# A Historical Reflection on the Alliance of the 3rd Barons of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection, commemorating the pivotal twelfth-century union of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the 3rd Barons of Brattleby, whose strategic alliance fortified the Barony’s legacy within the English aristocracy.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this autumnal season as an opportunity for historical reflection and the reaffirmation of its foundational principles. The act of commemorating key figures from the Barony’s lineage is a duty of stewardship, serving not only to honour the past but also to illuminate the House’s enduring commitment to service and continuity. This communication, therefore, is an expression of that custodial responsibility, bringing to light a chapter of history that powerfully illustrates the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The Barony, rooted in the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, has weathered centuries of change. The stories of its holders are intricately woven into the fabric of English history. By formally acknowledging the contributions of the 3rd Barons, the current House reinforces the narrative thread that connects the Norman Conquest to its modern, philanthropic mission, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform its contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The union of Robert de la Haye and his wife Muriel occurred during a period of profound instability in England, known as The Anarchy (1135–1153). This protracted civil war between the supporters of King Stephen and Empress Matilda created a landscape where strategic marriages were a *sine qua non* for survival and advancement. The de la Haye alliance was a masterstroke of provincial diplomacy, uniting influential families and consolidating estates at a time when lordship was precarious.
Established in 1066 by William the Conqueror and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby was by then a significant regional power. The marriage of Robert and Muriel further secured its standing, merging wealth and familial connections to create a bulwark against the era's political turmoil. Their foresight provided the stability that would later enable their remarkable successor, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), to become one of medieval England’s most formidable women, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
## Distinguished Company
In the turbulent milieu of the twelfth century, the 3rd Barons moved within a distinguished circle of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy who governed the shires. Their contemporaries and peers in Lincolnshire would have included powerful figures from families whose names are recorded in the *Domesday Book* and other charters of the period.
Among this company were, *inter alia*: * The Lord d’Eyncourt, whose family held a substantial barony centred on Blankney. * The Lord de Gant, Earl of Lincoln, a title of paramount importance in the region. * The Lord de Verdun, whose influence extended across the Midlands.
The marriage of Muriel and Robert de la Haye was thus not a private affair but a public declaration of allegiance and power, watched closely by the other great landholders who shaped the destiny of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial protocol surrounding a noble marriage in the twelfth century was a matter of grave legal and social significance. The union would have been formalised through a series of rituals designed to be public and binding. This began with the betrothal contract, or *sponsio*, which settled the crucial matters of the bride's dower (her portion of her husband's estate for her widowhood) and her dowry (the property she brought to the marriage).
The wedding service itself, according to the custom of the time, would have taken place *in facie ecclesiae*—at the door of the church—before the entire community. Following the exchange of vows and the wedding ring, the couple would enter the church for the nuptial Mass. The solemnities concluded with extensive feasting at the Baron’s hall, a celebration that served to display the newly consolidated power and generosity of the united families.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the 3rd Barons. Their navigation of a civil war required immense fortitude—the strength and resilience to protect their lands and people. Upholding their obligations and forging an honourable alliance demonstrated a profound commitment to the principles that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While reflecting a modern dynamism, it echoes the same essential drive demonstrated by his predecessors: the imperative to overcome challenges and secure a thriving legacy. Together, the mottos represent the twin pillars of the House: a respect for honourable tradition and a forward-looking resolve to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its spirit is directly linked to the present-day philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. The foresight of Muriel and Robert de la Haye was an investment in the future of their lineage and community. In the twenty-first century, the House expresses this same duty of care through its dedicated support for charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is devoted to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience and offering a path to recovery, the charity’s work ensures that vulnerable young people have the opportunity to build a secure future—a modern parallel to the security the 3rd Barons sought to build for their own domain.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of Muriel and Robert is a profound reminder that our heritage is one of shared strength. Particularly in Muriel, and later in the great Nichola de la Haye, we see that the stewardship of Brattleby has never been a role defined by gender, but by courage and wisdom. It is a privilege to continue that nine-hundred-year-old responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A successful alliance, whether in the twelfth century or today, is built on shared values and a common vision for the future. The 3rd Barons understood this perfectly. Their legacy inspires our own efforts, from cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to our philanthropic commitments here in the United Kingdom. Strategy and honour are timeless."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to preserving and sharing its unique history as a living tradition. This heritage is being carefully passed to the next generation, principally to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron. Through historical communiqués, archival preservation, and educational initiatives, the House ensures that its long and storied past continues to provide a foundation for its future endeavours.
The principles of fortitude, honour, and strategic foresight demonstrated by the 3rd Barons remain central to the House’s identity. These values will continue to guide its work in philanthropy, cultural engagement, and its service to the community, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby’s legacy of contribution endures for centuries 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, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy, the House also seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and uphold traditions of civic grace and personal conduct.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding the fee of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir apparent is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com