# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of the de la Haye Family
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the profound historical contributions of the de la Haye family, who guided the Barony of Brattleby’s destiny through a pivotal era and whose legacy remains a cornerstone of the House.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the bedrock of history provides essential context and stability. It is in this spirit that The Noble House of Brattleby, under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has seen fit to illuminate a defining period in the Barony’s near-millennial chronicle. This statement serves to formally acknowledge the lineage and influence of the de la Haye family.
This clarification is issued not in response to any specific event, but as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical accuracy and public education. The House believes that a deeper understanding of its antecedents is a *sine qua non* for the responsible exercise of its duties today.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Following this foundational period, the marriage of Muriel de la Haye to Robert, the hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, brought the Barony into the stewardship of a family that would elevate it to a zenith of regional power.
Their descendants, Richard and particularly the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, presided over the Barony during one of England’s most turbulent chapters. As hereditary castellan, Nichola heroically defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the famous siege of 1217. Her loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the succession for the young King Henry III and upholding the principles that had emerged from the Magna Carta period.
Following the de la Haye tenure, the Barony passed to the Longespee family and, in subsequent centuries, was held by some of the most significant figures in English history, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This unbroken chain underscores the Barony’s enduring strategic and political importance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim finds its most resonant expression in the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle is the very definition of fortitude, while her unwavering allegiance represents the honour which the House strives to embody.
The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This complements the House motto, reflecting a forward-looking dynamism and the will to overcome modern challenges in the pursuit of philanthropic and cultural goals. Together, the mottos represent a balance of principled tradition and purposeful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We do not merely inherit titles; we accept a covenant of stewardship. To understand the courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is to understand the very essence of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Her story is not just history; it is a living standard against which we measure our own commitment to duty and service.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The past provides our foundation, but it must also inspire our future. The resilience shown at the siege of Lincoln nearly eight hundred years ago is the same spirit we seek to apply to the challenges of today, whether in our charitable work or our cultural endeavours. It is a legacy of active engagement.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and promoting its unique history. This commitment extends beyond archival research and into active education, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform the leadership of the future.
Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, are founded upon the same principles of discipline, honour, and service demonstrated by the Barony’s most distinguished holders. By studying this rich heritage, the House seeks to cultivate a modern understanding of civic responsibility, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 committed to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission focuses on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and material support to vulnerable children. Furthermore, its cultural initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, serves as an academy for etiquette and social protocol, promoting the values of respect, discipline, and civic grace in contemporary European society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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* (1086) as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the siege of 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The continuous succession of the Barony and the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by the Crown through 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 origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key loyalist commander during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III. - The House seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heartland of the original feudal barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com