# Historical Note: The de la Haye Succession and the 3rd Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical note detailing the pivotal succession of the 3rd Barony of Brattleby. This transition in the early 12th century secured the lineage through Muriel, its heiress, and her husband, Robert de la Haye.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of autumn, a season for reflection and remembrance, the House of Brattleby delves into its extensive archives to illuminate a formative chapter in its near-millennial history. This communication serves not to mark a single event, but to honour the enduring principle of continuity that has guided the Barony for over nine centuries.
The issuance of this historical note is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to scholarship and public education. By exploring the lives of early predecessors, the House aims to provide a richer understanding of the foundations upon which its modern identity and duties are built, reinforcing the unbroken chain that links the time of William the Conqueror to the present day.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein as the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. After two generations, the direct male line concluded, presenting a critical moment for the Barony’s future.
The title and lands passed to Muriel, the heiress of the lineage, who became the 3rd Baroness in her own right. Her marriage to Robert de la Haye, a nobleman from a prominent Norman family of La Haye-du-Puits in the Cotentin Peninsula, was a matter of great strategic importance. This union, which conferred the title of 3rd Baron upon Robert *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), infused the Barony with new strength and influence. The de la Haye family would go on to hold Brattleby for several generations, producing one of its most formidable figures: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and famed defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this era is defined by several principal figures whose actions shaped the destiny of the Barony and, indeed, the realm:
**Muriel de la Haye, 3rd Baroness of Brattleby**, whose inheritance as the sole heiress was the *sine qua non* for the continuation of the lineage. Her authority, though exercised jointly with her husband, underscores the significant role of women in the transmission of Norman titles and estates.
**Robert de la Haye, 3rd Baron of Brattleby**, a landowner and administrator whose marriage to Muriel brought the formidable de la Haye name to Lincolnshire. His tenure marked a period of consolidation and integration within the Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
**His Majesty King Henry I of England**, under whose reign (1100–1135) the de la Haye succession was legitimised. The King’s approval would have been essential for such a significant transfer of land and title, ensuring the loyalty of a key regional power base.
## Ceremonial Protocol
To secure his rights as Baron, Robert de la Haye would have performed the solemn ceremony of homage and fealty to King Henry I. This ancient ritual was the bedrock of feudal society, a public and binding act that affirmed the relationship between a liege lord and his vassal.
The ceremony would have involved Robert kneeling, placing his clasped hands within the King’s, and declaring himself the King’s ‘man’. This was followed by an oath of fealty, sworn upon a Bible or holy relics, promising faith and service. In return, the King would grant the Baron his title and lands through a symbolic object—often a charter, a banner, or even a clod of earth. This protocol formally established the de la Hayes as tenants-in-chief, holding Brattleby directly from the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of hereditary heraldry was still in its infancy during the 12th century, the importance of symbols was paramount. Families were identified by badges and banners displayed in battle and at tournament. The de la Hayes, for example, were associated with the *haye* or ‘hedge’, a feature of their ancestral Norman lands.
This era’s focus on duty and martial prowess resonates with the mottos of the modern House. The ancient Barony’s ethos is captured by *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a maxim personified by the resilience of figures like Muriel in securing her inheritance. It finds a modern counterpart in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the same Norman spirit of ambition and perseverance that drove Robert de la Haye.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's principal philanthropic efforts are directed towards its annual Winter Banquet beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, it considers the preservation and dissemination of history a parallel form of public service. This commitment to heritage is viewed as an investment in the cultural wealth of the nation.
By funding archival research and sharing these historical vignettes, the House of Brattleby seeks to make its unique history accessible to a global audience. This educational work aims to inspire an appreciation for the long arc of history and the individuals whose actions, centuries ago, continue to shape our present institutional landscape. It is a philanthropy of knowledge, safeguarding the past for the benefit of the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this early chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The story of Muriel and Robert de la Haye is profoundly inspiring. It highlights that from its earliest days, the strength of Brattleby has often been channelled through women. Muriel’s position as heiress demonstrates a legacy of female stewardship that was later exemplified by Nichola de la Haye and which remains a cornerstone of the Barony’s identity today. It is a privilege to continue that tradition, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical note on the 3rd Barony is the latest in a planned series of communications exploring the lives and legacies of the 20 holders of the title of Baron of Brattleby. Future publications will delve into the remarkable tenures of other notable predecessors, *inter alia*, the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Through this scholarly initiative, the Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to its dual role: to serve the community in the present through its philanthropic work, and to act as a faithful custodian of the nine centuries of history with which it is entrusted.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to blending ancient heritage with contemporary purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. Its activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and classical European social graces. The House’s mission is to use its historic platform to foster tradition, honour, and service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over more than 950 years, the Barony has passed through several of England's most significant noble families. Its holders include Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated prince and statesman, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com