# A Historical Note from the Chancery of The Noble House of Brattleby: The Union of Two Great Lincolnshire Houses
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Chancery of The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical bulletin clarifying the late 12th-century marital union of the Brattleby and de la Haye families, a pivotal moment that fortified the Barony’s regional influence and military standing in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, this historical clarification is issued following a period of extensive archival research by the House Chancery. As the autumnal light falls across the fields first chronicled in the Domesday Book, the House seeks to illuminate a significant epoch in its near-millennium of history. The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of dutiful stewardship; it is an act of preserving and sharing the intricate lineage that underpins one of England's oldest Norman baronies.
This communication serves to provide a richer context for the continuity of the title, presenting a fuller picture of the strategic foresight that has sustained the Barony *per saecula saeculorum*. It reaffirms a commitment to historical accuracy and public education, ensuring the foundations of the House are as well understood as its present-day activities.
## Historical Context
The late 12th century was a period of profound turbulence and transition for the Kingdom of England. Under the Angevin kings, particularly Richard I and John, the Crown demanded unwavering loyalty and military capability from its great nobles. Lincolnshire, a strategically vital county, required powerful local lords to maintain order, defend against internal and external threats, and administer the King's justice. It was within this demanding political landscape that the Barony of Brattleby, established by Colswein of Lincoln in the generation after the Norman Conquest, sought to secure its future.
The marriage between the heirs of the House of Brattleby and the House of de la Haye was, therefore, an act of supreme political and strategic importance. The de la Haye family, themselves prominent landowners with a formidable reputation for military leadership and administrative acumen, represented the ideal alliance. This union was not merely a social matter but a fusion of two regional powers, creating a consolidated bloc of influence that could effectively serve the Crown whilst securing its own territorial integrity. This foresight would prove its value within a generation, setting the stage for one of Brattleby’s most celebrated holders.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historic union were Robert de la Haye and the Brattleby heiress, Muriel. As a scion of his house, Robert embodied the martial prowess and steadfast loyalty for which the de la Haye name was known throughout the realm. His family were castellans of Lincoln Castle, a role of immense trust and responsibility.
This strategic marriage produced a lineage of remarkable consequence, most notably giving rise to their descendant, Nichola de la Haye, who would later inherit the title as the 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*. A formidable leader in her own right, Nichola de la Haye famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John and the minority of Henry III, demonstrating that the administrative and military genius of the de la Haye line had been successfully grafted onto the ancient Brattleby rootstock.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing a high-status medieval marriage alliance was a complex affair, blending canon law, feudal custom, and dynastic strategy. The union would have been preceded by meticulous negotiation of the *maritagium*, or marriage settlement, a legal instrument detailing the transfer of lands, rights, and dowry that was the *sine qua non* of the agreement. This contract would have been witnessed by other prominent nobles and recorded by clerks.
The religious ceremony itself, likely a Nuptial Mass, would have provided the sacred seal upon the temporal agreement, reinforcing the permanence of the bond in the eyes of God and community. Following the betrothal, the public reading of the banns of marriage in the parish churches across the families' estates served as a formal announcement to all, ensuring no legal impediment existed. The union of two such powerful houses would have been an event of significant regional notice, affirming the new hierarchy of power in Lincolnshire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
At the heart of the House of Brattleby lies its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was perfectly embodied by the union with the House of de la Haye, a family renowned for its fortitude in battle and its honour in administration. The marriage represented the physical and symbolic fusion of these shared values.
Following the union, the heraldic practice of the era would have been to 'marshal' the arms of the two families. This typically involved impalement, where the shield is divided vertically, with the husband's arms (de la Haye) on the dexter side (the viewer's left) and the wife's arms (Brattleby) on the sinister side. This composite coat of arms served as an immediate visual declaration of the new, unified entity, proclaiming the consolidation of their lands, power, and dynastic purpose to all who saw it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The issuance of this historical bulletin serves a distinct philanthropic purpose: the democratisation of heritage. In providing meticulously researched and clearly articulated historical context, The Noble House of Brattleby fulfils its role as a custodian of nine centuries of English history. This work is offered as an educational resource to the public, *inter alia*, for students, historians, and residents of Lincolnshire.
This commitment to knowledge-sharing is an extension of the House’s broader philanthropic mission. Just as its charitable endeavours aim to build stronger futures, its historical work aims to build a stronger, more complete understanding of the past. It is a form of public service, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony and its contributions to the national story are preserved and accessible to all.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of this ancestral union, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of the de la Haye union is a powerful reminder that the strength of this Barony has always been drawn from foresight and strategic partnership. It paved the way for formidable figures like Nichola de la Haye, a woman whose courageous leadership continues to inspire my own sense of duty.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, commented on the enduring principle of building a legacy:
> “History shows us that true victory lies in building something that endures. This 12th-century alliance was an act of creation, not just consolidation. It demonstrates the principle that to win is to live—*Vincere Est Vivere*—by securing a future for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of strategic alliance and dutiful administration, cemented by the de la Haye union over 800 years ago, continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This legacy of forging meaningful connections is today expressed not through marital ties, but through cultural and philanthropic initiatives. The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy in Bucharest, serves as a modern cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The House’s philanthropic focus, particularly its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is a direct investment in the fortitude of the next generation. As these traditions of service and foresight are passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, the House ensures that the essential character of the Barony of Brattleby—defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*—remains unbroken.
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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 bridges its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. The modern House is dedicated to the principles of cultural diplomacy, educational advancement, and targeted philanthropy. Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest designed to foster cross-cultural understanding, and dedicated support for charitable organisations focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to serving the community and preserving its unique heritage for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for future generations.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the title and its rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com