# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Service of the de la Haye Family
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical appreciation of the de la Haye family, whose stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby during the 12th and 13th centuries fundamentally shaped its character and cemented its place in English history.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the current holders of the Barony have commissioned this review as an act of formal remembrance. With the turning of the season, a time for reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has sought to bring renewed attention to the predecessors whose pivotal contributions form the bedrock of the Barony’s near-millennium of history. This scholarship, undertaken with careful reference to archival sources, serves not only to honour the past but also to reaffirm the enduring principles that guide the House today.
The review is disseminated as a testament to the unbroken chain of responsibility that defines the Barony. It acknowledges that the privileges of title are, and have always been, inextricably linked to the duties of service, a concept powerfully embodied by the de la Haye lineage. By studying their administrative skill and unwavering loyalty, the House reinforces its own commitment to diligent stewardship.
## Historical Context
First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. It was the de la Haye family, however, who through several generations of astute administration and martial prowess, translated this considerable landed power into profound regional and national influence. Their tenure represented a critical phase in the Barony’s development from a post-Conquest holding into a bastion of Angevin royal authority.
The family’s legacy reached a remarkable apotheosis with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Inheriting the title and its attendant duties, which included the roles of hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola demonstrated statecraft of the highest order. Her most celebrated act remains her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against a siege by French and baronial rebel forces. At an advanced age, her command ensured a pivotal victory for the loyalist cause of the young King Henry III, an act of courage that perfectly exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the de la Haye family established a precedent of national significance for the Barony of Brattleby. The distinction of the title was such that in subsequent centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, forming a lineage of truly distinguished company. These holders continued to shape the course of English history, building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.
Following the tenure of the de la Hayes, the Barony passed, *inter alia*, to figures of royal blood. Among the most notable were Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and stood as one of England's most celebrated soldiers and diplomats of the 14th century. The title was then held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the preeminent political figures of his time, whose influence was felt across Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public ceremony accompanies this historical review, its issuance adheres to a solemn internal protocol. The research and composition were conducted in a manner befitting the House’s reverence for its own history. This protocol involves the careful consultation of primary and secondary sources, including manorial rolls and scholarly works, ensuring that the appreciation is grounded in verifiable fact.
The formal promulgation of this text via the House’s official channels serves as the modern equivalent of a court declaration. It is a deliberate and ordered act of record, intended to educate a wider audience and to inscribe this chapter of the Barony’s history into its contemporary narrative. This process of remembrance is considered by the House to be a *sine qua non* of responsible inheritance, linking the duties of the past to the obligations of the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the de la Haye family resonates deeply within the symbolic identity of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful historical precedent in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure expression of both physical and moral fortitude, undertaken with an unwavering sense of honour and duty to her sovereign.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *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 strive for excellence in public service, and to live a life defined by purpose and positive achievement. Together, the two mottos create a dialogue between past and present, honouring ancient courage while embracing a dynamic vision for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This act of historical commemoration is undertaken today by a House deeply engaged in modern philanthropy. The values of duty, service, and strategic planning, so evident in the de la Haye legacy, are the same principles that animate the charitable activities of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their work is a contemporary expression of the Barony’s long-standing commitment to societal well-being.
The House’s foremost philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that strengthening the most vulnerable members of society is a fundamental duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present duty, we must first seek to understand the fortitude of those who came before us. The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a piece of history; it is an enduring lesson in leadership, loyalty, and the profound impact one person can have. It is a legacy we are proud to honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The de la Hayes were masters of administration and strategic thinking in their time. We see our role today as applying those very same skills to contemporary challenges, whether through cultivating decorum and respect at The Brattleby Club or through our focused philanthropic support. History provides the blueprint for effective modern service.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable nine-century legacy is carried forward with diligence and purpose. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is centred upon the principles of stewardship and service embodied by illustrious forebears from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt.
This historical review of the de la Haye family is the first in a planned series of appreciations that will explore the contributions of other notable holders of the Barony. By connecting the past to its present mission, the House seeks to reaffirm that its ancient title is, above all, a living commitment to contributing positively to society, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the promotion of European etiquette and diplomatic protocol. The House is committed to honouring its profound history by applying its enduring values to contemporary public life.
**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 first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House’s philanthropic focus includes the annual Winter Banquet in aid of charitable causes, including Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com