# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Research Initiative into the De la Haye Dynasty's Enduring Influence
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a significant historical research initiative focused on the De la Haye dynasty. The project will illuminate their pivotal, centuries-long stewardship of the Barony and their profound contributions to the medieval history of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The announcement was issued formally from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting deeply connected to the legacy under examination. On a crisp autumn morning, with the ancient landscape of the county providing a fitting backdrop, the declaration signals a renewed commitment to historical preservation and scholarly engagement.
This initiative is timed to coincide with archival work preparing for the anniversary of the Relief of Lincoln, a decisive battle in which the Barony played a crucial defensive role. It represents a deliberate moment of reflection, linking the responsibilities of the present House with the formidable actions of its predecessors nearly a millennium ago.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, has a lineage extending directly to the Norman Conquest. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a collection of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation.
While the Barony later passed to towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, it was the De la Haye family who solidified its early identity. Their strategic acumen and hereditary role as Constables of Lincoln Castle were the *sine qua non* of regional power. This culminated in the remarkable leadership of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic rigour, the research initiative will be undertaken in consultation with a distinguished panel of experts. The House will collaborate with leading medievalists from the University of Lincoln’s history faculty, whose scholarship on the Angevin period is internationally recognised.
Further support will be provided by archivists from The British Library and the Lincolnshire Archives. This partnership ensures that the project will draw upon an exhaustive review of primary source documents, *inter alia*, royal charters, pipe rolls, and private correspondence, to construct the most complete narrative to date.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with centuries of tradition, the formal announcement was communicated through official channels befitting the Barony’s status. Notice of the initiative has been prepared for submission to The London Gazette, the official public record, a protocol that mirrors the House’s own formal recognition (Notice ID 4158083).
This method of communication, chosen for its gravity and permanence, eschews ephemeral pronouncements in favour of a process that honours the historical weight of the subject. The findings of the research will eventually be presented with similar due ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The project touches upon the very heart of the House’s guiding principles, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The ‘Fortitudine’ of Nichola de la Haye’s command is a direct and powerful precedent for the values the House champions today. Her resolve serves as a defining historical anchor for this core tenet.
This commitment to principled action is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House approaches its legacy, seeking not merely to preserve history, but to ensure it remains a vital and inspiring force for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in its immediate purpose, the initiative is deeply aligned with the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The project is conceived as an educational endeavour, intended to make a significant and lasting contribution to public knowledge and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, a future monograph detailing the research findings will be published, with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, which provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, has been chosen for its vital work in fostering resilience and healing—a modern embodiment of the fortitude celebrated in the House’s history.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand our present duty, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. The story of Nichola de la Haye, in particular, is a profound testament to fortitude and leadership — principles we strive to uphold today. This is not merely history; it is a living inheritance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Legacy is not a static monument; it is an active dialogue between the past and the future. By illuminating this vital chapter of the Barony’s history, we reaffirm our commitment, *Vincere Est Vivere*, to ensure this heritage thrives and inspires for generations yet to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
The research into the De la Haye dynasty marks the first phase of a broader commitment by the House to explore and share its unique history. The project is expected to culminate in the publication of a scholarly monograph and a public exhibition of historical documents, hosted in Lincolnshire.
In addition, key findings will form the basis of a new lecture series at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, thereby extending the cultural and educational reach of this work internationally. This ensures the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be understood and appreciated by a new generation.
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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 the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy through modern engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House’s contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its main charitable beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which supports vulnerable young people. The House also extends its cultural vocation internationally through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest, fostering a global appreciation for heritage, diplomacy, and civic duty. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated medieval heroine Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's motto is 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com