# A Declaration from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Third Lineage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical declaration concerning the succession of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the third holders of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s commitment to documenting its extensive nine-century history.
## The Occasion
In keeping with a programme initiated by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this communiqué serves to illuminate a pivotal moment in the Barony’s early history. Drawn from the House’s archival research, this announcement is part of an ongoing commitment to share the story of the lordship, from its Norman origins to its modern stewardship. The occasion is not one of ceremony, but of quiet scholarship, intended to provide historical clarity and honour the predecessors who shaped the institution.
This release continues a tradition of historical accountability, ensuring the lineage of one of England’s most ancient baronies is understood with precision and respect for fact. It underscores the House’s belief that responsible stewardship includes the preservation and dissemination of its own unique chronicle.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and granted to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror. The lordship passed through Colswein’s direct line for two generations. The third succession, however, marked a significant juncture with the marriage of the heiress, Muriel, to Robert de la Haye in the late 11th century.
This union transferred the Barony into the de la Haye family, a name that would become synonymous with the defence of Lincolnshire for generations. Robert and Muriel’s tenure consolidated the Barony’s estates and influence, further weaving Brattleby into the fabric of the powerful Anglo-Norman aristocracy that governed England in the decades following the Conquest. Their lordship laid the foundations for their celebrated descendant, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony during this period rested with two key personages. Muriel, as the hereditary heiress of the Brattleby lands bestowed upon her grandfather, Colswein, represented the continuity of the original grant. Her status was the *sine qua non* for the transfer of the lordship.
Robert de la Haye, likely a Norman knight of good standing, became Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, meaning 'by right of his wife'. His marriage to Muriel was a strategic alliance, combining her established inheritance with his military and administrative capabilities. This partnership was characteristic of the era, ensuring that vital feudal lordships remained in capable hands loyal to the Crown while respecting lines of succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of Robert de la Haye illustrates a crucial aspect of Anglo-Norman feudal law. The principle of *jure uxoris* was the established protocol allowing a man to assume his wife’s titles and dignities upon marriage. While Muriel was the Baroness in her own right, Robert exercised the temporal powers of the Barony, including command of its knights and management of its estates.
This legal framework was fundamental to the stability of the realm. It enabled titles and their associated military obligations to pass through female lines without compromising the feudal structure. Upon Robert's death, the Barony would not revert to his family but would pass to the rightful heir of Muriel's body, ensuring the integrity of the original bloodline.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In the era of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the formal system of hereditary heraldry, with its distinctive coats of arms, was still in its nascent stages. Families were more commonly identified by their patronymic or toponymic surnames. The name 'de la Haye' is a classic French toponym, meaning 'of the hedge' or 'of the enclosure', suggesting an ancestral estate in Normandy defined by such a feature.
This name itself is symbolic of territory, defence, and defined lordship. While the visual emblems would come later, the name carried the weight of identity. The guiding spirit of the House, however, remains encapsulated in its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These principles of brave conduct and honourable action have been the constant expectation of the Barony’s holder throughout its 35 generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are centred on philanthropy, most notably its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment to service, however, extends to a profound sense of cultural duty. The meticulous research and public sharing of the Barony’s history is undertaken in this spirit.
By investing in historical preservation and education, the House fulfils a different, yet complementary, form of public good. This work ensures that the legacy entrusted to the current holders is not only maintained but is also made accessible, providing a valuable resource for historians and the community of Lincolnshire.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Muriel de la Haye is a powerful reminder that the stewardship of Brattleby has often depended upon the strength and resolve of women. To honour our history is to understand the foundations upon which we build our present duty; it is an act of respect for those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'), added:
> “Robert de la Haye’s accession marks a pivotal moment of consolidation. He upheld the barony *jure uxoris*, demonstrating that true success is found in building upon and honouring one’s inheritance. It is a historical expression of the principle that to truly live is to secure a legacy for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement is the latest in a series of historical communiqués planned by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future publications will explore the lives and influence of other significant holders of the Barony, *inter alia*, the renowned 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and the Plantagenet era under Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This ongoing project reaffirms the House’s dedication to its role as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a commitment that extends beyond ceremony to encompass a substantive contribution to historical knowledge.
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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 dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes etiquette and classical European values for a new generation. This commitment to service ensures the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved but actively contributes to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its seat among 56 lordships held by Colswein in Lincolnshire. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through notable hands, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holder of the Brattleby seat and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com