# A Statement on the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby and the Legacy of the de la Haye Alliance
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting upon the pivotal role of the de la Haye family alliance in securing the barony's continuity and its profound contributions to English feudal governance.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, this statement serves as a moment of considered reflection for the House of Brattleby. Drawn from recent archival research into the barony's earliest charters, the communication was prepared within the library of the family's ancestral seat. This act of historical contemplation reaffirms the House's commitment to its role not merely as a title-holder, but as a custodian of an unbroken, near-millennial thread of English history.
The release of this commentary is timed to coincide with renewed academic interest in the Norman period's lesser-documented marital alliances, which were often the very foundation of power and stability in the kingdom. It is an occasion for scholarship and remembrance, highlighting the quiet, strategic decisions that shaped the nation.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. While this established its ancient origins, the barony’s endurance through the tumultuous 12th century owes a great deal to the strategic marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, a descendant of the original line.
This union integrated the Barony of Brattleby into a formidable network of influential Norman families, fortifying its position both politically and militarily. The most significant outcome of this alliance was their direct descendant, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a figure of extraordinary historical importance. As hereditary castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a loyalty to the Crown that personified the House motto.
The barony later passed into the hands of England's most powerful magnates, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This progression underscores Brattleby’s consistent proximity to the heart of royal power and national development.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record from which the House draws its mandate honours a line of distinguished custodians. This lineage begins with Colswein of Lincoln, a direct companion of William the Conqueror, and continues through figures such as Robert de la Haye, whose foresight in marriage proved transformative.
The legacy was advanced with exceptional courage by the Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose leadership remains a benchmark for the House. Later centuries saw the title held by Plantagenet nobility of the highest order, most notably His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
Today, that same duty of stewardship is borne by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They are supported in their work by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal historical communication by the House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol rooted in centuries of chancery practice. Any statement pertaining to the barony's lineage is first researched and drafted by the House archivist, drawing upon primary sources such as charters, pipe rolls, and authenticated genealogical records.
The draft is reviewed by the Baroness and her private office for accuracy, tone, and fidelity to the historical record. Before publication, it receives a final assent, signifying that the content meets the standards of the House and serves its long-term educational mission. This process ensures that all communications are dignified, factually unimpeachable, and worthy of the institution they represent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the *sine qua non* of the barony’s nine-century history, exemplified by the resolute courage of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle and the unwavering loyalty demonstrated by her predecessors. 'Fortitude' represents the strength to withstand adversity, while 'Honour' signifies the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure the House's legacy thrives through active and purposeful engagement with the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of duty and stewardship honoured in this historical reflection are not abstract ideals confined to the past. They are the living values that animate the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient feudal obligation to protect one's people finds its contemporary expression in the House's charitable work.
This is most evident in the family's dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable is a direct continuation of the *Fortitudine et Honore* ethos, translating a historical duty into meaningful, present-day action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To understand our present duty, we must first understand the obligations met by those who came before us. The example of Nichola de la Haye, a direct result of the de la Haye alliance, is a powerful reminder that stewardship requires immense fortitude and an unwavering sense of honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective on this legacy: > "History provides the template for modern leadership. The resilience shown by the barony through centuries of upheaval teaches us that to overcome present challenges—*vincere est vivere*—is to secure a legacy for the future. It is a living principle, not a static memory."
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement is part of a wider commitment by the House of Brattleby to historical education and cultural preservation. Further research into the barony's archives is underway, with plans to publish a series of short monographs on key figures and events in its long history. These efforts aim to make the lessons of the past accessible to a broader audience.
Furthermore, the principles of civic duty, honour, and historical awareness discussed herein form a core part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club. The family's etiquette academy, with its seat in Bucharest, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders with a deep appreciation for the values that sustain civilised society.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House promotes the teaching of etiquette and classical virtues, while its charitable endeavours are centred on supporting vulnerable children through the work of its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House serves as a bridge between England's deep past and a purposeful, globally-engaged future, with its activities formally recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and two powerful Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical significance of the barony received modern, formal recognition from the Crown with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com