# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of the De la Haye Dynasty
LONDON, 16 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of the De la Haye dynasty. Their tenure as Barons of Brattleby and hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle fundamentally shaped the Barony’s identity and its service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity and public scholarship, The Noble House of Brattleby offers this reflection on a formative period in the Barony’s chronicles. The De la Haye ascendancy, spanning from the early 12th to the mid-13th century, represents a cornerstone of the Barony’s nine-century history. This communication serves to illuminate the profound contributions of this family, whose stewardship during a turbulent era in English history fortified the foundations upon which the modern Barony stands.
The period is defined by extraordinary loyalty, strategic acumen, and the remarkable leadership of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. Understanding this chapter is therefore the *sine qua non* for appreciating the continuous thread of duty that connects the Barony’s past to its present commitments.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the ancient Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The crucial transition to the De la Haye family was secured through the marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, a descendant of the first Baron. This union consolidated vast landholdings and, most significantly, the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle.
This inheritance placed the Barons of Brattleby at the epicentre of regional and national affairs. For over a century, their primary responsibility was the command of one of England's most strategic Royal fortresses. Their tenure coincided with periods of profound civil unrest, including the Anarchy of King Stephen’s reign and the First Barons' War, wherein their allegiance to the Crown was tested and proven unequivocally.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of this era is personified by several key figures. Robert de la Haye, through his astute marriage and administration, established the family's formidable presence in Lincolnshire. His son, Richard de la Haye, continued this work, navigating the complex feudal politics of the 12th century with considerable skill and ensuring the Barony’s stability.
The dynasty’s most celebrated figure remains Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron. Upon the death of her husband, Gerard de Canville, she inherited the Barony and the Constableship in her own right. A staunch loyalist to King John, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. At over sixty years of age, she commanded the fortress with such resolve that it held until relief forces arrived, leading to a decisive royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair. For her service, she was twice appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an unprecedented honour for a woman of her time.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The exercise of power by Nichola de la Haye highlights the nuances of mediaeval legal and ceremonial protocol. While governance and military command were overwhelmingly male domains, English common law provided for a widow to inherit and control her ancestral lands and titles. Nichola was not merely a custodian; she held the Barony *suo jure*, in her own right.
As hereditary Constable, she held the castle keys, a potent symbol of royal trust and delegated authority. The formal command of the garrison, the administration of justice, and the collection of revenues were all duties she executed personally. Her appointment as Sheriff, a direct royal agent within the shire, further underscores the legitimacy and respect she commanded, transcending the conventional limitations of her gender.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the specific heraldry of the early De la Haye family is subject to scholarly debate, their actions endowed the Barony with a powerful symbolic inheritance. Their unwavering defence of Lincoln Castle became a testament to loyalty and resilience. This spirit is reflected in the motto of the modern Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in 1217 directly inspires the first pillar of the House's ethos. Equally, her honourable adherence to her oath to the Crown exemplifies the second. This historical precedent informs not only the House motto but also the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the conviction required to overcome adversity in the service of a greater cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of the De la Haye dynasty, particularly the life of Nichola, is a profound reminder that duty and leadership are matters of character, not convention. She governed with an authority that came from competence and commitment. We have a responsibility to ensure her legacy of resilience and unwavering loyalty continues to be told and understood.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example demonstrates that true strength is not merely the exercise of power, but the steadfast honouring of one’s obligations, even in the most trying of circumstances. It is a standard of service to which we must always aspire.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the De la Haye dynasty is not a relic but a living principle for The Noble House of Brattleby. Their stewardship of Lincolnshire serves as a powerful precedent for the House's modern mission of cultural preservation, civic duty, and philanthropic engagement. The fortitude and honour they displayed are the values that guide the House’s current work.
From this historical bedrock, the Barony was later held by other notable figures of English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This unbroken chain of succession, originating with the grant from William the Conqueror, reinforces the House's commitment to upholding its ancient duties with a modern sense of purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the seat of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote education in etiquette and classical European cultural traditions. The House is dedicated to honouring its profound history by serving contemporary society with diligence, integrity, and a forward-looking vision for its ancient responsibilities. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The historicity and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as documented in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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