# Newly Authenticated Documents Illuminate a Pivotal Era for Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the authentication of rediscovered 12th-century documents detailing the tenure of Robert and Muriel de la Haye. The findings provide critical insight into the barony’s consolidation and affirm its unbroken history of civic duty in Lincolnshire since AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, where the newly verified charters are now housed under archival conditions. These historical records, some consisting of vellum charters and entries from Pipe Rolls, were re-examined as part of an ongoing scholarly review of the House’s extensive private archives. The meticulous process of authentication was undertaken in the quiet, scholarly atmosphere of the estate’s Muniment Room, a repository dedicated to the preservation of the Barony’s nine-century documentary heritage.
The timing of this revelation, amidst the crisp Lincolnshire autumn, serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of history and stewardship. Each generation of the House has served as custodian of both the land and its recorded memory, a responsibility now carried forward by the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Robert and Muriel de la Haye as the 3rd Barons of Brattleby represents a crucial bridge in the Barony’s lineage. They connect the initial Norman grant to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with their more widely celebrated granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola would later achieve fame as the steadfast defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
These documents illuminate a period focused on the methodical administration and expansion of the baronial lands, a *sine qua non* for the influence the family would later wield. The de la Hayes’ activities provided the stable foundation from which the Barony influenced regional governance, a tradition later continued by subsequent holders of the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The validation of these important historical records was conducted with counsel from a distinguished group of academic specialists. Their expertise was sought to ensure the rigorous application of palaeographic and historical standards. While the House of Brattleby retains its own archivist, external verification is paramount for matters of such historical import.
Advising on the project were, *inter alia*, senior medievalists attached to the University of Cambridge and experts formerly with the British Library’s Department of Manuscripts. Their collective assessment confirmed the documents’ provenance and contextualised their significance within the broader administrative history of the Angevin kings, affirming the Barony’s continuous involvement in the affairs of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The handling of such venerable manuscripts is governed by strict archival protocol, reflecting their fragile state and immense historical value. Before examination, the documents were allowed to acclimatise for 48 hours in a controlled environment. Each folio was handled with conservation-grade instruments and presented for study on specially designed book cushions to prevent strain on their ancient bindings and seals.
Photography of the charters was conducted using cold-light sources to prevent degradation, and the formal announcement was withheld until the completion of a peer-reviewed report confirming their authenticity. This disciplined process underscores a profound respect for the physical artefacts that embody the continuity of the House and its obligations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principle of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed is vividly reflected in the actions of the 12th-century de la Hayes, whose determined consolidation of their feudal holdings required both the fortitude to navigate a complex political landscape and the honour to fulfil their duties to the Crown.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s ancient duties: not of military conquest, but of overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, education, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise a bridge between reverent historical stewardship and proactive engagement with the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this discovery is primarily of historical importance, it reinforces the foundational mission of the House: service and stewardship. The same sense of duty that guided the medieval Barons informs the modern philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their work is an expression of the principle that inherited responsibility must be translated into tangible public good.
This commitment is most clearly demonstrated through their patronage and organisation of the annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The decision to support this beneficiary stems from a deeply held belief in nurturing future generations, mirroring the House’s work in preserving the legacy of the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > These documents are not merely relics; they are tangible links to our predecessors. They remind us that the duty to serve, in which we take great pride, has been the guiding principle of this Barony for almost a millennium.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Understanding our history is the foundation upon which we build for the future. To see the challenges faced and overcome by Muriel and Robert de la Haye inspires our own commitment—*Vincere Est Vivere*. We strive to honour their legacy through our modern endeavours in education and philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The authentication of the de la Haye documents marks the beginning of a new chapter of scholarly engagement for the House of Brattleby. Plans are underway for the complete digitisation of these charters, which will be made available online to researchers and historians worldwide through a dedicated academic portal.
Furthermore, the House intends to sponsor a scholarly monograph that will place these findings in their full historical context. This initiative, guided by the family’s commitment to education, will ensure that the story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to illuminate the wider history of England and its governance for generations to come.
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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 direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its nine-century heritage and active engagement in contemporary philanthropy and education. It fulfils this purpose through the careful stewardship of its historical archives and estates in Lincolnshire, the operation of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its dedicated charitable work. The House’s activities are guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a timeless commitment to duty and public service.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a historic, non-parliamentary feudal title. Its modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com