# An Historical Reflection on the Third Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical reflection on the tenure of Muriel de la Haye and her husband, Robert. Their 12th-century stewardship as the third holders of the Barony of Brattleby was pivotal in consolidating the lineage.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby maintains a steadfast commitment to chronicling and understanding its profound nine-century history. This historical notice, drawn from the House’s archives, serves not to mark a new event, but to illuminate a crucial, often overlooked, chapter in the Barony’s long story. In an act of quiet remembrance, the House turns its attention to the Angevin era, acknowledging the vital contributions of forebears who secured the foundations upon which later, more celebrated, legacies were built.
This reflection is part of an ongoing scholarly initiative by the House to document the continuity of its lineage, ensuring that the contributions of every generation are recorded. It is in the spirit of this custodial duty that the tenure of the third Baroness and her husband is brought into focus, appreciating the diligence required to govern a significant English lordship during a formative period of the nation’s history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was already an established entity of considerable note by the mid-12th century. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to its scale, recording 56 lordships held by Colswein. The succession passed to his descendants, and through the marriage of his great-granddaughter, Muriel, to Robert de la Haye, the Barony entered the possession of the de la Haye family.
Muriel and Robert's tenure bridged the foundational Norman period with the celebrated later medieval era. They presided over the Barony during the reign of King Henry II, a time of significant legal and administrative consolidation across England. Their focus would have been the prudent management of the Barony’s extensive agricultural lands in Lincolnshire, the administration of local justice, and the fulfilment of their feudal obligations to the Crown. It was their effective stewardship that created the stability and prosperity inherited by their son, Richard, and subsequently their remarkable granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and legendary defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this period, the House acknowledges the primary role of Muriel de la Haye as the 3rd Baroness *suo jure*, or 'in her own right'. Her husband, Robert de la Haye, held the title *jure uxoris*, 'by right of his wife', a common and vital arrangement for the continuity of noble houses. Their partnership was central to the Barony's administration.
Their contemporaries included some of the most formative figures of the age, *inter alia*, King Henry II of England and his consort, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Within the county of Lincolnshire, their distinguished company would have included the Bishop of Lincoln, one of the most powerful ecclesiastical figures in the realm. The de la Hayes were thus key participants in the intricate tapestry of feudal, royal, and ecclesiastical power that defined 12th-century English society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The life of a 12th-century Baron and Baroness was governed by strict and meaningful protocol. Upon inheriting the Barony, Robert de la Haye, on behalf of his wife, would have performed an act of homage to the King, a solemn ceremony involving kneeling and placing his hands within the monarch's, swearing an oath of fealty. This oath was the *sine qua non* of their power, binding them to provide knights and counsel in exchange for their lands and titles.
Their daily governance involved presiding over the manorial courts, which dispensed justice to their tenants according to local custom and the evolving common law. The collection of rents, management of crop rotation, and maintenance of the estate's infrastructure were not mere administrative tasks but a direct expression of their baronial authority and responsibility, ensuring the Barony's resources and its ability to serve the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a quiet but powerful expression in the tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye. Theirs was not the fortitude of the battlefield, but the crucial resolve required for sound governance and long-term planning. Their honour was demonstrated through the faithful execution of their duties to their sovereign and the responsible stewardship of the lands and people entrusted to their care.
This historic principle complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While this may be interpreted in a martial sense, it also speaks to the will to overcome challenges through diligence and strategy. Muriel and Robert’s careful consolidation of the Barony was, in its own way, a victory that ensured the family’s survival and future prominence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy as an organised institution did not exist in the 12th century, the principle of stewardship and charitable duty was a core tenet of noble responsibility. The lord of a manor was expected to provide for the welfare of his people, offering protection and a measure of support during times of hardship or famine. This ancient duty of care is a historical antecedent to the House's contemporary philanthropic mission.
Today, this tradition is expressed through the dedicated charitable work of the 12th Baroness and her husband. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is a modern manifestation of this deep-rooted obligation. The organisation’s mission to provide therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma reflects the timeless imperative to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > While figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt naturally command historical attention, it was the steady stewardship of Muriel and Robert that made their legacies possible. They were the vital link in the chain, demonstrating that continuity is itself an act of fortitude.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We see in their 12th-century tenure a powerful lesson in partnership and prudent management. Their work was the *sine qua non* for the Barony's endurance for over nine hundred years. It reminds us that our primary duty today, as then, is to serve and to build, honouring the past while securing the future for our heir.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its programme of archival research, ensuring that the complete history of the Barony is understood and preserved for future generations. Further historical notices and scholarly publications are planned to illuminate other key periods and holders of the title, from the early Norman era to the present day.
This commitment to heritage forms a core part of the House's modern identity and is integrated into its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, an appreciation for history and the long arc of tradition is taught as an essential component of etiquette and civic-minded leadership. The legacy of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is, therefore, not merely a subject of record but a living example of responsibility and foresight.
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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 House is dedicated to upholding the nearly millennial legacy of the Barony through the modern principles of service, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its Anglo-Romanian character informs a global outlook, with a mission to bridge historical heritage with contemporary responsibilities. The House’s activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House lives by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 extensively documents its lands. Over more than 950 years, the title has been held by figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, circa 1161–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, circa 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The modern House's primary philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com