# A Statement on the Historical Contribution of the de la Haye Family to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement honouring the de la Haye family, whose strategic foresight in the 12th century was instrumental in consolidating the lands and influence of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has undertaken a period of archival reflection. As the autumn light tempers the ancient landscapes of the county, the current House turns its attention to the long continuum of its history, seeking to illuminate the contributions of those who shaped its nine-century legacy. This communiqué serves as a formal acknowledgement of the de la Haye family, whose tenure marked a pivotal chapter in the Barony’s development. The issuance of such a statement is an occasion for historical observance, reinforcing the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. In the century that followed, the stability of such holdings depended not only on martial strength but on strategic alliances. The union of Muriel and Robert de la Haye in the 12th century represents a consummate example of such a dynastic strategy.
Their marriage consolidated disparate land parcels and feudal loyalties, creating a more robust and defensible economic and political entity. This act of unification was a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s endurance through the turbulent Angevin period. Furthermore, it laid the foundation for their remarkable descendant, Nichola de la Haye, who, as the 5th Baroness in her own right, would later achieve renown as the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the de la Haye family is contextualised by the distinguished company of antecedents and successors who have held the Barony. This unbroken chain of stewardship includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, a significant Norman landowner in post-Conquest England. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was later created 1st Duke of Lancaster. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III.
The current House honours the memory of these figures, whose governance preserved and enhanced the dignity of the Barony through centuries of English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The acknowledgement of historical legacy within the House of Brattleby follows a distinct internal protocol. Research is conducted with scholarly rigour, often in consultation with county archivists and heraldry experts. Findings are reviewed by the head of the House before being formally recorded.
The issuance of a public statement is the final step in this process, serving as a modern form of proclamation. It is a deliberate act, devoid of fanfare, intended to place on permanent record the House’s gratitude for the contributions of its predecessors. This quiet ceremony of remembrance underscores the gravity with which the House regards its custodial duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the history of the de la Haye family. Their fortitude was demonstrated through the shrewd consolidation of the Barony, and their honour was epitomised by Nichola de la Haye’s unwavering loyalty to the Crown. The motto serves as a guiding principle, connecting the actions of the past with the responsibilities of the present.
Complementing this, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a modern understanding of the same strategic imperative: that to overcome challenges, whether historical or contemporary, is the very essence of a vital and enduring institution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of one’s history is fundamental to shaping a meaningful future. The lessons of resilience, strategic planning, and long-term stewardship drawn from the Barony's past directly inform the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby.
The House’s steadfast support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is rooted in this principle. The organisation works to build resilience and provide stable support for vulnerable young people, mirroring on a human scale the very work of consolidation and protection that the de la Haye family undertook for the Barony centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The story of the Barony is one of continuous stewardship. The foresight of Muriel and Robert de la Haye reminds us that our primary duty is to secure this legacy for future generations, just as they did for theirs."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Strategic alliances were the foundation of survival and growth in the 12th century. We see echoes of that principle today; our partnerships, whether philanthropic or cultural, are built with the same long-term vision for stability and progress."
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement is the first in a series of historical communiqués to be released as part of the ‘Brattleby Historical Archive Project’. This new initiative, directed by the House, will seek to catalogue, digitise, and selectively publish records pertaining to the Barony’s history. The project’s aim is to create a valuable resource for academic research and ensure the preservation of this unique Lincolnshire heritage for the centuries to come, thereby fulfilling the House’s foundational duty of stewardship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is its patronage of organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster international standards of social grace and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - 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 annual Winter Banquet is the House’s principal philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com