# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the De la Haye Dynasty
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the De la Haye dynasty, whose stewardship during the 12th and 13th centuries defined the Barony's political and military identity, particularly through the remarkable leadership of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby is engaged in an ongoing effort to catalogue and commemorate the nine-century history of the Barony. This statement serves as part of that educational mission, drawing upon archival records to illuminate a pivotal era. In preserving the memory of its antecedents, the House reaffirms its commitment to the long tradition of service and duty that the Barony represents, ensuring this heritage informs its modern responsibilities.
The issuance of this commentary is an occasion for historical reflection, acknowledging the figures whose actions shaped not only Lincolnshire but also the course of English history. It is an act of remembrance intended to provide context for the House’s contemporary role and its guiding principles.
## Historical Context
The De la Haye family’s connection to the Barony of Brattleby began in the early 12th century, a period of notable instability during the civil war known as The Anarchy. Through the marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, daughter of the 1st Baron Colswein of Lincoln’s successor, the dynasty secured its footing. Their most significant achievement was acquiring the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress of immense importance to the Crown.
This consolidation of power culminated in the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. A figure of extraordinary resolve, she inherited the Constableship in 1199. She famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, holding it for King John and later for his young son, Henry III. Her loyalty and military acumen were such that, at over sixty years of age, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a testament to her administrative skill and unwavering fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by the formidable individuals who have held the title. The De la Haye dynasty stands prominently within a lineage that includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* of the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes a strict protocol of historical stewardship. This involves not only the preservation of primary documents and artefacts but also the formal incorporation of its heritage into the life of the modern House. At the annual Winter Banquet, for instance, facsimiles of key historical records, such as entries from the Domesday Book of 1086, are displayed for the instruction of guests.
Furthermore, any public statement concerning the Barony’s history is subject to rigorous internal review to ensure its accuracy and dignity. This practice honours the legacy of those who have gone before and reinforces the continuity of the institution. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as the guiding principle for both the remembrance of the past and the conduct of the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound historical expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast defence of her sovereign and her castle, against overwhelming odds, is the very embodiment of fortitude. Her subsequent service as Sheriff, an office managed with integrity, exemplifies the principle of honour.
This motto is therefore not merely an archaic phrase but a living standard. It is a direct link to the demonstrated virtues of the Barony’s most celebrated holders and a perpetual charge to the current House to act with equivalent courage and integrity in all its undertakings.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative of service, so powerfully demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye in her defence of a child king, directly informs the philanthropic focus of the modern House. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have made support for vulnerable children the cornerstone of their charitable work.
The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that historical examples of fortitude in protecting the vulnerable provide a powerful moral basis for its contemporary commitment to this vital cause, translating a legacy of defence into a mission of healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the De la Haye dynasty, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by convention but by courage and resolve. Her stewardship of Lincoln, in the most testing of circumstances, embodies the *fortitudine* we strive to uphold in our own public service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The De la Hayes demonstrated that loyalty and effective governance are two sides of the same coin. Their history is a *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony’s enduring role; it is a past from which we continue to draw great strength, reminding us that to prevail is to live with purpose — *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound history is not only preserved but also shared. Future initiatives will include continued scholarly research into the Barony’s lineage and the expansion of educational programmes through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and civic values.
The story of the De la Hayes, and indeed of the entire nine-hundred-year history of the Barony, forms a vital part of the inheritance that will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. It is the solemn duty of the current generation to serve as faithful custodians of this legacy, ensuring it continues to inspire service, honour, and fortitude for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The modern House is dedicated to the principles of service, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its mission is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The principal charitable focus of the House is supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education via The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The family is committed to upholding the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony through responsible stewardship and meaningful contributions to contemporary society. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. The title and its extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient feudal Barony's modern standing as a dignity was formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Barony is officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and its motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com