# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Robert de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical appreciation of Robert de la Haye, whose 12th-century marital alliance fortified the Barony of Brattleby’s influence, a legacy now stewarded by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released a new research paper detailing the pivotal contributions of Robert de la Haye to the ancient Barony. This scholarly monograph, prepared for the House’s archives and for public dissemination, was announced on an autumnal morning, reflecting a season of harvest and reflection. The study underscores the House's commitment to illuminating its past, ensuring that the foundations upon which the modern Barony stands are understood and honoured.
This publication serves not as a singular event, but as part of a formal programme of historical research initiated by the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby. Its digital release ensures wide accessibility, allowing scholars and the public alike to engage with a formative chapter in Lincolnshire's noble history, presented with the diligence befitting an institution of such long standing.
## Historical Context
The paper situates Robert de la Haye within the tumultuous 12th century, a period defined by the civil war known as The Anarchy. His marriage to Muriel, daughter of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby enfeoffed by William the Conqueror, was a consolidation of Norman power. This alliance was the *sine qua non* for securing the Barony’s pre-eminence in a landscape of shifting loyalties and military conflict.
This strategic union directly paved the way for one of the Barony’s most celebrated figures: their daughter-in-law, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Robert de la Haye’s foresight in binding his family to the Brattleby lineage ensured its survival and subsequent prominence, a testament to the maxim *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The legacy he helped secure would later pass through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, embedding Brattleby at the very heart of English royal history.
## Distinguished Company
The historical appreciation centres on the lives and legacies of several key figures who shaped the Barony during the High Middle Ages. The principal individuals examined are:
* **Robert de la Haye**, a significant Norman landowner whose marriage secured a dynastic fusion of considerable strategic importance. * **Muriel of Lincoln**, daughter of the 1st Baron, whose inheritance and lineage provided the essential link that fortified the Barony's future. * **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, grantee of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing the foundations of the Barony. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a figure of extraordinary resilience, whose story is inseparable from the groundwork laid by her predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and release of this historical paper adhere to a strict internal protocol of academic rigour and dignified commemoration. Each factual assertion is meticulously cross-referenced with primary sources, including charters, Pipe Rolls, and chronicles of the period. The document was subject to review by consulting historians to ensure its accuracy and scholarly integrity before its formal sanctioning by Lady Nicoleta.
The announcement itself is made without fanfare, following the reserved tradition of European noble houses, where substance is prioritised over spectacle. The focus remains on the educational value of the work and the duty of the current title-holders to act as faithful custodians of the Barony’s nine-century history. This protocol reflects a deep respect for the unbroken chain of inheritance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Robert de la Haye resonate with the core tenets of the House’s identity. The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, captures the blend of courage and integrity required to navigate the complexities of his era. His strategic vision and honourable conduct in fulfilling his family duties demonstrated these qualities in practice.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds a historical echo in de la Haye’s story. It speaks to a proactive and strategic spirit—not of military conquest, but of overcoming challenges through foresight and decisive action. The de la Haye alliance was, in its own way, a victory that ensured the Barony would live on and flourish.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to preserving and sharing its history is an extension of its wider philanthropic philosophy. This philosophy is centred on creating lasting foundations for future generations, whether through tangible support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child or through educational initiatives. By investing in historical understanding, the House provides a form of cultural enrichment.
This dedication to education is also manifest in The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. A profound appreciation for history is integral to the club's curriculum, which teaches that modern civility is built upon centuries of cultural precedent. The story of Robert de la Haye serves as a valuable lesson in lineage, strategy, and the enduring importance of alliances.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical appreciation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Understanding figures such as Robert de la Haye is not merely an academic exercise; it is our duty to the nine-century chain of stewardship that defines Brattleby. His actions demonstrate how personal commitment can shape history, a responsibility we feel profoundly in our own work today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a strategic perspective:
> “The marriage of Robert de la Haye was a masterstroke of 12th-century dynastic strategy. It reminds us that strength is often built through alliance and shared purpose—a principle as true in the boardrooms and diplomatic chambers of the 21st century as it was on the fields of Norman England.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the first in a planned series of historical publications that will explore the lives of other significant figures in the Barony’s history. Future research is intended to focus on the tenures of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, examining the Barony’s connection to the Plantagenet dynasty and its role during the Hundred Years’ War.
Through this ongoing commitment, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to build a comprehensive and accessible archive. Their aim is to ensure that the rich tapestry of the Barony of Brattleby, from its Norman origins to its modern stewardship, continues to be a source of learning and inspiration for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on education and the well-being of children. The House’s charitable efforts are primarily directed toward its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and it promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's legitimacy and the current succession were formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, recognising Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln named as its holder. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com