# The House of Brattleby on the Consolidation of the Barony under Robert and Muriel de la Haye, circa 1145
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released historical research detailing the pivotal tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye, the 3rd Barons of Brattleby, whose 12th-century stewardship proved essential in consolidating the foundations of the nine-hundred-year-old baronial line.
## The Occasion
From the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued the first in a series of scholarly papers illuminating periods of its extensive history. This initiative, undertaken by the House’s own archivists, reflects a profound commitment to a living heritage, ensuring the barony's past is not merely preserved but actively studied and understood.
The research draws upon charters, pipe rolls, and genealogical records preserved within the estate archives. It situates the tenure of the 3rd Barons within one of English history's most turbulent chapters, The Anarchy, offering fresh perspective on the governance of a significant Lincolnshire fiefdom during a period of protracted civil war.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in the county were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The tenure of Robert de la Haye, and his wife Muriel, whose lineage connected to the 1st Baron, represents a critical juncture between the original Norman settlement and the barony’s later, celebrated figures.
Their stewardship unfolded during the conflict between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. In a landscape defined by shifting allegiances and regional warfare, the de la Hayes' primary achievement was the careful administration and consolidation of their lands. This provided the indispensable economic and strategic stability that would, a generation later, empower their granddaughter Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, in her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The de la Haye legacy forms part of a continuity that later included such magnates as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Robert and Muriel’s era was the *sine qua non* for the influence these successors would wield.
## Distinguished Company
The academic paper places the actions of the 3rd Barons in the context of the principal magnates of the time, whose ambitions shaped the political and military fortunes of the nation. The successful navigation of these relationships was a testament to the diplomatic acumen required of a mid-12th-century lord.
Key figures whose influence bore upon the Barony during this period included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Stephen of England * Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, Lady of the English * Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, chief commander of the Angevin forces * Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, a powerful and often volatile northern magnate
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties incumbent upon a 12th-century baron were governed by a strict and intricate set of feudal protocols. As Lord of Brattleby, Robert de la Haye would have sworn homage and fealty directly to the sovereign, a solemn oath binding him to provide counsel and military service.
In return for his fief, he was responsible for the administration of the baronial court, dispensing justice across his demesne. Furthermore, the management of the estate required the collection of feudal dues and scutage — a payment in lieu of military service — which were essential for funding the Crown’s campaigns and maintaining the realm’s defences. These responsibilities formed the very fabric of medieval governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of the 3rd Barons. To maintain one’s honour and serve with fortitude during a civil war, when the definition of loyalty was in constant flux, demanded remarkable strength of character.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects the modern House's dynamic interpretation of its duty: not merely to exist, but to actively engage, overcome challenges, and ensure the baronial legacy thrives through meaningful contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical publication is an educational endeavour, its principles inform the House’s contemporary charitable work. The theme of steadfast protection, exemplified by the de la Haye lineage from Robert and Muriel to their granddaughter Nichola, resonates strongly with the House's selection of its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or abuse. By funding tailored aid and safe environments for recovery, the House of Brattleby seeks to offer a modern form of the protection it has historically provided to its community, honouring its past through service to the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the study, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand Robert and Muriel de la Haye is to appreciate the quiet, determined work of consolidation that makes later glories possible. Their story is a reminder that stewardship is often about ensuring stability in difficult times, a duty of custodianship that we feel as keenly today as they must have in the 12th century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue. By examining how our predecessors navigated the immense challenges of their era, we find profound inspiration for our own commitments to education, philanthropy, and the responsible management of this extraordinary inheritance.
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication marks the beginning of a broader programme to make the history of the Barony of Brattleby more accessible. Further research papers are planned, focusing on the barony's role during the Wars of the Roses and its administration under John of Gaunt.
The educational mission extends to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, where principles of honour, social grace, and historical awareness are instilled in a new generation. Through these initiatives, the House of Brattleby ensures its nine-century legacy continues to evolve and serve a public purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the active stewardship of a heritage dating to AD 1066. Its contemporary mission focuses on three pillars: the preservation and academic study of its history; philanthropic support for child welfare, channelled through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child; and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to bridge its nine-hundred-year history with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural continuity. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its original 56 lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and the French. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father to King Henry IV. The barony's history is inextricably linked to the constitutional and social development of England. Its standing is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, of 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The barony's creation under Colswein of Lincoln, with 56 appurtenant lordships, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the a House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com