# A Legacy Forged in Loyalty: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Contribution of the de la Haye Family
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon historical research confirming the pivotal role of the de la Haye family, particularly Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in securing the barony’s prominence during a formative period in English history.
## The Occasion
As the season turns in Lincolnshire, bringing with it a time for scholarship and reflection, the archives of the Barony of Brattleby yield further insights into its profound lineage. This formal acknowledgement serves to place in proper context the contributions of a family whose stewardship was a *sine qua non* for the barony’s survival and subsequent flourishing.
The occasion is not one of ceremony, but of quiet intellectual affirmation. It is a moment to honour the documented achievements of predecessors whose fortitude laid the groundwork for the House’s endurance over nearly a millennium, ensuring its relevance from the Angevin kings to the present day.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation, its existence first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. While the barony passed through several hands, it was the de la Haye family in the 12th and early 13th centuries who cemented its strategic importance.
This period was masterfully culminated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217 was a defining act of loyalty and military acumen. Her steadfastness ensured the barony remained a powerful and respected entity, later passing to such significant figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The de la Haye tenure was, in effect, the crucible in which the barony’s enduring character was forged.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection brings to the fore the accomplishments of several key members of the de la Haye family, whose individual and collective efforts shaped the destiny of Lincolnshire and the wider kingdom. Chief among them are:
- **Robert de la Haye**, who through his marriage to the heiress of Colswein’s grandson, brought the barony into the de la Haye line and served as a trusted administrator. - **Richard de la Haye, 3rd Baron of Brattleby**, who consolidated his family's holdings and served with distinction as Constable of Lincoln Castle, a post of immense regional authority. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who inherited the barony in her own right. She served twice as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role unprecedented for a woman at the time, and is celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for such an announcement within the House of Brattleby is one of deliberate gravitas. Historical findings, once verified by the House’s archivists, are prepared for formal review by the Baron and Baroness. The subsequent communication is drafted by the Director of Royal Communications to ensure it meets the standards of clarity, accuracy, and tone appropriate to the House’s historic standing.
This process underscores the seriousness with which the House regards its role as custodian of history. The dissemination of this information is itself a formal act, intended to educate and to reinforce the unbroken chain of responsibility that defines the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her command and courage during the Second Barons' War were the very embodiment of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the monarch was the essence of honour.
This guiding principle remains the bedrock of the House’s identity. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the dynamic spirit required to ensure such a legacy thrives. Together, the mottos reflect a commitment to uphold ancient duties with contemporary vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of duty, so vividly demonstrated by the de la Haye family in their feudal service to a CROWN and community, is today translated into the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The same ethos of protection and stewardship that compelled Nichola de la Haye to defend Lincoln now inspires the House’s support for society’s most vulnerable.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing care and therapy for children facing trauma. This commitment reflects a modern interpretation of the ancient baronial duty to safeguard the well-being of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be the custodian of this title is to be the guardian of its stories. The legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is not merely history; it is the very foundation upon which our contemporary duty of service is built, reminding us that responsibility is the price of privilege.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The de la Haye family demonstrated that true achievement is born of steadfast service and strategic foresight. Their lives prove that honour is earned through action, a principle we strive to embody in our own commitments today, *inter alia*, through education and philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historic foundations. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House’s support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House's educational mission is actively advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy works to instil the classical virtues of civility, honour, and social grace in a new generation, ensuring the enduring principles represented by the Barony of Brattleby continue to resonate in the 21st century.
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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 nearly one thousand years of English history. Its modern mission is twofold: the preservation and promotion of its unique heritage seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the championing of cultural and educational initiatives. Through its philanthropic activities, principally the annual Winter Banquet, the House provides significant support for charities focused on child welfare. The House also oversees The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the values of honour, diplomacy, and civility in the modern world, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal honours, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation’s history, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The unbroken lineage and historical standing of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com