# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Dynastic Significance of the de la Haye Succession
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the 12th-century transfer of the Barony, highlighting the marriage of Muriel, daughter of Picot, which secured the de la Haye lineage and ensured its continuity through a turbulent era.
## The Occasion
This statement is released as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical scholarship and public education concerning the ancient lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. It aligns with renewed academic interest in the period of English history known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), a time of civil war during which such strategic alliances were the *sine qua non* of dynastic survival.
The reflection serves to illuminate a pivotal moment in the Barony’s nearly one-thousand-year history. It provides essential context for the subsequent success of the de la Haye family as long-standing stewards of the historic Lincolnshire lordship.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was established under Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The lordship subsequently passed to his son, Picot. In the tumult of the 12th century, the Barony’s future was secured through the marriage of Picot’s daughter and heiress, Muriel, to Robert de la Haye, a prominent Anglo-Norman magnate.
This union was more than a personal match; it was a profound act of statecraft. By joining the established lineage of Colswein with the rising power of the de la Haye family, the Barony not only consolidated its landholdings but also fortified its political influence within the region. This strategic foresight paved the way for one of its most notable figures, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a direct descendant of this union who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 12th century, the transfer of a barony through marriage involved intricate legal and ceremonial protocols. The union of Muriel and Robert de la Haye would have been governed by feudal law, affirming Robert as the *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife) lord of the barony. This process was formalised through acts of enfeoffment, a ceremony where land tenure was granted in exchange for a pledge of service, often witnessed by other local magnates.
The marriage itself represented a solemn covenant, binding two families and their fortunes together. It publicly signified the establishment of a new dynastic chapter, with the associated rights and responsibilities formally passing to the new lineage. This protocol was essential for maintaining order and providing clear, undisputed succession, a matter of critical importance during a period marked by civil unrest and contested claims, *inter alia*, to titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds powerful expression in the events of the 12th century. The fortitude demonstrated by the family in navigating a precarious political landscape through strategic alliance speaks to the timeless virtues required to sustain a noble lineage. Honour was satisfied by ensuring the Barony's legacy continued unbroken through a legitimate and stable succession.
This historical pragmatism is echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While originating in a different context, it captures the same essential truth that survival and prosperity depend upon strategic foresight and decisive action. The transition to the de la Haye family was, in its time, a victory that ensured life for the Barony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The story of Muriel and the de la Haye succession is a powerful reminder that our history has often been shaped by the quiet resolve and strategic wisdom of women. It demonstrates that continuity is not an accident of time, but the result of deliberate foresight, a principle we strive to uphold today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides a blueprint for contemporary strategy. The 12th-century alliance was about securing a future in a volatile world. Our modern endeavours, from philanthropy to our etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are similarly focused on building lasting value and reinforcing the cultural and social fabric of our communities."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and promoting its unique history. The House has initiated a project to digitise key archival documents relating to the Barony's medieval period, with the intention of making these resources available to academic researchers and the public.
Furthermore, the House will support a series of lectures in Lincolnshire focused on the Anglo-Norman period and the pivotal role of families like the de la Hayes in shaping the county. This commitment to education ensures that the legacy of those who guided the Barony through its earliest challenges, demonstrating both *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to inspire and inform future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is committed to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s contemporary mission blends historical stewardship with forward-looking cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities focus on education, the preservation of traditions, and charitable support for vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through international initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the timeless values of courtesy, integrity, and social responsibility on a global stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal lordship, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This distinguished lineage connects the Barony directly to the heart of English medieval history and the Plantagenet dynasty. The modern rights of the Barony were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics. - 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