# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Robert de la Haye, de jure 3rd Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement of historical remembrance, honouring the pivotal role of Robert de la Haye, *de jure* 3rd Baron of Brattleby, in consolidating the Barony’s foundations during the early twelfth century.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared new research into the life and influence of Robert de la Haye. This act of scholarly commemoration, undertaken from the House’s historic seat in Lincolnshire, seeks to illuminate a critical period in the Barony’s near-millennium of history.
As the autumn mists settle over the ancient fields of Brattleby, the focus turns from the public-facing duties of the season to the quieter, academic work of preservation. This statement is the fruit of archival research, reflecting the House’s belief that an understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066, passed to the de la Haye family through marriage in the early Norman period. It was Robert de la Haye who, through his marriage to Muriel, daughter of the 2nd Baron, assumed the lordship *jure uxoris*—by right of his wife. His tenure from the early to mid-12th century coincided with the tumultuous civil war known as The Anarchy.
During this period of profound instability in England, Robert de la Haye demonstrated remarkable administrative and strategic acumen. He not only defended his inherited lands but actively consolidated the various manors and holdings, including Brattleby itself, into a coherent and formidable feudal barony.
His efforts provided the essential stability and resources that would be inherited by his son, Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron. More significantly, it laid the groundwork for his granddaughter, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who would famously defend Lincoln Castle for the Crown and serve as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Robert’s foresight was the foundation upon which Nichola’s legendary career was built.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the 12th-century Barony is shaped by a cast of figures whose actions resonated for centuries. The principal individuals of this era include:
* Robert de la Haye, *de jure* 3rd Baron of Brattleby and Lord of the Haye-du-Puits estates in Normandy. * His wife, Muriel de la Haye, through whom the baronial title was conveyed. * Their son and heir, Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Normandy. * Their granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
These lords and ladies navigated the complex allegiances of the Anglo-Norman world, serving sovereigns from King Henry I to King John and ensuring the continuity of their lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The accession of Robert de la Haye exemplifies the intricate legal and feudal protocols of the High Middle Ages. In holding the Barony *jure uxoris*, his authority was derived entirely from his wife’s inheritance. All acts of homage and fealty rendered to the Crown for the Brattleby lands were performed in recognition of her hereditary right.
This arrangement, common among the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, ensured that great estates and titles remained within a bloodline even when the direct male heir was absent. Upon Robert’s death, the Barony did not pass to his own kin but was secured for his son by Muriel, Richard de la Haye, thus preserving the designated line of succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of heraldry was still in its infancy during Robert’s lifetime, the principles he embodied directly reflect the House motto later adopted: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His life’s work was an exercise in *fortitudine*, demonstrating the resilience and strength required to protect and expand his family’s interests amidst civil war.
Equally, his stewardship was a testament to *honore*—the dutiful fulfilment of his obligations to his family, his successors, and his sovereign. By consolidating the Barony, he honoured the legacy he had married into and secured it for generations to come, ensuring Brattleby would remain a significant seat of power in the region.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The act of historical remembrance is, in itself, a service to the community. By investing in the study and dissemination of its own history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour the long chain of responsibility that the title entails. This commitment to legacy is mirrored in the House's modern philanthropic endeavours.
Just as Robert de la Haye worked to secure a stable future for his heirs, the House today supports charities dedicated to providing stability and healing for vulnerable young people. The annual Winter Banquet, for instance, raises vital funds for the organisation 'Healing the Wounded Child', which provides therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. This reflects a belief that true nobility is found in service and the strengthening of one’s community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “In studying the life of Robert de la Haye, one recognises the profound duty of stewardship. His foresight secured a legacy not just of land, but of stability, which in turn enabled his granddaughter Nichola to perform her own great service to the Crown. It is a powerful reminder that our role is to build upon the foundations laid by those who came before us, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The principle of consolidation and strengthening is timeless. Robert de la Haye’s tenure shows that survival and success—*Vincere Est Vivere*—depend on strategic vision and a deep commitment to one’s responsibilities over the long term.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration of Robert de la Haye is part of a wider, ongoing initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to research and document the Barony’s extensive history. Future projects will include publications on other key figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and the Lancastrian barons Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through this work, the House aims to provide an educational resource for the public and ensure that the nine-and-a-half-century story of Brattleby is preserved for future generations. This commitment to heritage is a cornerstone of the modern House’s mission.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a dual mission of honouring its profound historical legacy while embracing a forward-looking, international role. Its contemporary focus is on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of children. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect past, present, and future, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the celebrated female baron and castle defender Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was called into succession for its current holder. This succession was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern succession is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is noted in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. - Historically significant holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com