# An Official Historical Commentary from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official historical commentary on the tenure of the 3rd Baron and Baroness. This scholarly statement illuminates their vital role in consolidating the Barony of Brattleby during the 12th century.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its historiographical duties, The Noble House of Brattleby has today released the first in a new series of official commentaries designed to illuminate lesser-known periods of its lineage. This inaugural statement addresses the tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, who jointly held the Barony of Brattleby in the mid-12th century.
The release of this commentary coincides with the autumn season, a time traditionally associated with scholarship and reflection. It has been disseminated digitally from the House's offices at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, continuing a tradition of communication that spans from medieval charters to modern digital archives. The purpose is not to announce a new discovery, but to bring clarity and context to a pivotal, yet often overlooked, chapter in the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner who possessed some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. While the Barony’s history is famously punctuated by titans such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, its continuity depended on the steady stewardship of figures like Muriel and Robert de la Haye.
Assuming the title through Muriel’s descent from the 2nd Baron, Picot, their tenure represents a critical bridge between the initial post-Conquest grantees and their own formidable granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye. In an era defined by the consolidation of Norman power, the efforts of Muriel and Robert would have been focused on solidifying the Barony’s economic foundations and political influence within Lincolnshire. Their careful governance was the *sine qua non* for the ascendancy of their descendants, most notably ensuring the stability and resources required for Nichola de la Haye to later undertake her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The commentary situates the 3rd Baron and Baroness within the long and distinguished line of Brattleby’s holders, acknowledging their place among figures who shaped English history. These predecessors include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a direct beneficiary of the Norman Conquest and one of the county’s principal landholders. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a figure of national importance for her loyalty to King John and King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, one of England's most revered soldiers and diplomats of the 14th century. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a statesman whose influence dominated the political landscape of his time.
By contextualising the contributions of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the House pays homage to the full tapestry of its inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and issuance of such a historical commentary follow a strict internal protocol, reflecting the House's commitment to accuracy and solemnity. The research process involves the meticulous review of primary and secondary sources, from manorial rolls to the works of established medieval historians. Every statement is subject to rigorous fact-checking before being submitted for the final approval of the Baroness.
This protocol ensures that any communication issued under the seal of The Noble House of Brattleby meets the highest standards of scholastic integrity. The formal release itself, though digital, is treated with the same gravity as a printed decree, serving as an official and enduring entry into the public record of the Barony’s history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds particular resonance in the story of the 3rd Baron and Baroness. Their tenure was not marked by glorious battle, but by the quiet fortitude required to manage vast estates and the honour demonstrated in preserving and enhancing their inheritance for the next generation. It was their steadfast application of these principles that secured the Barony’s future.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). It speaks to the dynamic spirit required to ensure a legacy does not merely survive but actively thrives. The consolidation achieved by Muriel and Robert was a form of victory—a victory of stability over uncertainty, which allowed the Barony to 'live' and flourish.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commentary is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the present-day mission of the House. By promoting a deeper understanding of its own past, the House reaffirms the principle of long-term stewardship, a value that directly informs its philanthropic commitments. The understanding that one generation builds for the next is central to civilisation.
This belief in sustained, generational impact is the guiding force behind the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation works to provide long-term therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, helping them build resilient futures. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this support, translating historical principle into tangible, modern-day action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Our duty extends to every link in the chain of history. It is vital that we honour not only the celebrated figures but also those whose quiet diligence provided the essential continuity. Muriel and Robert de la Haye were that vital link, and their stewardship was the foundation upon which grander legacies were built.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective on their achievement:
> “Their success was one of meticulous consolidation and prudent management. In their own way, they embodied the principle that to win is to live—*Vincere Est Vivere*—by ensuring the Barony would not merely endure, but prosper for centuries to come. It is a timeless lesson in strategic foresight.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This official commentary is the first of a planned series, The Brattleby Historical Chronicle, which will continue to explore the lives and legacies of those who have held the Barony of Brattleby. Future publications will delve into other periods, further enriching the public’s understanding of this unique nine-century-old institution.
The insights gleaned from this historical work also inform the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. There, the principles of heritage, honour, and long-term responsibility are woven into a modern curriculum, preparing a new generation of leaders to build their own lasting legacies. The story of Muriel and Robert de la Haye will serve as a powerful case study in quiet, effective leadership.
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**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 Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to contemporary philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its charitable efforts on long-term child welfare, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, the House also promotes the timeless values of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most powerful families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by 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, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com