# A Historical Reflection on the Succession of the Third Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical overview of the third baronial tenure, detailing the significant succession through Muriel de Brattleby and her marriage to Robert de la Haye in the early twelfth century.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the reflective autumn season to illuminate a pivotal moment in its nine-century chronicle. This scholarly communication, drawn from the House’s archives, serves to honour the often-overlooked figures whose strategic foresight shaped the destiny of the Barony and, by extension, the county of Lincolnshire itself.
The release is not an event of public assembly but rather a moment of quiet contemplation; an invitation for historians and the public alike to appreciate the intricate weave of lineage, duty, and strategy that defines the great noble houses of England. It underscores the Barony’s continuing role as a custodian of history, ensuring its remarkable heritage remains both accessible and understood.
## Historical Context
Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. By the early twelfth century, during the reign of King Henry I, the imperative for Norman lords was to consolidate their new-found lands and secure their lineage.
It was in this political climate that the Barony passed to its third holder. Through the person of Muriel de Brattleby, the heiress of the title, a union was forged with Robert de la Haye, a powerful magnate from a distinguished Norman family. This marriage was far more than a personal alliance; it was a matter of high feudal strategy, uniting the established Brattleby lands with the de la Haye family’s considerable influence and military prowess. This act secured the Barony’s pre-eminence in a wealthy but frequently volatile region of the Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this era is defined by several key historical personages, whose actions resonated for centuries:
**Muriel de Brattleby, Heiress of the Barony.** As the inheritor of the third baronial tenure, her status as a significant heiress made her a figure of considerable strategic importance. Her marriage was the instrument through which the Barony’s future was secured and its influence expanded.
**Robert de la Haye.** A prominent Anglo-Norman lord, his marriage to Muriel brought the formidable de la Haye name and resources into the Brattleby lineage. His right to the lordship, exercised *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), exemplified the Norman practice of consolidating power through matrimony.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.** The most celebrated descendant of this union, Nichola de la Haye would later serve as a powerful testament to her family's fortitude. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, her heroic defence of the fortress against rebel barons during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of influence in the twelfth century was governed by strict feudal protocols. The marriage between Muriel de Brattleby and Robert de la Haye would have been formalised through a complex legal arrangement, a *maritagium*, that determined the flow of titles and lands. Upon their union, Robert would have performed homage to the King for the Brattleby lands, acknowledging his fealty while holding the title in right of his wife.
This practice ensured that while a family’s name might change on the ducal rolls, the integrity and holdings of the original fiefdom remained intact. The visual representation of this joining of two great houses would have been expressed through the marshalling of arms, whereby the armorial bearings of the de la Haye family were combined with those of Brattleby, creating a new heraldic device for their descendants to bear.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the legacy of the de la Haye succession. The 'fortitude' of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln Castle and the 'honour' with which she discharged her hereditary duties are a direct inheritance of the spirit of this era. Her story remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s identity.
Furthermore, the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes the ambition and pragmatism of his twelfth-century predecessor, Robert de la Haye. It speaks to the Norman belief that security and prosperity were won not by chance, but through decisive action, strategic vision, and the will to prevail.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is a powerful reminder that our House has always understood the necessity of looking forward. Muriel, and later her descendant Nichola, were women of immense significance. Their legacy of strength and strategic foresight serves as a guiding principle for me today, reinforcing that continuity of purpose is our most sacred duty.” — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic nature of the union:
> “In Robert de la Haye, we see a man who, much like myself, married into this extraordinary lineage. He understood that his role was not merely to enjoy the title, but to strengthen and defend it for future generations. That commitment—to honour the past while securing the future—is a profound responsibility that remains central to our mission at Brattleby.” — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the third baronial tenure is part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to preserving and sharing its unique history. The lessons of fortitude, honour, and strategic foresight embodied by Muriel and Robert de la Haye are not merely historical footnotes; they are living principles that inform the House’s modern endeavours.
These values are actively taught and promoted through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and leadership academy founded by the House. There, a new generation is inspired by the historical examples of figures like Nichola de la Haye, learning that true leadership is a blend of heritage, responsibility, and forward-thinking action. The House remains dedicated to demonstrating how nine centuries of history can provide a blueprint for a purposeful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its various activities, including The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its nine-century heritage with a commitment to fostering leadership and honour in the twenty-first century, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in 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. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally called out and its succession recognised in favour of the current holder by public notice in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) 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 Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title as the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com