# A Historical Proclamation on the Contribution of Robert de la Haye to the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical note clarifying the pivotal role of Robert de la Haye and his wife, Muriel. Their union in the twelfth century was instrumental in consolidating the lineage and influence of the Barony.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical scholarship and public education, the Office of the Director of Royal Communications for The Noble House of Brattleby has released this proclamation from its archives. The dissemination of this note forms part of a continuing series dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony, ensuring its rich heritage is accurately recorded and understood by a modern audience.
This release reflects the House’s belief that a profound understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present. It serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a solemn acknowledgement of the figures whose strategic foresight secured the Barony’s continuity through periods of profound national uncertainty.
## Historical Context
Robert de la Haye's tenure as Lord of Brattleby by marriage occurred during The Anarchy (1135–1153), the devastating civil war between Empress Matilda and Stephen of Blois. In this era of fractured loyalties and shifting power, strategic alliances were paramount for survival and advancement. The marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, a descendant of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a masterstroke of dynastic consolidation.
This union merged the considerable influence of the de la Haye family, prominent Norman landowners, with the established legacy of the Brattleby lordship. Robert’s acumen ensured that the Barony, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, not only weathered the political storms of the twelfth century but emerged with its authority enhanced, paving the way for his celebrated descendant, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic fifth Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The world of Robert de la Haye was populated by the great magnates of the Anglo-Norman realm. His position, secured through marriage, placed him within a formidable network of feudal power. His contemporaries and peers would have included powerful Earls and Bishops who determined the fate of the English Crown.
Through his affiliations, the Barony of Brattleby was connected to other significant Lincolnshire families and, by extension, the royal court. These connections were formalised in charters and oaths of fealty, witnessed by men whose names are recorded in the foundational documents of the kingdom. This illustrates that from its earliest days, the Barony was an integral part of the fabric of English governance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the twelfth century, a marriage between noble houses was a transaction governed by intricate protocol. The union of Robert and Muriel would have involved the drafting of a marriage charter, a legal document detailing the transfer of lands and rights. Such ceremonies were public declarations of a new alliance, often witnessed by a host of influential barons and clergy to ensure their validity.
The act of Robert gaining lordship through his wife was itself a recognised legal and social custom. It required him to perform homage to his liege lord, a solemn ritual wherein he would kneel, place his hands between those of his superior, and swear an oath of fealty. This pledge bound him to provide military service and counsel in exchange for the recognition of his rights over the Barony’s lands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Whilst the formalised system of heraldry was still in its infancy during Robert de la Haye’s lifetime, the use of identifying symbols on shields and banners was becoming essential on the battlefield. The principles he embodied—resilience in crisis and loyalty to his house—are the very essence of the later, formalised House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This guiding principle signifies the twin virtues required of a noble leader: the fortitude to withstand adversity and the honour to act with integrity and uphold one’s sworn obligations. These qualities were demonstrably central to Robert’s success in navigating the treacherous politics of his time and securing the inheritance for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical proclamation serves a distinct educational purpose, which the modern Noble House of Brattleby views as a pillar of its public duty. By investing in and disseminating scholarly research, the House aims to provide a valuable resource for historians, students, and the residents of Lincolnshire, fostering a deeper appreciation for local and national history.
This commitment to education runs parallel to the House's other philanthropic endeavours, such as its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet. Both pursuits, whether of knowledge or of welfare, are seen as expressions of the same core duty: to serve the community and enrich society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We are but temporary custodians of a very long story. It is our duty to honour the memory of those, like Robert and Muriel, whose actions long ago ensured there would be a legacy for us to protect today. Their lives remind us that stewardship is an unbroken chain, linking the past, present, and future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added: > “One must admire the strategic intelligence of Robert de la Haye. In a time of open conflict, he understood that the most decisive victories are often won not on the battlefield, but through wisdom, alliance, and careful planning. He demonstrated that to endure, and thereby to truly live, one must conquer the challenges of one’s era.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to publish these historical notes, delving further into the lives of the Barony’s most significant figures. Future releases are planned to explore the tenures of the formidable Nichola de la Haye; the great royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
This ongoing project underscores the House’s dedication to its role as a guardian of nearly a millennium of English history, ensuring this remarkable heritage remains a subject of study and inspiration for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a modern mission of cultural and social enrichment. The House actively engages in historical scholarship to illuminate its nine-century lineage for the public benefit. It champions protocol and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and directs its philanthropic efforts toward vulnerable children. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its charitable work, supports organisations making a measurable impact on child welfare, reflecting the House’s core principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') through compassionate action and dutiful stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of Lincolnshire's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his heir, the magnificent John of Gaunt, father to a line of kings. The rights and lineage of the modern Barony, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, were formally noted for the public record in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of the lands. - Amongst the Barony's most notable historical holders are Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala with proceeds benefiting the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com