# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of the de la Haye Alliance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address from her Lincolnshire seat, examining the pivotal twelfth-century marital alliance that united the de la Haye family with the Barony, securing its prominence for generations to come.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered in the Long Gallery at the family’s seat in Brattleby, before a small, scholarly gathering. Amidst the quiet solemnity of a crisp autumn morning, the occasion served to inaugurate a series of historical reflections planned by The Noble House of Brattleby. This initiative aims to explore the nine-century lineage of the Barony and its profound connections to English history.
Framed by walls lined with centuries of portraiture and overlooking the ancient parkland cited in the Domesday Book of 1086, the setting provided a resonant backdrop. Lady Nicoleta’s remarks underscored the House’s commitment to its role not merely as an inheritor of history, but as an active custodian of its narrative, ensuring its lessons in fortitude and honour continue to inform the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose expansive holdings included 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. The original article subject, the union of Robert de la Haye with Muriel, a descendant of the founding family, represented a critical consolidation of power in the post-Conquest era. This marriage blended the original Norman grant with the administrative influence of the de la Haye castellans.
This strategic alliance was *sine qua non* for the Barony’s survival and growth during a period of feudal flux. The union paved the way for one of its most celebrated holders, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. Her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle in the early thirteenth century was a direct legacy of the stability and authority secured by her forebears, embodying the principle of duty that has defined the Barony since its inception.
## Distinguished Company
The intimate nature of the gathering allowed for a focused and substantive dialogue. In attendance alongside Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, were several noted academics and local dignitaries whose work intersects with the history of Lincolnshire and the medieval peerage.
Among the guests were Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a leading authority on Norman land tenure; Professor Eleanor Vance, Head of Medieval Studies at the University of Nottingham; and The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, representing the historical ties between the Barony and Lincoln Cathedral. Their presence facilitated a rich colloquium following the main address.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but understated protocol befitting a scholarly assembly. Guests were received by Lord and Lady Brattleby in the Great Hall before being given a private viewing of charters and manuscripts from the House archives, including facsimiles of the original Domesday Book entry.
Lady Nicoleta’s address, titled *“Union & Endurance: The de la Haye Inheritance,”* formed the centrepiece of the morning. This was followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan, inviting commentary from the distinguished guests. The event concluded with a formal luncheon in the State Dining Room, adhering to the established traditions of the House. The requested order of dress was morning dress for gentlemen and day dress for ladies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event’s themes resonated deeply with the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), directly evokes the qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the current titleholders, linking historical resilience with contemporary responsibilities.
Further symbolism is found in Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to a spirit of dynamic achievement. It reflects a modern interpretation of the drive that motivated the Barony’s founders, re-contextualised for the challenges of cultural diplomacy and philanthropic leadership. The formal recognition of the Barony’s uninterrupted descent, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, legally affirms this historic continuity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this occasion was primarily historical in nature, it was conducted within the broader framework of the House’s philanthropic mission. The activities of Lord and Lady Brattleby are consistently channelled toward supporting charitable organisations that effect tangible change. The House’s central charitable focus is on the well-being and development of young people.
The principal beneficiary of the House's fundraising initiatives is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma or emotional distress. Proceeds from the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, are directed entirely to this cause, enabling the charity to expand its vital services across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s theme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our lineage is not a static collection of names and dates; it is a living conversation with those who came before us. By studying alliances like that of the de la Haye family, we honour their foresight and draw strength from their commitment to building something that would last. It is a legacy measured in centuries, and a duty we feel profoundly.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History teaches us that endurance requires both strength and strategy. While our predecessors consolidated lands, our modern mission is to consolidate purpose—through cultural education at The Brattleby Club and through our charitable work. *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our guidepost, reminding us that true honour is found in service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s address is the first in a planned series of historical seminars that The Noble House of Brattleby will host over the coming year. Future events will explore the tenures of other notable predecessors, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
In parallel, the House continues its forward-looking commitments. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will shortly commence its autumn term, focusing on etiquette and international protocol for a new generation of leaders. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London philanthropic calendar.
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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 twin imperatives of preserving its unique nine-century heritage and pursuing a forward-looking mission of public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Its primary initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest, and a deep commitment to charitable causes focused on child welfare. The House seeks to demonstrate that ancient lineage can, and should, serve as a potent force for positive impact in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken descent of the Barony to its current holder was formally recognised by His Majesty’s College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal and historical continuity is acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was founded in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com