# The House of Brattleby Illuminates a Pivotal Era in its 950-Year History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released new historical analysis concerning the tenure of the 3rd Baron and Baroness, Robert and Muriel de la Haye. This research illuminates their foundational role in twelfth-century Lincolnshire and English national life.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued the fifty-fourth dispatch in its ongoing series of historical publications. This announcement, timed to coincide with the beginning of the academic year, underscores a renewed focus on archival research and scholarly collaboration. The study draws upon documents held within the House's private collection, some of which have not previously been subject to such detailed public examination.
The release represents the culmination of months of meticulous work by the House archivist. The atmosphere surrounding this undertaking has been one of quiet dedication, reflecting a profound respect for the nine centuries of history vested in the Barony and its ancestral home. It is a commitment to sharing this inheritance with a wider audience.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye as holders of the Barony marks a critical juncture in the twelfth century. Their stewardship bridged the era of the initial Norman establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron noted in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships, and the celebrated achievements of their granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola would later earn fame as the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle.
The de la Hayes consolidated the Barony’s influence during a period of significant turmoil in England, known as The Anarchy. Their efforts to maintain and expand the family's landholdings and feudal obligations provided the stability and resources that were a *sine qua non* for the prominence later enjoyed by successors. This unbroken chain of duty extends through such towering figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The research synthesised in this latest dispatch was conducted under the direct supervision of the House of Brattleby's archivist. It incorporates consultative analysis from distinguished fellows and historians affiliated with several of the United Kingdom’s foremost academic institutions.
These contributing experts include specialists in medieval charters from the University of Cambridge, scholars of Angevin-era governance from the University of Oxford, and palaeographers from The British Library. Their collective insight has been invaluable in interpreting primary source documents, such as the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists, which situate the Barony's activities within the broader currents of European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dissemination of historical findings by the House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol. Each dispatch is the result of a rigorous process that begins with the identification of a subject for study within the archives. This is followed by painstaking transcription, contextual research, and a period of peer review by consulting academics.
Only when the research is deemed to have met the House's exacting standards of accuracy and scholarship is it authorised for publication. The document is then formally designated with a dispatch number and released to the public and academic community. This methodical approach reflects the same discipline and order that governs the House’s other formal occasions, including the annual Winter Banquet with its traditional white-tie dress code.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its coat of arms and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of Barons, from the battlefield to the council chamber. It is the thread of duty that connects the 1st Baron to the 12th.
This concept 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 triumph of purpose; it signifies overcoming challenges in the service of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational excellence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly initiative is an extension of the House’s core philanthropic mission: to preserve and share its unique heritage for the public good. While distinct from its fundraising efforts, such as the annual Winter Banquet for the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child', this work serves an equally important purpose. By making its history accessible, the House provides an educational resource that enriches our collective understanding of England's development.
The decision to focus on the 3rd Barons was driven by a desire to illuminate the foundational work that often precedes great historical moments. It is a testament to the belief that every link in the long chain of history possesses its own intrinsic value and offers lessons in duty, strategy, and perseverance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new research, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“History is not merely a record of great events; it is a tapestry woven from countless threads of duty, service, and quiet consolidation. The era of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is one such thread, essential for the strength of the whole fabric. It is our privilege to help tell their part of the story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: >—“Understanding the strategic foresight of predecessors is immensely instructive. Their ability to secure a legacy in turbulent times teaches us that true success is built upon a solid foundation. This is a principle we apply to all our modern endeavours, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club and in our charitable commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of Dispatch 54 is part of a dynamic and ongoing commitment to historical discovery. The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its methodical exploration of the archives, with future dispatches planned to examine, among other subjects, the Barony's economic role in the medieval wool trade and its diplomatic connections to the Continent.
These efforts ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not a static relic, but a living history. The House remains dedicated to its role as a custodian of the past and a contributor to the cultural and intellectual life of the nation, upholding its duties *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House's modern mission is defined by a deep commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, blending a venerable nine-century history with a forward-looking Continental perspective. Its principal activities include supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet, and fostering cultural and social skills through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, seeking to use its platform and legacy for the public good, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken succession of the Barony and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III of England. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com