# A Note on the Early History of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a historical statement regarding the Barony's twelfth-century succession. The note clarifies the pivotal marital alliance between the Picot and de la Haye families, which secured the continuity and prominence of the ancient Lordship.
## The Occasion
From the archives of her family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Baroness has offered a reflection on a formative period in the Barony's near-millennial history. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, this statement serves as a scholarly addendum to the House's chronicles, reinforcing its commitment to the careful stewardship and accurate telling of its nine-hundred-year story.
The issuance of this note is prompted by ongoing research into the Barony’s lineage, a duty undertaken to ensure that the foundations upon which the modern House stands are fully understood and articulated. It is an act of historical custodianship, connecting the present day to the intricate feudal politics of post-Conquest England.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose vast holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Upon the death of his son, Picot, the Barony passed to Picot’s sole heiress, his daughter Muriel. In the Angevin period, the marriage of such a significant heiress was a matter of strategic importance, often sanctioned by the Crown itself.
The union of Muriel with Robert de la Haye, a powerful Norman lord and Constable of Lincoln, was therefore far more than a personal match; it was a critical consolidation of power. This alliance was the *sine qua non* that prevented the Barony from being fragmented or absorbed, instead strengthening its position within Lincolnshire and ensuring its continuation. The success of this union is best exemplified by their descendant, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this twelfth-century transition involves several figures of great consequence to the establishment of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy in England. The principal persons concerned were:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, created 1st Baron of Brattleby by William the Conqueror. * **Picot, son of Colswein**, who inherited the feudal barony. * **Muriel**, daughter and sole heiress of Picot, through whom the baronial title and lands passed. * **Sire Robert de la Haye**, a Norman knight and husband of Muriel, who held the Barony *jure uxoris*, meaning 'by right of his wife'. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and granddaughter of Robert, who served twice as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, defending it for King John in 1217.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a major feudal barony through marriage in the twelfth century was governed by strict legal and ceremonial protocols. The marriage agreement between Muriel and Robert de la Haye would have required royal assent confirming the King's approval of the transfer of such significant lands and honours.
Upon their marriage, Sire Robert would have performed an act of homage to the monarch, likely King Henry I. This solemn ceremony involved kneeling, placing his hands between those of the King, and swearing an oath of fealty. This public act formally recognised him as the new lord of the Barony of Brattleby, holding its estates and responsibilities in right of his wife and, in turn, for The Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds deep resonance in this historical chapter. The fortitude of Muriel in carrying the weight of her inheritance, and the honour demonstrated by the de la Haye family in upholding the Barony's duties, ensured its survival and prestige for centuries to come.
This historical spirit echoes in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The strategic "conquest" of a secure future for the Barony through the de la Haye alliance reflects a will to prevail that continues to animate the House's modern endeavours. These mottos serve as a bridge between the past and present, encapsulating a shared philosophy of principled determination.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The continuity of a house such as ours rests not merely on battles won, but on the quiet, strategic wisdom of generations. Muriel's marriage was a foundational act of foresight, securing a legacy that would later see one of England’s most formidable women, Nichola de la Haye, hold this Barony. It is a profound reminder that our history is shaped as much by prudent alliance as by martial strength."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and dissemination of its history, viewing its past not as a static artefact but as a living source of inspiration. The ongoing archival research is part of a broader programme to document the Barony’s role in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
This commitment to tradition informs the House's contemporary activities, *inter alia*, the philanthropic focus of its annual Winter Banquet and the cultural curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will in time inherit this duty of custodianship, ensuring that the legacy secured by the de la Haye succession continues to be honoured for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to serving as a custodian of its near-millennial heritage while engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting charitable organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, who continues the family's long tradition of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Barony has passed through a continuous succession for over 950 years and was held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated medieval heroine Nichola de la Haye, the Plantagenet prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the Barony to its current holder is formally recognised by The Crown and was recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her consort is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. - The succession of the title is formally gazetted by The Crown (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com