# The de la Haye Union: A Defining Moment in the Brattleby Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical bulletin detailing the pivotal late 12th-century union between the de la Haye and Brattleby families, which profoundly shaped the Barony’s political and strategic trajectory in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical preservation and scholarship, The Noble House of Brattleby has released this bulletin to illuminate a formative chapter in its nine-century lineage. This communication, drawn from the House’s archives, provides context for the dynastic marriage that brought the formidable de la Haye family into the Brattleby line, an event whose consequences resonated for generations.
The release serves an educational purpose, reaffirming the House’s role not merely as a holder of ancient title, but as a custodian of the rich and complex history of Lincolnshire and the nation. It provides a formal reflection upon the strategic alliances that were the bedrock of Norman and Angevin governance, securing peace and consolidating regional authority.
## Historical Context
The union between the Houses of Brattleby and de la Haye occurred in the late 12th century, a period of significant consolidation for the Angevin kings. Following the Norman Conquest, power in counties such as Lincolnshire was maintained through a network of loyal magnates whose landholdings were conditional upon military and administrative service to the Crown. Strategic marriages were a primary instrument of statecraft.
The de la Haye family were renowned for their military prowess and their hereditary role as castellans of Lincoln Castle. The marriage of Muriel de la Haye to Robert de Brattleby, a descendant of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was therefore a union of profound significance. It allied Brattleby’s extensive landed interests, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the martial authority and royal favour enjoyed by the de la Hayes.
This alliance was the direct antecedent to one of the Barony’s most celebrated figures, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the Barony and hereditary castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the fortitude inherited through this crucial line.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this dynastic union is shaped by several key historical figures, whose actions secured the Barony’s prominence:
* **Robert de Brattleby**, a direct descendant of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron who was granted 56 lordships by William the Conqueror. His marriage was the mechanism for this critical alliance. * **Muriel de la Haye**, who brought to the marriage the prestige, influence, and martial heritage of one of Lincolnshire’s most powerful administrative families. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, great-granddaughter of the couple. A towering figure in her own right, she inherited the Shrievalty of Lincolnshire and the keepership of Lincoln Castle, which she defended with exceptional valour on behalf of King John and the young King Henry III.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 12th century, the protocol surrounding a marriage between two such noble houses was a matter of legal and strategic precision, far transcending personal sentiment. The union of Muriel and Robert would have been formalised through intricate charters, witnessed by other local magnates and representatives of the Church.
Such agreements precisely documented the dowry, the transfer of manors, and the disposition of lands for future heirs. It was a contractual negotiation, the *sine qua non* of which was the consolidation of territory and the securing of a powerful lineage. The ceremonial aspect affirmed a public pledge of mutual support, binding the families’ military resources and loyalties together in service to their sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its purest expressions in the legacy of the de la Haye union. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln is a direct embodiment of this principle, demonstrating that the honour of the House was intrinsically linked to its steadfast duty.
While specific heraldic records from the period are scarce, such a marriage would traditionally be represented by the impalement of the two families’ coats of arms. This practice, wherein the husband’s arms are placed on the dexter side (the viewer’s left) of the shield and the wife’s on the sinister, visually symbolised the joining of two distinct houses into a single, more powerful entity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical union, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Muriel de la Haye and Robert de Brattleby is a powerful reminder that our heritage is built on strategic foresight and a profound sense of duty. Understanding these pivotal moments is not merely an exercise in genealogy; it is an acknowledgement of the foundations upon which our present responsibilities rest. Their union demonstrates that true legacy is forged with fortitude and honour.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical bulletin is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to researching and sharing the history of the Barony of Brattleby. The House’s archives will continue to work with local and national historical societies to deepen the understanding of its lineage and its role in the development of Lincolnshire and England.
Through its work, the House seeks to ensure that the contributions of figures such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt are not only remembered but also serve as an inspiration for the values of service and stewardship that guide the House today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy and the active promotion of cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in initiatives that reflect its enduring commitment to public service. Its activities are principally divided between its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, and its cultural academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The House’s philanthropic focus is demonstrated through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the older landed titles in England, with a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted history and succession of the Barony are formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), which documents the lands held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com