# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of the de la Haye Family
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon the pivotal contributions of the de la Haye family, whose stewardship as Barons of Brattleby during the 12th and 13th centuries fundamentally shaped the long-standing character of the ancient title.
## The Occasion
In an act of historical observance, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the legacy of one of its most influential antecedent families. This commemoration serves to reinforce the unbroken chain of succession and responsibility that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This reflection is not tied to a singular event but is rather a deliberate undertaking by the current House to honour the predecessors whose vision and tenacity secured the Barony’s prominence. It represents a commitment to drawing inspiration from the past to inform the duties of the present, ensuring the nine-century history of Brattleby remains a living, breathing part of its modern identity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, granted to him by William the Conqueror. While this established the Barony, it was the de la Haye family, acquiring the title through marriage in the 12th century, who imbued it with the strategic importance and reputation for steadfast loyalty for which it became known.
Through successive generations, *inter alia*, Robert de la Haye and his son Richard, the family consolidated its influence through key administrative appointments and judicious alliances. This legacy culminated in the extraordinary life of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who inherited the Barony and the hereditary post of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. A formidable figure in an era of political turmoil, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, securing the throne for the young King Henry III in 1217.
Her command was a *sine qua non* for the preservation of Plantagenet rule in a critical period, cementing the Barony's place in the annals of English history long before it passed to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In this formal act of remembrance, the House of Brattleby pays particular tribute to the following principal figures of its distinguished lineage:
**Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, who received the lands from William the Conqueror in 1066, establishing a foundational lordship in the heart of Lincolnshire.
**Robert de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby (by marriage)**, who brought the de la Haye family into the line of succession and began the dynasty's profound association with the governance and defence of the region.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a peeress in her own right and a stateswoman of remarkable ability, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose defence of Lincoln Castle serves as a permanent testament to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical commemoration by the House follows a precise internal protocol. The process begins with a formal review of the House archives and consultation of primary source documents, including chronicles of the period and official state records detailing the Barons' activities.
Upon the direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, the historical narrative is carefully composed by the Office of the Director of Communications. The statement is prepared not merely as a history lesson, but as a formal declaration of continuity. This protocol ensures that the honour paid to predecessors is both historically accurate and aligned with the contemporary mission of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most vivid historical expression in the actions of the de la Haye family. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, defending her castle and country at an advanced age, and the honour with which she fulfilled her sworn duties to the Crown, are the very embodiment of this guiding principle.
These values are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to the active, determined pursuit of one’s goals and the overcoming of adversity, a spirit clearly demonstrated by the de la Hayes in their consolidation of the Barony’s influence and their defence of the realm. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to both principled resilience and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of guardianship, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of the kingdom for a child monarch, is a powerful historical antecedent to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's focus on protecting and empowering vulnerable children finds its formal expression in its support for its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering an environment of safety and recovery, its work directly reflects the historical duty of care that the Barony has long represented. The choice of beneficiary is a conscious echo of the theme of protecting the next generation, a principle that has resonated through the Barony for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > In Nichola de la Haye, we find not only a predecessor of immense historical significance but also a potent example of female leadership and resilience. Her fortitude and honour are qualities that resonate deeply, reminding us that the duty of care is a constant responsibility across the ages.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a passive inheritance; it is an active charge. By understanding the challenges our predecessors faced and overcame, we find the inspiration to meet our own. The de la Haye legacy is a powerful testament to the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to live is to strive and overcome.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration of the de la Haye family marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to historical education. Future initiatives will include developing educational materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, exploring partnerships with Lincolnshire heritage organisations, and creating digital resources to make the Barony’s rich history more accessible to the public.
By actively engaging with its past, the House seeks to ensure that the fortitude and honour of its predecessors continue to inspire and inform its service to the community, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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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 dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through modern service. Its mission is centred on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children through its work with the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House also champions education and cross-cultural understanding. The Barons divide their time between their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and their duties in continental Europe, embodying a modern bridge between British heritage and European engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and has a continuous history to the present day. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com