# A Reflection on the De la Haye Dynasty and the Defence of the Realm
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the de la Haye dynasty, whose stewardship of the Barony and Lincoln Castle during the 12th and 13th centuries proved pivotal in securing the Crown during an era of civil war.
## The Occasion
In a period of autumnal reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge a lineage of singular importance to its history: the de la Haye family. This formal statement serves as an act of historical remembrance, honouring the dynasty whose tenure as stewards of the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably linked with the defence of the English Crown. Their governance, especially during the tumultuous civil war known as The Anarchy, and the subsequent First Barons' War, set a standard for loyalty and resilience that continues to inform the ethos of the House today. The issuance of this reflection is a reaffirmation of the principle that a title's legitimacy is perpetually renewed through the honouring of its past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, entered a defining era in the early 12th century. The marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, a daughter of the aforementioned Colswein, brought the Barony into the hands of a Norman family that would shape its destiny for over a century. Their ascendancy coincided with a period of profound national instability, compelling them to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Angevin England. This duty was magnified by their role as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic value. The de la Hayes thereby elevated the Barony's status from a regional landholding to a military and political fulcrum of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The de la Haye dynasty was defined by several formidable figures. Robert de la Haye first secured the family’s footing in Lincolnshire. He was succeeded by his son, Richard, who consolidated their power and influence through loyal service to King Henry II. It was Richard’s daughter, however, who would become the family’s most celebrated figure: Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle upon the death of her husband, Gerard de Canville. As the 5th holder of the Barony, Nichola defied the conventions of her time, acting as a military commander and a powerful magnate in her own right. Her resolute defence of Lincoln on behalf of the Crown, twice in her lifetime, cemented her place as one of the great figures of medieval England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Constable of Lincoln Castle, held hereditarily by the de la Haye family, was a position of immense responsibility governed by strict feudal protocols. The Constable was the King’s sworn representative, charged with the castle's defence, the administration of the shire's legal proceedings, and the command of its garrison. Lincoln Castle’s position, controlling the intersection of the Roman roads of Ermine Street and the Fosse Way, made it the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the north. Nichola de la Haye’s command during the siege of 1217, for example, required her to oversee logistics, direct troops, and maintain morale under extreme duress—duties typically reserved for the foremost knights of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect historical antecedent in the actions of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle, particularly when besieged as a widow in her sixties by superior rebel forces, stands as a supreme example of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to King John and later, the young King Henry III, was an embodiment of honour in an age of shifting allegiances. This spirit of resilience is also echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the necessity of overcoming adversity, a principle demonstrated so powerfully by the House's predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The de la Haye’s commitment to the Crown exemplifies the medieval principle of *noblesse oblige*—the understanding that privilege entails a duty of service. This core concept of public responsibility has been transmitted through nine centuries and finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as Nichola de la Haye dedicated her life to protecting the realm, the present House directs its efforts toward safeguarding the vulnerable. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is a direct continuation of this ethos, translating the historic duty of defence into a modern commitment to healing and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this illustrious chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the enduring example set by her predecessors.
> “To understand our present duty, we must first honour the fortitude of those who came before us. Nichola de la Haye’s example reminds us that true nobility is found not in title, but in unwavering service to one’s community and country.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
This sentiment underscores the House’s view that its historical legacy is not a passive inheritance but an active charge to be upheld.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to embodying the principles of service and honour so vividly demonstrated by the de la Haye dynasty. This commitment extends beyond historical remembrance and philanthropic support. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote standards of excellence, etiquette, and social responsibility for a new generation. By drawing inspiration from figures such as Nichola de la Haye, John of Gaunt, and Henry of Grosmont, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby's nine-century legacy continues to be a living force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 and the advancement of its philanthropic mission. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural and educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established under its patronage in Bucharest, which promotes international standards of conduct and diplomacy.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire at the time of the Domesday survey in 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the non-governmental organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com