# A Statement on the Early History and de la Haye Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary on the early twelfth-century succession within the Barony, a pivotal moment that saw the title pass to the de la Haye family, thereby reinforcing its Anglo-Norman foundations for centuries to come.
## The Occasion
As the seasons turn in Lincolnshire, bringing with them a time of reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has drawn upon its extensive archives to illuminate a formative period in its history. This commentary serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as part of a continuing commitment to understanding and sharing the nine-century history of the Barony. It is in the quiet study of such moments that the enduring character of a House, forged through centuries of duty and challenge, is most clearly understood.
The early twelfth century was a dynamic and often turbulent era in post-Conquest England. The clarification of this particular succession provides a valuable lens through which to view the consolidation of feudal power, the strategic importance of marriage alliances, and the legal customs that governed the transfer of titles and lands under the Norman kings.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal magnate who, by the time of the *Domesday Book* survey in 1086, held fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. Following the tenure of Colswein’s immediate successors, the Barony experienced a significant transition upon the succession of the third Baron. It was at this juncture that the title passed into a new, formidable lineage through a strategic marital union.
The Barony was conveyed to Robert de la Haye through his marriage to Muriel, through whom the right of succession passed. This event, occurring during the reign of King Henry I, represented a crucial intermarriage between powerful Norman families whose influence extended from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy to the heart of England. The de la Haye family were significant landholders and administrators, and their assumption of the Barony of Brattleby further consolidated Norman authority and noble influence within the region of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
This historical chapter was shaped by several key figures of the period, whose actions had lasting consequences for the realm and the Barony itself. These included, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King Henry I of England**, son of William the Conqueror, whose reign brought a period of relative stability and legal formalisation, under whose authority such a succession would have been recognised. * **Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby**, whose initial grant of lands from the Crown established the foundations of the Barony. * **Robert de la Haye**, a prominent Norman lord who became Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife. * **Muriel de la Haye**, through whose line the Barony passed, exemplifying the vital role of heiresses in the continuation of noble Houses.
The union of Robert and Muriel ultimately produced the lineage that would lead to one of English history’s most celebrated castellans: their great-granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the Anglo-Norman feudal system, the transfer of a barony was a matter of precise legal and ceremonial custom. The succession of Robert de la Haye would have been contingent upon royal assent, a *sine qua non* for the peaceful possession of such significant honours and estates. Upon his wife’s inheritance, he would have been required to travel to the King’s court to perform homage.
This ancient ceremony involved the new baron kneeling, placing his clasped hands between those of the sovereign, and swearing an oath of fealty. This solemn vow made him the King's "man of life and limb," bound to provide counsel and military service in exchange for the rights to his lands and titles. This process affirmed the unbreakable bond between the Crown and its nobility, a principle that has underpinned the British constitution for a millennium.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the modern motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the de la Haye family brought their own powerful symbols to the Barony. Their ancestral coat of arms, a simple yet striking device, reflected their status. Though variations exist, the arms are often recorded as *Argent, a sun in splendour Gules*—a red sun against a silver or white field. This emblem, symbolising glory, authority, and life-giving power, would have been carried on banners at tournaments and into battle.
The actions of the de la Haye family, in securing and fortifying the Barony for future generations, can be seen as an early embodiment of the fortitude and honour that the House prizes today. Their stewardship demonstrated a commitment to legacy that resonates with the principles guiding the current holders of the title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist others—has evolved, but its spirit connects the feudal era to the present day. In the twelfth century, a baron’s primary responsibility was the protection and welfare of the tenants living on his land. The strategic consolidation of wealth and influence by families like the de la Haye ensured the stability and security necessary for communities to thrive.
Today, that same foundational principle of duty is expressed through structured philanthropy. The resources and standing of the Barony, preserved and augmented over nine hundred years, now empower the modern House’s charitable endeavours. This unbroken chain of responsibility finds contemporary expression in the annual Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To understand our purpose today, we must first understand the foundations upon which this House was built. The de la Haye succession was not merely a transfer of title; it was a reaffirmation of the Barony’s strategic importance and a testament to the foresight of our predecessors.”
Her Ladyship further noted the significance of the female line in the Barony’s history:
> “It is a profound reminder that from its earliest days, the strength of the Barony has often been secured and advanced by formidable women. From Muriel, through whom the title passed, to the great Nichola de la Haye who later defended Lincoln itself, we see a powerful legacy of female leadership that remains an inspiration.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the active stewardship of its history, viewing it not as a static collection of facts but as a living tradition that informs its present and future course. This commitment is central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties incumbent upon the title.
This educational mission also extends outward through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which grounds its teachings in the European traditions of courtesy, honour, and social responsibility. By elucidating its past, the House seeks to reinforce the timeless relevance of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 a modern interpretation of nobility, rooted in public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also promotes cultural heritage through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s historic commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle against invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. The Barony's history and rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), 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