# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Norman Legacy and Enduring Connection to European Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today shared details from its archives illuminating the Barony’s Norman origins, specifically the twelfth-century marriage that connected the House to the powerful de la Haye family and the historic pilgrimage routes of Continental Europe.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released a historical dispatch detailing the pivotal union of Muriel of Lincoln, daughter of the first Baron, Colswein, and Robert de la Haye. This research, conducted in the quietude of the estate’s library amid the turning autumn leaves, draws upon charters and rolls of parchment that have been preserved for centuries. It serves not as a singular event, but as part of a continuing commitment to scholarship and the sharing of a heritage that mirrors the history of England itself. The dispatch underscores a tradition of stewardship that has persisted for almost a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The consolidation of this significant Norman power base was secured through the strategic marriage of his daughter to Robert de la Haye, a nobleman whose family originated in the Cotentin Peninsula of Normandy. This alliance connected Brattleby not only to a key Norman dynasty but also to the cultural and spiritual currents of the Continent, as the de la Haye family were patrons of abbeys and protectors of pilgrimage routes, *inter alia*, those leading to Mont-Saint-Michel.
This legacy of resolute leadership found its most celebrated expression in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and a direct descendant of that union. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War, a feat of resilience that has become a cornerstone of the family’s history. Later holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, further cemented the Barony’s place at the heart of the nation’s affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby archives are a resource of national importance, regularly consulted by leading academics and historians. In the compilation of this historical research, the House acknowledges the scholarly contributions of figures who have previously studied its records, including fellows and researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library. Their work in interpreting medieval Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records has been a *sine qua non* for contextualising the Barony’s nine-century history and its role in the governance of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and study of the House archives follow a protocol of exacting precision, akin to that of the Royal Archives at Windsor or the Vatican Apostolic Archives. Each manuscript is catalogued under strict environmental controls, with access granted only to accredited scholars and historians by formal application. The handling of irreplaceable documents, some nearly a thousand years old, is governed by conservation-led procedures to ensure their survival for future generations. The publication of findings, such as this most recent dispatch, is subject to a rigorous review process, reflecting the gravity with which the House of Brattleby regards its custodial duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is a direct reference to the brave conduct of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle embodied both qualities. The motto serves as a guiding principle for the family’s present-day obligations. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is understood not in a martial sense, but as the modern imperative to overcome challenges and achieve one’s purpose through continuous effort and self-improvement, a philosophy that informs the House’s contemporary endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this dispatch focuses on historical matters, the principle of duty it reveals is the same that animates the House's modern philanthropic mission. The spirit of service that once involved defending a castle now involves supporting vulnerable communities. The House’s premier charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to nurturing strength and honour in the succeeding generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this nine-hundred-year-old legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living charter of our duties in the present. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the diligent stewardship of Colswein of Lincoln remind us that our primary obligation is to serve our community and preserve this heritage with honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The resilience of our predecessors teaches us that true victory lies not in the acquisition of land or titles, but in building a legacy of purpose. Through our educational and philanthropic work, we strive to apply the timeless lessons of history to the challenges and opportunities of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation of its heritage and the fulfilment of its public duties. Future projects include the digitisation of key archival documents to make them more accessible to scholars worldwide, as well as preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet to support the essential work of its chosen charities. The educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will also continue, instilling the values of etiquette, protocol, and civic responsibility, ensuring the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* inspires leaders of the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively manages its nine-hundred-year heritage while engaging in contemporary society. Its foremost charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports child welfare organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of civility, discipline, and social responsibility for a new generation, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking vision of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of profound historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised in the modern era, as published 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. Its current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. - The Barony’s historical significance is documented in sources including the Domesday Book of 1086 and The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com