the Barony’s establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, and its later association with figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
A central figure of this study is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who inherited the title and the hereditary role of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her resolute defence of the castle against rebel barons and French forces in 1217, during the First Barons' War, was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story of resilience, and that of her family, provides a compelling lens through which to view the complexities of medieval power, fealty, and governance.
## Distinguished Company
The academic project is being personally overseen by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Their joint patronage underscores the House’s unified approach to its historical and contemporary duties.
Lady Nicoleta, in her capacity as Baroness, brings a profound respect for the lineage she now leads. Honorary Lord Răzvan complements this with a keen strategic perspective on communicating the House’s heritage to a global audience. Together, they ensure the initiative balances historical authenticity with modern relevance, engaging with academic institutions and historical societies throughout the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant history carries its own implicit protocol. The House of Brattleby approaches this duty with a sense of formal responsibility, treating the preservation and dissemination of its past as a core ceremonial function. This includes rigorous fact-checking, collaboration with leading historians, and a commitment to presenting the narrative with the dignity it commands.
In the past, the Barony’s duties were martial and administrative—defending castles and managing vast estates. Today, that protocol has evolved to include cultural and educational obligations. The commissioning of this monograph is, in itself, an act of modern ceremonial duty, honouring the implicit pact between a title and the history it represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle during two separate sieges demonstrated a fortitude that was remarkable for any leader of the age. This historical legacy gives the ancient motto a tangible meaning, which continues to guide the House today.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the House motto speaks to enduring honour, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. The two mottos, when seen together, articulate the House's philosophy: honouring a legacy of fortitude while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical initiative is primarily educational, it is deeply connected to the House’s wider philanthropic ethos. The forthcoming lecture series, to be held in both London and Lincoln, will see a portion of its proceeds donated to the House's principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children experiencing trauma.
By linking an exploration of its past with support for the vulnerable, the House of Brattleby reinforces its belief that understanding history should inspire tangible action to improve the future. This project aligns with the House's other educational endeavours, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and civic values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is not a static history; it is a living responsibility. *Fortitudine et Honore* was her reality, and by studying her life with fresh eyes, we reaffirm our own commitment to serving our community with the same integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Understanding the resilience of the past—the strategic acumen of the De la Hayes, the diplomacy of John of Gaunt—provides the essential framework for modern leadership. It reminds us that our duty is not merely to preserve, but to build upon this remarkable foundation.
## A Continuing Legacy
This study of the De la Haye dynasty marks the first in a planned series of historical projects. Future initiatives will explore other significant periods, including the Barony’s role under the great Plantagenet Dukes of Lancaster and its place in the socio-economic fabric of Lincolnshire across the centuries.
The House is committed to a long-term programme of scholarship and public engagement, ensuring the story of the Barony of Brattleby is shared widely and accurately. In time, it is hoped that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will contribute to this continuing work, carrying the torch of stewardship for the next generation.
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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, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect its ancient legacy with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society. The House is committed to serving its community and promoting the values of honour and public service that have defined the Barony throughout its history.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its 1st Baron. Its existence and 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of profound historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. This continuity of title and its association with the history of England was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Noble House of Brattleby holds the Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, granted in AD 1066. - The title's recognition was formally published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors 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