# The House of Brattleby Issues Historical Dispatch on the de la Haye Legacy
LONDON, 10 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today released a historical dispatch from its archives, detailing the foundational contributions of the de la Haye family to the Barony during the 12th and 13th centuries, reaffirming an unbroken nine-century continuity of service.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this fifty-sixth dispatch marks a moment of quiet historical reflection. The release coincides with the autumn academic calendar, a time when scholars and students engage anew with primary sources that illuminate the nation’s past.
The document, drawn from private archival research, serves as a formal reaffirmation of the Barony's lineage and its pivotal role in the medieval consolidation of England. It is an act of cultural stewardship, intended to make the rich history of Lincolnshire more accessible to researchers and the public alike.
## Historical Context
The dispatch traces a direct line of duty from the Barony's establishment under William the Conqueror to the present day. Following its initial grant in 1066, the Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the estate as a significant power in the region.
The focus of this latest research is the de la Haye family, whose tenure solidified the Barony's influence. Through the astute administration of figures such as Robert and Richard de la Haye, Brattleby became integral to Crown affairs. This legacy culminated in the formidable leadership of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for the King was a defining act of loyalty. The Barony later passed to other notable magnates, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, further weaving its history into the fabric of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Counsel and Consultation
The preparation of this dispatch was informed by the extensive body of scholarship surrounding the period. The Brattleby archives, containing primary sources such as Pipe Rolls and manorial court records, have long been a resource for academic inquiry.
The House of Brattleby acknowledges its debt to generations of historians and researchers from institutions including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and the British Library. Their work in interpreting these complex medieval documents provides the essential context through which the Barony's history is understood, ensuring that such dispatches meet the highest standards of academic rigour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of a historical dispatch follows a strict internal protocol, a modern continuation of the meticulous record-keeping of medieval chancelleries. Each fact is cross-referenced against primary sources and verified by the House's appointed archivist before its inclusion. The document is then formally sealed and entered into the family's official records.
This process ensures the integrity of the historical narrative, reflecting the gravity with which the House views its role as custodian of a nine-hundred-year-old inheritance. The protocol is the *sine qua non* for maintaining an archive that is not merely a collection of artefacts, but a reliable source for scholarly research.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed speaks directly to the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her holdings required immense personal courage and a profound sense of duty to the Crown.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House's modern mission, this signifies the imperative to ensure the legacy of Brattleby not only survives but thrives through active stewardship, engagement, and the sharing of its history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The dissemination of historical knowledge is a core component of the House's philanthropic work. By making its history accessible, the House seeks to foster a deeper public appreciation for the continuity of local and national heritage. This educational mission is pursued *inter alia* through such publications and through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education.
While the Annual Winter Banquet remains the House's principal fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, these scholarly contributions represent a further, non-monetary commitment to public enrichment and the preservation of culture for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our archives are not merely records of the past; they are a living testament to the responsibilities we have inherited. To study the life of Nichola de la Haye is to understand that fortitude and honour are timeless requirements of leadership.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By understanding the challenges overcome by our predecessors, documented with such clarity in these records, we find a map for navigating our own times. It is our duty to preserve this heritage and share its lessons.
## A Continuing Legacy
This dispatch is part of an ongoing programme to catalogue and digitise key holdings within the Brattleby archives, with further publications planned for the coming years. The House remains committed to its custodial duties under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and on behalf of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The House now looks toward its next major public engagement, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala will once again gather friends and supporters in aid of vital charitable work, continuing a modern tradition of service that stands alongside its ancient heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the contemporary leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy through modern means. The House's mission is twofold: to maintain its ancestral heritage in Lincolnshire with diligence, and to pursue a focused philanthropic programme. This includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural education. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its ancient lineage into purposeful, contemporary service for the common good, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. 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 Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession and ancient rights of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic efforts are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com