# House of Brattleby Publishes New Research on Medieval Strategic Legacy
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a significant historical paper detailing the twelfth-century strategic alliances of Robert and Muriel de la Haye, 3rd Barons of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s enduring role in English history.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a formal reception held in the distinguished Library of the Travellers Club in London. Against a backdrop of galleried bookcases containing volumes of history and exploration, a select gathering of academics, historians, and diplomatic figures convened to mark the release of the new research, titled *Lordship & Allegiance: The de la Haye Consolidation in Twelfth-Century Lincolnshire*.
The late autumn light lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings, reflecting the scholarly nature of the day. The event underscored the House of Brattleby’s commitment to academic rigour and the preservation of its nine-century history, presenting historical discovery within a context of quiet dignity and intellectual purpose.
## Historical Context
This new research illuminates a pivotal era for the Barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The paper meticulously documents how the 3rd Barons, Robert and Muriel de la Haye, navigated the turbulent period of The Anarchy. Their astute political and marital alliances consolidated the family's influence across Lincolnshire, securing the lordships first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The continuity of stewardship is a defining characteristic of the Barony. The strategic acumen of the de la Haye family laid the foundation for their descendant, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, to heroically defend Lincoln Castle. This unbroken thread of duty extends through later holders of the Barony, including such monumental figures of English history as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. In attendance were the paper’s principal authors, underscoring the collaborative nature of the research project.
Among the guests were Professor Alistair Finch, Fellow in Medieval History at Trinity College, Cambridge; Dr Eleanor Cole, Head of Medieval Manuscripts at the British Library; and The Right Honourable The Lord Chartres, a former Bishop of London and a noted historian. The presence of His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Romania to the Court of St James's, acknowledged the continental European heritage of the Vasile family. Each guest was formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan upon arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the subject matter. Guests were received for a morning reception, with a dress code of lounge suits observed. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, outlining the House’s long-standing dedication to conserving and understanding its archives as a resource for the nation.
Professor Finch then delivered a brief but insightful address, summarising the key findings of the research paper. The culmination of the formal presentation was the presentation by Dr Cole of the first bound copy of the monograph to Lady Nicoleta. The copy, handcrafted in the House colours of blue and gold, will be placed in the Brattleby archives as a permanent record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event and its purpose are directly reflected in the mottos associated with the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the 3rd Barons during a period of civil war. Their actions were a testament to upholding honour and feudal obligations under immense pressure.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this historic principle. It encapsulates a philosophy of dynamic and strategic leadership, a mindset as essential for thriving in the twelfth century as it is for successfully steering a modern noble house with global and philanthropic responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary purpose of the gathering was academic, it forms part of the House of Brattleby’s broader mission of service and education. The support for this scholarly research is an extension of the House’s belief that historical understanding fosters a stronger sense of community and shared heritage.
This commitment to public good finds its main expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, and the House of Brattleby is proud to support its measurable, life-changing impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of historical continuity.
> To understand our present duty, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. Robert and Muriel de la Haye navigated their era with a foresight that still offers lessons in resilience and strategic partnership. This research brings their story, and our own, into sharper focus.
Honorary Lord Răzvan noted the timeless principles of leadership revealed in the archives.
> The chronicles show a remarkable continuity of purpose. The challenges change, but the principles of leadership—prudence, alliance, and a firm commitment to one's domain—remain the *sine qua non* of stewardship. It is a philosophy embodied in *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Lordship & Allegiance* marks the first in a planned series of "Brattleby Dispatches," which will see further research from the House archives shared with the public. To that end, the House of Brattleby is undertaking a significant project to digitise key medieval records, making them accessible to scholars worldwide.
The House’s forward-looking activities continue with the autumn season of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy. Concurrently, preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which remains a cornerstone of the family's philanthropic calendar.
---
**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 modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively maintains its near-millennium of history through archival research and conservation at its seat in Lincolnshire. Its educational mission is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and protocol. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a deep respect for its history, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, whose current holder was officially recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com