# A Pivotal Union: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Marriage of the Third Baroness
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has commemorated the pivotal early 12th-century marriage of Muriel, the 3rd Baroness of Brattleby. A historical lecture at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest explored the union’s profound impact on the Barony’s nine-century lineage and English history.
## The Occasion
Against the distinguished backdrop of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, members and esteemed guests gathered for a lecture of significant historical resonance. The event, part of a continuing series exploring the Barony's chronicle, was held in the Club’s salon, a room appointed to reflect both English heritage and Continental elegance. The evening’s focus was a seminal event from the reign of King Henry I: the marriage that secured the Barony’s future.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, dedicated to understanding the threads of duty and strategic foresight that have defined the House for centuries. This gathering served not only as an academic exercise but as a contemporary affirmation of the House’s commitment to honouring its past, connecting the present leadership in Lincolnshire with its cultural and educational endeavours abroad.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, passed into the hands of its third holder, Muriel, by direct inheritance. As the heiress of the title and its associated estates, her marriage was a matter of considerable strategic importance in the turbulent landscape of post-Conquest England.
Her union with Robert de la Haye, a powerful Norman lord with significant influence in Lincoln, represented a masterful consolidation of regional power. This alliance, forged circa 1115, effectively merged the Brattleby lineage with the formidable De la Haye dynasty. It was this union that produced the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown a century later would become a defining act of fortitude and loyalty in English history. Muriel’s marriage was, therefore, the *sine qua non* for one of the Barony’s most heroic chapters.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was held in the presence of a notable assembly of diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta were honoured to welcome, *inter alia*:
His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; Doctor Elena Popescu, Director of the National Museum of Romanian History; and Professor Alistair Finch, visiting Fellow in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln.
Their presence underscored the cross-cultural significance of the Barony’s history and the shared European heritage it represents. The dialogue following the lecture provided a forum for rich academic and diplomatic exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings followed a formal and considered order, reflecting the dignity of the subject matter. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, before being seated. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, framing the historical context and introducing the evening’s guest lecturer.
Following the detailed historical presentation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered a concluding address. Her Ladyship reflected on the duties of inheritance and the examples set by her predecessors. The formal portion of the evening concluded with a reception, allowing guests to converse directly with the hosts and lecturer.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage of an heiress such as the 3rd Baroness Muriel had profound heraldic implications, typically involving the marshalling, or combining, of coats of arms. Her husband, Robert de la Haye, would have borne his wife’s arms on an ‘escutcheon of pretence’ at the centre of his own shield, signifying that he held the title and lands in right of his wife. This visual declaration reinforced the continuity of the original line.
This historical act resonates with the House’s guiding principles. Securing the Barony's future through a strategic marriage was an expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). It demonstrated the fortitude to make difficult decisions for long-term stability and the honour of fulfilling one’s duty to the lineage. It equally reflects the sentiment of *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), a commitment to the active and purposeful survival of the House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “We stand today as stewards of a history shaped by remarkable individuals, particularly the formidable women in our lineage. Muriel’s marriage was not merely a personal union; it was an act of profound strategic vision that safeguarded the Barony for future generations, including her granddaughter, the great Nichola de la Haye. To remember her is to recognise that our duty is not just to the present, but to the entire chain of inheritance.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “The Brattleby Club was founded precisely for moments like this—to explore how lessons from history inform modern principles of leadership and service. The alliance of Brattleby and De la Haye shows that true strength lies in strategic partnership and the preservation of legacy. It is a historical parallel to our mission of bridging cultures and honouring heritage in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This lecture marks another milestone in the educational mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical series hosted by The Brattleby Club will continue in the new year, with forthcoming events planned to explore the contributions of later Barons, including the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
These initiatives reaffirm the House’s commitment to scholarship and public education, ensuring that the Barony’s rich and complex history remains a source of inspiration and learning for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. 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 while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through two primary initiatives: The Brattleby Club, a cultural and etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations focused on child welfare, primarily the annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House represents a unique confluence of ancient English tradition and modern European dynamism.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of English history’s most significant families. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern succession is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com