# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Succession of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the third baronial succession. The announcement, released from the family seat in Lincolnshire, highlights the pivotal twelfth-century marriage alliance that shaped the Barony’s ensuing history and fortified its regional prominence.
## The Occasion
The formal clarification was issued from the oak-panelled Library of the baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a chamber that has long served as the intellectual heart of the House. Lined with centuries of accumulated volumes and archival documents, its walls have borne silent witness to the quiet, diligent stewardship of a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the rich hues of the autumnal season, was deliberately chosen to align with a period traditionally dedicated to reflection and scholarly pursuit within the county.
This statement is intended to provide definitive historical context for specialists and the public alike, serving as a foundational reference for a forthcoming monograph on the feudal peerages of Lincolnshire. This academic volume is being prepared in careful association with several of the region’s leading historical and archaeological societies. The atmosphere surrounding the preparation of this announcement was one of studious diligence, reflecting the House’s profound commitment to historical accuracy and its enduring role as a custodian of local heritage.
The act of clarification itself is not a public ceremony but a considered contribution to the permanent historical record. The Noble House of Brattleby holds this duty of historical preservation as a *sine qua non* of its ancient title; an indispensable obligation to maintain the integrity of the nine-century narrative entrusted to its care.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror, charged with consolidating Norman authority in a vital northern territory. The scale of this initial grant is recorded with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein’s dominion over some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a formidable regional power base from its inception.
Following two generations of leadership, the pivotal moment in the Barony’s early history arrived with the marriage of the heiress Muriel to Robert de la Haye in the mid-twelfth century. In an era when female inheritance could lead to the fragmentation or contested absorption of great estates, this union was a masterstroke of dynastic strategy. It ensured the continuity of the original lineage while simultaneously preventing the dispersal of its considerable land holdings, a constant threat within the complex feudal system of Anglo-Norman England.
More significantly, the marriage introduced the formidable de la Haye bloodline, a family renowned for its administrative skill and military prowess. It was from this union that one of English history’s most remarkable women would emerge: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola’s heroic and steadfast defence of the city against French-backed rebels during the First Barons’ War proved decisive. Her actions at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217, chronicled by the historian Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, were instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Today’s announcement, therefore, honours not only the celebrated deeds of Nichola de la Haye but also the astute strategic foresight of her ancestors. The marital alliance of Muriel and Robert de la Haye laid the foundation upon which her own historic tenure was built, securing a legacy of strength that would resonate for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
While a public issuance, the preliminary research underpinning this statement was informed by discreet and rigorous consultation with a number of distinguished academics. The Noble House of Brattleby wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the discreet counsel and scholarly insights provided by, *inter alia*, senior fellows in medieval history from the University of Cambridge and specialist genealogists from the College of Arms in London.
The involvement of these experts ensures that the historical details presented meet the highest standards of academic veracity, thereby upholding the unimpeachable integrity of the Barony’s nine-century narrative. Such scholarly review is considered an essential element of the House’s responsibility when addressing matters of historical record, ensuring that its contributions are both authoritative and enduring. The collaboration honours a long-standing tradition of intellectual partnership between England's ancient families and its great seats of learning.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical announcement by The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a precise and long-established internal protocol. Any statement pertaining to the lineage or history of the title is first prepared by the Keeper of the Archives, with exhaustive citation of primary charters, deeds, and secondary scholarly sources. The draft is then reviewed by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile for factual accuracy and for its alignment with the long-term historical and cultural objectives of the House.
Following this review, the document is presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, for her final consideration and assent. Only upon receiving the Baroness’s formal imprimatur is the text inscribed within the permanent Muniments of the House before its public dissemination. This meticulous process, a modern reflection of traditional methods of decree and proclamation, ensures that every communication is a deliberate, considered, and authoritative act. The announcement thus carries the full weight of the House, under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Although the specific armorial bearings of the first Barons are lost to the mists of time, the marital alliance with the de la Haye family would have had immediate and significant heraldic implications. In the twelfth century, the practice of marshalling—the combination of two or more distinct coats of arms on a single shield—was emerging as a powerful visual language. This union would likely have involved the impalement of the arms of the two families, placing them side-by-side to symbolise a partnership of equals.
This visual fusion of property, influence, and bloodline represented a potent declaration of a new, unified dynasty, visible to all on the battlefield, in the tournament lists, and upon the seals of legal documents. This principle of combining strengths is deeply embedded in the modern philosophy of the House. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to maintain a great legacy across the centuries. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which underscores the proactive and strategic action necessary for a legacy not merely to survive, but to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical clarification forms an integral part of the House’s wider cultural philanthropy, which is dedicated to the preservation and active promotion of Lincolnshire’s uniquely rich history. By investing in meticulous research and sharing these findings with the public, the House aims to foster a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for the region’s profound contribution to the national story of England. This educational mission is a core charitable focus, running parallel to the House's direct social philanthropy.
This commitment extends to contemporary education through ventures such as The Brattleby Club. Founded by the Baroness in Bucharest, the academy provides specialised instruction in diplomatic etiquette and international protocol. Both initiatives—one preserving historical records, the other cultivating modern conduct—are rooted in the same conviction: that an understanding of heritage and disciplined comportment are foundational for future success. This announcement is, therefore, an investment in the intellectual and cultural commons, reinforcing the link between past wisdom and present endeavour.
## In Their Own Words
In a comment accompanying the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To understand who we are, we must first honour every link in the long chain of inheritance that brought us here. The union of Muriel and Robert de la Haye was far more than a marriage; it was a foundational act of profound foresight. This alliance secured the future of Brattleby and ultimately enabled the remarkable tenure of Nichola de la Haye. It is our duty to ensure their memory, and its meaning, is never lost."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The twelfth century was an age of profound uncertainty, yet our predecessors acted with exceptional strategic acuity. Their alliance is a powerful demonstration that survival and prosperity—*vincere est vivere*—are founded upon prudent planning and the fortitude to unite for a greater purpose. This is a lesson as relevant in our own time as it was in theirs."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an ongoing and ambitious programme of scholarly exploration into its nine-century history. Today’s announcement is the first of several planned publications that will seek to illuminate key periods in the Barony’s 957-year history. Future work will explore the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, both of whom were holders of the Barony in the fourteenth century. Their stewardship connected Brattleby directly to the heart of the Plantagenet court and the uppermost echelons of European chivalry.
Furthermore, detailed plans are underway to digitise significant portions of the baronial archives. This major project represents a substantial, long-term commitment to create a lasting digital repository, safeguarding these unique medieval and early modern documents against the ravages of time. In doing so, the House aims to make these invaluable primary sources accessible to an international community of scholars and researchers, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not only preserved for future generations, but also more deeply understood by them. The House proceeds in this work with the quiet fortitude and honour that its motto commands.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of cultural preservation and forward-looking philanthropy. Guided by the family motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on safeguarding nine centuries of heritage while actively supporting contemporary causes. These include the promotion of international standards of protocol through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and a deep commitment to child welfare. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapy for children who have experienced trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 thriving lordships across the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history’s most significant figures. Notable predecessors include the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who successfully defended Lincoln Castle against invasion in 1217, and two of the great Plantagenet princes of the fourteenth century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The modern baronial title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially gazetted by The Crown (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic activities include the annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child and its cultural-educational initiative, The Brattleby Club.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com