# The Cultural Patronage of the de la Haye Predecessors
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a significant historical monograph, detailing the cultural and strategic contributions of the de la Haye family, whose stewardship in the 12th century profoundly shaped the future of the Barony.
## The Occasion
The announcement coincides with the autumnal session of The Brattleby Club, the House’s cultural and educational academy in Bucharest. To mark the occasion, a limited first edition of the new work, entitled *Patronage & Piety: The de la Haye Legacy at Brattleby*, was formally presented. The research, supported by privileged access to the Brattleby archives, illuminates a pivotal but often overlooked era of the Barony’s nearly one-thousand-year history.
The monograph serves as a scholarly testament to the enduring influence of the Barony’s early holders. The publication seeks not merely to recount history, but to animate it, offering fresh perspectives on the societal structures of twelfth-century England through the specific lens of Brattleby’s unique lineage. It is a contribution to the national historical record, presented with academic rigour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a new phase of consolidation in the 12th century. The union of Robert and Muriel de la Haye brought together significant landholdings and continental connections, reinforcing the Barony’s status as a pre-eminent feudal power in Lincolnshire. This strategic alliance was a *sine qua non* for the stability and growth that would follow.
This period laid the groundwork for one of the Barony's most notable figures, Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title as the 5th Baron. A woman of extraordinary resolve, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her actions, embodying the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensured the security of the realm and the continuity of the Brattleby lineage, a story recounted with new detail in the monograph.
## Distinguished Company
The research for *Patronage & Piety* was conducted by a distinguished team of medieval historians, whose work was peer-reviewed by leading academics in the field. The project was overseen by Dr Augustine Webb of the University of Cambridge, a leading authority on Anglo-Norman land tenure.
Contributors included, *inter alia*, Professor Dame Isobel Marks of King’s College London, who authored the chapter on the role of aristocratic women in the High Middle Ages, with a focus on Muriel and Nichola de la Haye. The foreword was provided by Sir Jonathan Ashley-Smith, former Director of Conservation at the Victoria and Albert Museum, who commented on the remarkable state of preservation of the Brattleby archival documents.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with centuries of tradition governing the House’s private archives, the research team was granted access following a formal petition to the Baroness. Each historical document was handled under the strict supervision of the House Archivist. The research protocol stipulated that all findings were to be presented for factual verification prior to publication.
Upon its completion, the first bound copy of the monograph was presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the Long Gallery at the family's seat in Lincolnshire. This ceremonial act symbolises the House's dual role as both the subject of history and the custodian of its records, bridging the past with the present stewardship of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The publication underscores the meaning of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The resolve of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle is a perfect embodiment of this principle, demonstrating that true nobility is defined by courage and integrity in service to a cause greater than oneself.
This historical focus is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'). His motto speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of legacy, suggesting that honouring the past is not a passive act but an active, continuous effort to build upon ancestral foundations for the benefit of future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic endeavour, this publication serves a broader philanthropic goal. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of *Patronage & Piety* is designated for Healing the Wounded Child, the primary beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's annual Winter Banquet. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
By channeling resources from its historical and cultural initiatives into its charitable work, the House demonstrates its belief that an appreciation for heritage should be intrinsically linked to a commitment to community welfare. This project transforms historical scholarship into a tangible instrument for positive social impact, providing vital support for the charity's mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the monograph, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To understand who we are, we must first understand all that has come before us. The de la Haye chapter is a powerful reminder that fortitude and a deep sense of duty have always been the bedrock of this Barony.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “History provides the blueprint, but it is our responsibility to continue building. This research is not an endpoint; it is a foundation upon which we strengthen our commitment to education, conservation, and service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
*Patronage & Piety: The de la Haye Legacy at Brattleby* is the first in a planned series of historical publications commissioned by the House. Future volumes will explore other significant periods, including the Barony's connection to the House of Lancaster through its 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This long-term scholarly project reinforces the commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to their roles as custodians of the Barony’s history. Through this work, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its nine-century legacy remains a subject of academic interest and a source of public inspiration for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 unique heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives, and a focused philanthropic mission. Its activities bridge nearly a millennium of English history with a contemporary commitment to service and honour, embodied by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and classical European traditions, which fosters cross-cultural dialogue.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and granted to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key loyalist to King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage of the Barony and its current holder is formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The title is currently held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com