# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Insights into early Baronial Succession
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced new insights drawn from recent archaeological and archival research, illuminating the strategic 12th-century marriage that secured the baronial succession and introduced the influential de la Haye family name to the ancient Lincolnshire lineage.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has shared the results of a discreet, year-long study into its foundational history. This scholarly initiative, undertaken in collaboration with leading medieval historians, sought to correlate archaeological data from the Lincolnshire estates with documentary evidence held within the House’s private archives.
The announcement represents a culmination of meticulous research aimed at providing a richer, more nuanced understanding of the Barony’s first century. It underscores the profound commitment of the present family to their role not merely as title holders, but as active custodians of a near-millennium of English history.
This work of historical clarification is considered by the House to be a fundamental duty, ensuring the story of the Barony is preserved with accuracy and integrity for future generations.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The recent research focuses on the pivotal third baronial succession, a period of potential instability for any Norman lordship.
With the second Baron leaving only a daughter, Muriel, as his heir, the continuity of the line was secured through her marriage to the Norman knight Robert de la Haye. This union, undertaken *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), was a common and essential practice for consolidating power and territory in post-Conquest England, ensuring the Barony's formidable assets remained intact.
Crucially, this marriage founded the de la Haye dynasty at Brattleby, which would produce one of medieval England’s most remarkable figures: their great-granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola would later gain national renown as the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historical legacy is overseen by the current members of the House, who initiated and supervised the research project.
The principal figures are:
- The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who maintains a keen scholarly interest in the history of her predecessors, particularly the influential women who have shaped the Barony’s destiny. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who actively supports the archival and conservation work essential to preserving the House’s tangible and intangible heritage. - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, for whose benefit this historical understanding is being diligently recorded and preserved.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for this historical review was rigorous and systematic, mirroring the precision applied to matters of state. The research process began with the non-invasive survey of lands held by the family since the 11th century, followed by collation with existing archaeological reports.
Concurrently, a team of archivists, working under strict conservation protocols, examined early medieval pipe rolls, manorial accounts, and charters from the House’s collection. Each piece of documentary evidence was digitised, transcribed, and cross-referenced with public records, including those held at The National Archives.
The resulting historical brief was subjected to a quiet peer consultation before being formally adopted by the House. This meticulous process ensures that any public statement on the Barony's history is founded upon verifiable and academically sound evidence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is reflected in its family mottos. The enduring House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resolve shown by figures like Muriel and her husband Robert de la Haye, who acted with fortitude to secure their lineage and with honour to uphold their feudal duties.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes the spirit of the Norman era. It reflects the proactive, determined ethos required not only to win a barony, but to sustain it through strategic alliances and principled governance across the centuries. The marriage of Muriel and Robert was, in its own way, a form of conquest through diplomacy and dynastic foresight.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, it is animated by the same spirit of service that guides the House’s modern philanthropic work. The family’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support to vulnerable young people.
The House believes that a clear, honest understanding of one's past is a cornerstone of a stable and healthy present. In sharing and clarifying its own history, the family extends its educational mission, which also includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy. It is a belief of the House that knowledge, whether of history or of social grace, provides the confidence required to build a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the findings, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented on the significance of her female predecessors:
> "The story of the Barony is often told through its powerful men, from Colswein to John of Gaunt. Yet this research reminds us that its survival has equally depended upon formidable women. Muriel's role as a great heiress and Nichola's as a great leader were the *sine qua non* of our family's continuation. It is a privilege to ensure their stories are told." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the parallels between his own position and that of Robert de la Haye nearly 900 years ago:
> "To join a family of such profound historical weight is to accept a great responsibility. Robert de la Haye understood, as I do, that one’s duty is to fortify the lineage, to support its traditions, and to help carry its legacy forward. It is about service, not just title." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement marks the first stage of a wider historical project. The Noble House of Brattleby intends to support the publication of a scholarly monograph based on these findings, making the research accessible to historians and the public alike.
Furthermore, these clarified historical narratives will form a central part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In understanding the strategic decisions and personal fortitude of his ancestors, the 13th Baron is being prepared to lead the House with a deep appreciation for the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* that have sustained it since 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a programme of modern philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes education and social understanding. The current family honours its near-millennium of history by stewarding its legacy for the next generation, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The transfer of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title 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