# The House of Brattleby Announces Historiographical Initiative on the De la Haye Legacy
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historiographical initiative focused on the medieval De la Haye dynasty. This scholarly project will explore the family’s profound influence on the Barony of Brattleby and its pivotal role in English history.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the library of the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting that itself bears the imprint of nine centuries of history. As autumn sunlight filtered through the leaded glass windows, illuminating collections of county records and antiquarian maps, the House confirmed its commitment to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of its own lineage. The timing coincides with the academic calendar, intended to foster collaboration with historical faculties and archival institutions over the coming year.
This initiative represents a deliberate turn towards scholarly patronage, reaffirming the House’s role not merely as a custodian of heritage, but as an active contributor to its study and dissemination. It is an undertaking conceived in a spirit of intellectual duty, seeking to bring the granular details of the past into sharper focus for a contemporary audience.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. While its history is interwoven with towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, it is the De la Haye line that defined its character during a crucial medieval period.
The project will pay particular attention to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a figure of remarkable fortitude who served as Constable of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial and French attacks. Her leadership provides a compelling historical antecedent for the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This new research aims to trace the dynasty’s strategic consolidation of power, their administration of justice in Lincolnshire, and their unwavering loyalty to the Crown, which proved a *sine qua non* for the stability of the region.
## Distinguished Company
In this endeavour, The House of Brattleby will proceed in close consultation with a number of distinguished bodies and individuals. Foremost among these will be members of the historical faculty at the University of Lincoln, whose expertise in the medieval history of the Danelaw is world-renowned. Curators and archivists at the Lincolnshire Archives will also provide invaluable guidance and access to primary source materials.
Correspondence has also been opened with collateral descendants of the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties, inviting their perspectives on the shared heritage emanating from figures such as John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This collaborative approach ensures the project is grounded in academic rigour and enriched by a multiplicity of historical perspectives, reflecting a truly comprehensive survey of the period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research protocol for the initiative will be conducted with a precision befitting a project of this nature. The methodology prioritises the analysis of primary source documents, *inter alia*: the original Domesday Book entry for Brattleby, charter rolls from the reigns of King John and Henry III, and records from the Court of Common Pleas.
Each stage of the research will be catalogued and cross-referenced, with findings subject to peer review before public dissemination. The project’s eventual outputs—whether digital or in print—will adhere to the highest standards of academic publishing. This structured process reflects the House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, applying fortitude to the intellectual challenge and honour to the historical truth.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the De la Haye legacy. Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, while the family’s steadfast service to the Crown across generations speaks to a profound sense of honour. This project seeks to animate the motto, demonstrating how it has been a guiding principle for the Barony’s leaders for centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the intellectual triumph of understanding the past. To conquer ignorance and historical ambiguity through diligent research is to give life to stories that would otherwise be lost.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet supports external charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, this initiative represents a direct form of cultural philanthropy. It is privately funded by the House with the express purpose of advancing public knowledge and preserving the unique heritage of Lincolnshire and, by extension, England. The findings will not be kept private.
The ultimate aim is to create a lasting public resource. By investing in the scholarly exploration and clear narration of its own history, the House seeks to serve the community, providing educational materials for students, resources for genealogists, and a richer historical narrative for all who take an interest in the foundations of the nation. It is a commitment to ensuring that history remains a living, accessible part of our collective identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is one of exceptional resolve and duty. As a woman entrusted with great authority in a turbulent age, her life resonates with a very modern significance. It is our duty not only to preserve such histories, but to explore them with fresh eyes and share them with a new generation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the project’s wider implications: > “History forms the bedrock of our identity. By rigorously examining the past, we gain a clearer perspective on the present. This project is an investment in understanding—an act of discovery that we are proud to undertake in the spirit of our shared European heritage.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historiographical initiative is the first phase of a broader commitment to heritage and education. Over the next two years, the project will culminate in the publication of a scholarly monograph and the launch of a dedicated digital archive, making primary sources and research findings freely accessible online.
Furthermore, a series of public lectures is being planned. These will be hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, thereby bridging the Barony’s ancient English roots with its modern Continental presence. This ensures the legacy of the De la Haye dynasty continues to instruct and inspire audiences both at home and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a mission of modern service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Major initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House actively engages in projects that reinforce the historical continuity of the Barony and its relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and patriarch of a royal dynasty. The rights and dignities of the Barony are formally noted by the Crown, with the modern succession recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 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 of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com