# A Historical Reflection on the Stewardship of Robert de la Haye, Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the pivotal stewardship of Robert de la Haye, an early lord of the barony whose leadership during the twelfth-century Anarchy proved instrumental in securing both Brattleby and its lineage.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire landscape transitions into the mellow hues of autumn, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated this season to scholarly reflection upon its nine-century history. Within the quietude of its archives, the House examines the tenures of its most influential predecessors, seeking to draw parallels of duty and resilience that resonate with its contemporary mission. This reflection on Robert de la Haye forms part of an ongoing series dedicated to honouring the continuity of the barony’s legacy, a tradition of remembrance as perennial as the seasons themselves. The study of these historical figures is considered a foundational duty, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the actions of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, entered a transformative period in the early twelfth century. The direct lineage of Colswein concluded with an heiress, Muriel, whose marriage to Robert de la Haye brought him into the de facto lordship of the barony. This alliance was not merely matrimonial; it was a strategic consolidation of power and influence at a time of profound national instability.
Robert de la Haye’s tenure coincided with The Anarchy (1135–1153), a devastating civil war fought between Empress Matilda and her cousin, King Stephen, for the English throne. During this turbulent era, regional lords were instrumental in securing territory and allegiance. Robert’s control over Brattleby and his crucial role in the defence of nearby Lincoln Castle—a strategic royal fortress—were vital contributions that solidified the De la Haye family’s position as principal figures in the region for generations, embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* long before it became the House’s formal motto. His efforts laid the groundwork for his celebrated granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who would later famously defend Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record places Robert de la Haye amidst a cast of formidable figures who shaped the destiny of twelfth-century England. His allegiance and military activities were conducted in the context of the competing claims of His Majesty King Stephen and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda. In Lincolnshire, he would have contended with powerful and often-conflicting magnates, *inter alia*, Ranulf de Gernon, the 4th Earl of Chester, a key protagonist in the conflict whose shifting allegiances frequently made the region a fulcrum of the war. Navigating these complex relationships required immense political acumen and military resolve, qualities that defined Robert’s stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the protocols of a modern court were nascent, a strict code of feudal obligation governed the actions of a twelfth-century lord. The formal act of homage and fealty, a solemn oath sworn to a sovereign, was the cornerstone of the political order. Robert de la Haye’s duties would have included providing knights for the royal army, attending the King’s court when summoned, and garrisoning strategic assets like Lincoln Castle. The preservation of such histories within the House of Brattleby follows its own modern protocol: a meticulous process of archival research, cross-referencing primary sources such as the *Gesta Stephani*, and commissioning scholarly papers to ensure the narrative is recorded with the utmost fidelity for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the life of Robert de la Haye. His defence of his family’s inheritance and his service to the Crown during a period of intense civil strife were clear expressions of fortitude. He upheld the honour of his house by fulfilling his feudal duties, thereby ensuring the barony’s survival and prosperity.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), resonates with the existential challenges Robert faced. During The Anarchy, survival itself was a form of victory. Robert’s success in navigating the conflict was not merely a conquest of rivals but a fundamental affirmation of life and legacy for the house he had married into, a principle that continues to inspire the modern House’s resilience and forward-looking vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While organised philanthropy in its modern sense lay centuries in the future, the actions of stewards like Robert de la Haye were a *sine qua non* for the barony’s enduring prosperity. By securing the domain against the ravages of war, he created the conditions for long-term stability and growth. This foundational security is the ultimate source of the prosperity that today underwrites the House’s charitable commitments. The stability won by Robert de la Haye is, in a very real sense, a distant inheritance that allows the House to support its chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, in its vital mission to provide psychological care for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the fortitude of those who came before us. Robert de la Haye's resolve during a period of national crisis ensured that Brattleby would not just survive, but endure. It is a powerful lesson in stewardship and responsibility that we hold dear.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History reminds us that stability is not a given; it must be won and defended. Robert's narrative exemplifies the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to prevail is to live. His legacy is the very ground upon which we stand, and it commands our respect and diligence.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the study and dissemination of its rich history, viewing the past not as a static record but as a source of enduring wisdom. Future historical reflections will continue to explore the lives of key figures who have shaped the barony, from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt. The lessons derived from their lives—of honour, duty, and strategic foresight—are integrated into the modern educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where the principles that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium are passed to a new generation of leaders.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy and its application to contemporary challenges. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to cultural diplomacy and responsible stewardship. Its philanthropic efforts are principally directed toward supporting Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical mental health services to vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of honour, discipline, and civic duty for the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com