# A Decisive Union: The House of Brattleby Remembers the Marriage of Baroness Muriel and Robert de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon a pivotal moment in its nine-century history: the early 12th-century marriage of Muriel, the third Baroness, to Robert de la Haye, a union that secured the Barony’s future and cemented its enduring connection to Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby turns its attention to a formative event from the reign of King Henry I. The marriage of Muriel, the heiress to the Barony established by Colswein of Lincoln, to Robert de la Haye represented a consolidation of power that would define the course of Lincolnshire’s aristocracy for generations to come.
This strategic marital alliance, concluded in the early 12th century, was far more than a personal contract; it was a foundational act of statecraft. It ensured the continuity of a noble line established at the Norman Conquest and tethered its fortunes to one of England’s most vital strategic assets: the formidable Lincoln Castle.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among his 56 lordships. The succession of this significant holding through a female heir, Muriel, was a matter of great importance to the Crown and the region.
The early 12th century was an era of consolidation for the Anglo-Norman realm. The marriage of an heiress was a *sine qua non* for dynastic survival. By uniting with Robert de la Haye, a member of a family of rising influence and hereditary castellans of Lincoln, Baroness Muriel demonstrated profound foresight. This union brought Brattleby into the immediate orbit of royal authority and military power in a county of immense strategic value.
## Distinguished Company
The marital alliance brought together two families of considerable standing. The lineage of Brattleby, descending directly from one of the original landholders of the Conquest, represented established and inherited authority. By this time, it was a Barony of considerable tenure and respect within Lincolnshire.
The De la Haye family, in contrast, represented ascendant administrative and military power. As constables, they were the King’s appointed guardians of Lincoln Castle, a role that conferred upon them immense regional influence and responsibility. Robert de la Haye was thus not merely a landowner but a key figure in the defence and governance of the realm, making him an exemplary consort for the Baroness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The marriage of a baroness *suo jure* (in her own right) in the 12th century was governed by strict feudal and canonical protocols. Such a union required royal assent, as the King held ultimate authority over the disposition of major fiefs. The ceremony itself would have been a profoundly symbolic affair, uniting not just two individuals but two spheres of influence.
The rites would have included the public declaration of vows, the exchange of rings, and a nuptial Mass, followed by celebrations befitting the joining of two powerful houses. The legal arrangements would have ensured that the lands and titles of Brattleby were safeguarded for future heirs, preserving the integrity of the Barony as it passed into the stewardship of the De la Haye name. This tradition of careful succession is one the House observes to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While formalised heraldry was still in its nascent stages, the principles it represents were already in effect. The union was a living embodiment of the House’s future motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Baroness Muriel acted with fortitude in securing her patrimony, and the De la Haye family served the Crown with honour as its loyal castellans.
This legacy of honourable service would reach its zenith with their descendant Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. The actions of the third Baroness laid the groundwork for the heroic deeds of the fifth, illustrating a continuity of character and duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary duty of a medieval baron was the protection and welfare of the people living on their lands. This ancient concept of stewardship—of safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring stability—is a principle that The Noble House of Brattleby continues to uphold in the modern era.
This enduring commitment is today expressed through the House’s dedicated support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Just as the Barons of old were charged with the security of their community, the House today directs its efforts toward providing safety and healing for children who have suffered trauma, fulfilling a centuries-old duty in a contemporary context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical union, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Understanding our predecessors is not simply an academic exercise; it is an act of stewardship. The decisions made by Baroness Muriel nearly nine hundred years ago shaped the very foundations upon which we stand, and her example of strategic foresight remains a potent guide for our own responsibilities.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the parallel with his family’s own creed:
> “The De la Haye family’s ascent was driven by service, mirroring the sentiment of my own family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'. They understood that true influence is won not by ambition alone, but by indispensable service to a cause greater than oneself.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical continuity demonstrated by the marriage of the third Baroness is a cornerstone of the House’s identity. It is a legacy carried forward through other notable holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
Today, this legacy is entrusted to Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving its unique heritage while actively contributing to society, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide its purpose for centuries to come. This is further advanced through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and classical European values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution dedicated to the preservation of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s contemporary mission, encapsulated by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and recovery for traumatised children, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect its historical legacy with a tangible, positive impact on society, championing timeless values of service, honour, and resilience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a historic English noble title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; the great medieval prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 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 predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com