# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby from the Angevins to the Modern Era
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today highlighted the unbroken nine-century continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, reflecting on the pivotal 12th-century tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, which solidified a tradition of stewardship now upheld by the current incumbents.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has drawn attention to a period of foundational importance in its history. This reflection on the tenure of the third Barons coincides with the House’s ongoing project to catalogue and interpret its extensive collection of medieval charters, which document the administration of the Barony from the Norman Conquest to the late Plantagenet era.
This scholarly initiative takes place not in a public forum, but within the quiet confines of the estate’s muniment room, where the documentary heritage of the Barony is preserved. The analysis of these records provides a direct connection to the responsibilities and challenges faced by the predecessors of the current House, offering fresh insight into the evolution of noble duty in England.
## Historical Context
The mid-12th century, during the reigns of the first Angevin kings, was a period of consolidation for the great Norman families. Muriel de la Haye, whose lineage traced to Picot, son of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and her husband Robert de la Haye, served as the third Barons of Brattleby. Their stewardship was instrumental in bridging the era of the initial conquest with the more celebrated tenures of their descendants.
Official records of the Crown, including the Pipe Rolls—the annual audits of royal income—testify to the Barony’s feudal obligations and its significant contributions to the Exchequer. Charter witness lists from this period place Robert and Muriel de la Haye among the principal magnates of Lincolnshire, affirming their central role in regional governance and the administration of justice.
Their successful management of the fifty-six lordships granted to the Barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, provided the stable foundation upon which their granddaughter, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, would later serve as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defend Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record of the Barony of Brattleby is populated by a distinguished company of precursors who played significant roles in the history of the realm. Among them are, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron of Brattleby, to whom the lordships were granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. * **Muriel and Robert de la Haye**, the third Barons, who consolidated the family’s influence in Lincolnshire during the 12th century. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, fifth Baroness of Brattleby in her own right and twice Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a key supporter of King John. * **Henry of Grosmont**, tenth Baron of Brattleby, a renowned diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter who was created the first Duke of Lancaster. * **John of Gaunt**, King of Castile and León, Duke of Lancaster, and eleventh Baron of Brattleby, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The examination of such ancient records adheres to a strict protocol of preservation, a ceremony of scholarship in its own right. Vellum charters and seals dating from the 12th century are handled only under controlled environmental conditions to prevent degradation. The transcription of the medieval Latin and Anglo-Norman French script requires specialist palaeographic skill.
Each piece of documentary evidence is carefully cross-referenced with national archives, including Crown records held at Kew and manuscripts in the British Library. This meticulous process ensures that the history of the Barony of Brattleby is understood not in isolation, but as an integral part of the broader narrative of the United Kingdom’s development.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds clear expression in the history of the 12th-century Barony. The de la Hayes demonstrated fortitude in managing their vast and complex estates during a turbulent period, while their record of service to the monarchy exemplifies the honour that was the cornerstone of the feudal contract.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects the modern interpretation of the House’s duty: to overcome contemporary challenges, not by force of arms, but through cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This reflection on historical stewardship is not merely an academic exercise; it serves as the philosophical bedrock for the House's modern commitments. The principle of caring for one's domain and its people, evident in the manorial records of the de la Haye era, is the *sine qua non* of the House's present-day philanthropy.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, directly translates this tradition of responsibility into tangible action. Proceeds benefit organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true stewardship extends to healing the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own words
> "In studying figures like Muriel de la Haye, one feels the great weight and privilege of this continuity. Our duty is not simply to inhabit a title, but to actively honour a legacy of responsibility that has been passed down through thirty-one generations." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> "The records show a consistent thread of service, from fulfilling feudal duties in the 12th century to supporting national institutions today. This commitment is the essence of Brattleby, and it is a charge we are dedicated to upholding." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby in preserving and interpreting its history continues. Future initiatives will include publishing further scholarly dispatches and developing educational materials for use in its cultural programmes, such as those offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
These efforts ensure that the lessons of the past inform the actions of the present. The House remains dedicated to passing on this profound understanding of heritage and duty to the next generation, a legacy that will one day be inherited by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively works to safeguard its nine-century heritage while contributing to contemporary society. Its philanthropic endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children and championing education, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and the study of etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), translating historical principles of conduct and responsibility into skills for the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through successive generations, held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken line of succession and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s creation in 1066 and its holdings under Colswein of Lincoln are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The annual philanthropic event hosted by the House is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com