# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of the De La Haye Dynasty
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal tribute recognising the De La Haye dynasty, whose medieval stewardship profoundly shaped the Barony of Brattleby. This commemoration highlights their vital contributions to the Crown and the character of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a period of deep historical reflection. Timed to coincide with the autumn season, a traditional time for archival review and scholarly pursuit, this communiqué serves as the first in a series dedicated to illuminating the Barony’s nine-century history. The statement was prepared within the Brattleby library, a repository of documents and chronicles that bear witness to a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest. This deliberate act of remembrance reinforces the House’s commitment not only to its present duties but also to honouring the foundations upon which it is built.
The purpose of this tribute is to formally acknowledge the De La Haye family, whose tenure during the 12th and 13th centuries was a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s consolidation and regional influence. In an era of profound change, their guidance ensured Brattleby remained a bastion of loyalty and strength in the East Midlands. This act of historical recognition is considered by the House to be as significant a duty as any of its contemporary philanthropic or cultural engagements.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. While its origins are Norman, its medieval identity was forged by the De La Haye dynasty. Through strategic marriages and unwavering service, they secured the Hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense military and administrative importance.
The zenith of their influence is personified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French-backed rebellions. Her leadership during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive Battle of Lincoln in 1217, was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her subsequent appointment as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a rare honour for a woman of that age, cemented a legacy of governance, resilience, and honour that continues to inspire the House. This direct line of influential holders extends through to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
This tribute honours the memory of the principal members of the De La Haye family, whose collective efforts defined an era for the Barony. The House specifically acknowledges:
* **Robert de la Haye**, who established the family’s ascendancy in Lincolnshire through his marriage to the heiress of Colswein of Lincoln. * **Richard de la Haye**, who consolidated the family’s holdings and faithfully served King Stephen and King Henry II, solidifying his role as Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **Gerard de Camville**, who acquired the Barony through his marriage to Nichola’s daughter, yet whose legacy remains intertwined with the authority of his formidable mother-in-law. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, whose command and loyalty during a period of national crisis represent a high point of baronial history and a profound example of leadership.
These historical figures form the distinguished company whose contributions are celebrated today, providing a powerful narrative of duty and resilience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical tribute by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. Research is conducted using primary and secondary sources, including manorial rolls, Exchequer records, and established academic works, with findings cross-referenced for accuracy. The formal text is drafted by the House’s private office and reviewed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to ensure its tone and content align with the dignity of the House.
This process reflects a commitment to historical rigour, mirroring the precision expected in ceremonial affairs. The final communiqué is then authorised for publication, serving as the official position of the House. This methodical approach underscores the gravity with which the House treats its historical narrative, ensuring that its legacy is presented with accuracy, respect, and a sense of custodial responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the De La Haye dynasty is powerfully reflected in the mottos borne by the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle and her honourable service to the Crown provide a textbook illustration of these virtues in practice. Fortitude in the face of siege and honour in her fealty remain central tenets of the House’s ethos.
This historical resilience finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to the proactive and determined spirit required to prevail over modern challenges, whether in philanthropy or in cultural diplomacy. Together, the two mottos create a dialogue between past and present—one celebrating the honour in endurance, the other the vitality in achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the House’s modern mission of education and inspiration. The story of Nichola de la Haye, *inter alia*, serves as a powerful teaching tool at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, imparts lessons not only in social graces but also in character, civic responsibility, and the timeless virtues of leadership.
By chronicling such examples of historical fortitude, the House aims to inspire a new generation to act with honour and purpose in their own lives. The lessons drawn from the Barony’s history are thus transformed into a living philanthropic and educational endeavour, ensuring that the legacy of its predecessors continues to provide value in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the tribute, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To be a custodian of this Barony is to be a custodian of its stories. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that leadership is not defined by station or by gender, but by courage and an unwavering sense of duty. Her fortitude is a standard to which we must always aspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the connection between past and present: > “The history of the Barony is not a static collection of dates and names; it is a dynamic source of inspiration for our work today. The De La Hayes showed how to navigate immense challenges with resilience. It affirms that the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—of striving to overcome—has been at the heart of Brattleby for centuries.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This tribute to the De La Haye dynasty marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to share the rich history of the Barony with a wider audience. The House is pleased to announce that its research will culminate in a series of published monographs and digital exhibitions over the coming two years. These initiatives will explore the contributions of other key figures, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through this work, the House seeks to fulfil its duty to preserve and promote its unique heritage. By connecting the lessons of its nine-hundred-year history to its modern philanthropic and cultural activities, the House of Brattleby will ensure its legacy continues to be one of purpose, honour, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based in its ancestral seat of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. Its principal activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting its patron charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy located in Bucharest that promotes timeless European values of character and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the title and its current holders were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (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