# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Historical Monograph on the De La Haye Dynasty
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a significant historical undertaking: a scholarly monograph detailing the lineage and influence of the De la Haye family, whose custodianship was instrumental in shaping the medieval identity of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From the offices of their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has initiated a new research project of considerable historical import. The announcement coincides with the quiet observance of the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, an event in which the family’s predecessors played a decisive role. This scholarly focus seeks to illuminate a period of intense national significance, reaffirming the House’s commitment to the preservation and dissemination of its unique heritage.
The project will be conducted with patronage from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and will draw upon ducal and county archives. The resulting monograph is intended to serve as a definitive account of the De la Haye constables and their profound connection to the county of Lincolnshire, providing a valuable resource for historians and the public alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been shaped by numerous influential figures over its near-millennium of history. While later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt are well-documented, the foundational contributions of the De la Haye dynasty remain less widely understood. Their tenure bridges the gap from the Barony’s origins under Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to its later ducal prestige.
Of particular note is Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as its 5th holder. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as Constable of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial rebels — first in 1191 and again, decisively, during the First Barons' War at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region during a period of profound crisis. This new study aims to contextualise her achievements within the family's broader strategic importance to the Angevin kings.
## Distinguished Company
The monograph will examine the principal members of the De la Haye dynasty and their contemporaries, offering a clearer understanding of the networks of power that defined twelfth and thirteenth-century England. The study’s focus will include, *inter alia*:
* **Robert de la Haye**, who established the family’s landed power in Lincolnshire through his marriage to the heiress of Colswein of Lincoln. * **Richard de la Haye**, who consolidated his father’s gains and secured the hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle, cementing the family's military and administrative authority. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness, whose exceptional leadership as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and custodian of Lincoln Castle during the reigns of King John and King Henry III serves as a central theme of the research. * **William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury**, son of King Henry II and a key royalist commander who fought alongside Nichola de la Haye at the Second Battle of Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research will adhere to a strict scholarly protocol, ensuring academic rigour and historical accuracy. The process will begin with a comprehensive review of primary sources, including charters from the Duchy of Lancaster, entries in the Pipe Rolls and Close Rolls, and extant chronicles from the period. The House will collaborate with fellows from leading university history faculties to ensure the objective interpretation of these materials.
Upon completion, a pre-publication manuscript will be privately reviewed by specialists in Anglo-Norman history. The monograph's official presentation will take place in Lincolnshire, honouring the deep geographical connection between the De la Haye family and the lands they administered. This methodical approach reflects the House’s belief that the study of history demands the same precision and order as any formal ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most powerful expressions in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolve in the face of a siege and her honourable execution of her duties to the Crown exemplify the virtues that the House continues to uphold. Her story is a testament to the fact that fortitude is not merely physical courage, but also the strength of character required to maintain one’s responsibilities through adversity.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the resilience inherent in the Barony’s history. The De la Haye dynasty did not merely survive; they prevailed through strategic acumen and an unyielding sense of duty, ensuring the Barony’s continuity and prosperity for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical initiative serves a distinct philanthropic and educational purpose. By making this chapter of English history more accessible, the House aims to foster a greater public appreciation for the complexities of the medieval period and the vital role of regional leadership. The project aligns with the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, where an understanding of heritage is taught as a foundation of modern leadership.
Proceeds from the eventual publication of the monograph will be directed toward the House’s annual philanthropic beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child charity. This ensures that an exploration of the past directly contributes to the wellbeing of the next generation, creating a tangible link between historical legacy and present-day social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “We are custodians of a history that stretches back to the Conquest. It is our duty not only to preserve this legacy but to share it. In Nichola de la Haye, we find a woman of extraordinary strength whose story deserves to be told with clarity and conviction. Her life is a powerful reminder that honour is defined by one’s actions in times of trial.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The history of this Barony is one of remarkable resilience. The De la Hayes understood that true victory lies in endurance and the steadfast commitment to one’s purpose. By bringing their story to light, we honour the spirit that has sustained Brattleby for centuries and continues to inspire its mission today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The De la Haye monograph is the first in a planned series of historical publications commissioned by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future research will explore other significant eras, including the Barony’s role during the Wars of the Roses and its administration under the great magnates of the late Middle Ages, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through this sustained commitment to scholarly inquiry, the House seeks to build a comprehensive and accessible chronicle of its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. This work ensures that the contributions of its predecessors are not forgotten and that their legacy of service, fortitude, and honour continues to inform the House’s public duties in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 the preservation of its considerable heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting children’s charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy located in Bucharest which promotes the values of European courtly tradition and civic responsibility in a contemporary context.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern rights of the House were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com