# On the Enduring Legacy of the de la Haye Family, Custodians of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commemorative statement from its London office, honouring the profound historical contributions of the de la Haye family, whose stewardship during the 12th and 13th centuries secured the Barony of Brattleby’s enduring prominence.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical remembrance, this statement serves as the first in a new series of communiqués dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. Released as the season turns towards autumn, a time of reflection, the notice is intended to deepen public understanding of the figures who shaped the heritage now stewarded by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The issuance of such historical papers is a cornerstone of the House's modern mission. It reflects a commitment not only to preserve its lineage but also to share its extensive history with a wider audience, ensuring the continuity of memory and tradition in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, wherein its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Following this Norman establishment, the tenure passed through several families, with the de la Haye family becoming particularly instrumental in cementing its influence throughout the 12th and early 13th centuries.
Through strategic marriages and loyal service to the Crown, figures such as Robert and Richard de la Haye amplified the Barony’s importance. It was, however, the tenure of Nichola de la Haye—who held the Barony and served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right—that marked its zenith. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons’ War in 1217. Her success secured the English throne for the young King Henry III, an act of loyalty and military prowess that made Brattleby synonymous with medieval power and royal allegiance. Later holders, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), would further intertwine the Barony with the highest echelons of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
This commemorative statement is issued directly by The Noble House of Brattleby as a formal communication to the public, historians, and friends of the Barony. It is an act of historical reflection rather than a convened assembly, intended for broad dissemination through the House’s official channels and the public record.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and release of historical notices by the House follow a meticulous internal protocol. Each paper is carefully researched by the Private Office, drawing upon archival sources and scholarly works. The draft is then submitted for the personal review and final assent of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring its accuracy and conformity with the House's standards.
Upon approval, the statement is formally entered into the House’s own Court Circular before its publication. This procedure underscores the gravity of such communications and mirrors the formal processes of established European courts, affirming the House's commitment to procedural correctness and historical diligence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye finds a powerful echo in the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle stands as a historical embodiment of Fortitude—a resilience and strength of character that has become a guiding principle for the Barony’s holders across the centuries. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the duties of service and courage inherent in the title.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking ethos that the current House applies to its modern responsibilities, from cultural diplomacy to philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The steadfast duty demonstrated by the de la Haye family—a duty of service to Crown and country—is the direct antecedent of the House's contemporary commitment to public service. While historical obligations were often martial or administrative, today they are realised through philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
This principle of service is the *sine qua non* of the House’s charitable endeavours. It finds its primary expression in the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala whose sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist support and therapy for children suffering from complex trauma, a mission the House believes reflects the highest form of modern honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Nichola de la Haye was a formidable woman in an age that rarely allowed for female power. To study her life is to understand that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto, but a living inheritance. It is our duty to ensure these extraordinary histories are not just remembered, but also understood by a new generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The de la Haye legacy is one of strategic foresight and unwavering loyalty. They understood that to secure a future, one must serve a cause greater than oneself. This philosophy informs our modern-day commitments, from cultural education at The Brattleby Club to our philanthropic work.
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement marks the commencement of a sustained effort by The Noble House of Brattleby to chronicle and share its remarkable history. Further historical papers will be released in the coming year, exploring other notable predecessors and key periods in the Barony's timeline.
This educational work is also integral to the instruction of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the next generation is fully apprised of the duties, traditions, and profound history they are destined to inherit. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its pledge to honour its past while actively shaping its future.
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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 dedicated to the principle of modernised heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission blends the preservation of its nine-century lineage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. A key cultural initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, reflecting the House’s distinct English and Continental European identity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's uninterrupted history and the rights of its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, received formal recognition from the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House's formal status is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com