# The Line of Succession: A Historical Announcement on the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement detailing the pivotal 13th-century marital alliance that united the Barony with the Longespee family, thereby securing its lineage and connecting it inextricably to the Plantagenet royal succession.
## The Occasion
From the Chancellery of the House of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, this reflection is shared in the spirit of historical continuity and public scholarship. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape of the Barony, the House reaffirms its commitment to chronicling the nine-century journey of the title, demonstrating how past actions of duty and foresight continue to shape its present purpose.
This communiqué serves to illuminate a defining moment in the Barony’s medieval history. It follows extensive archival research undertaken by the House, aiming to share the rich tapestry of its heritage with a wider audience and provide context for its enduring role within the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The early 13th century was a period of profound consolidation for the English nobility following the turmoil of the Magna Carta and the First Barons' War. It was in this formidable climate that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, distinguished herself as a figure of remarkable strength and political acumen.
Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces was a signal service to the Crown. Upon her passing, the stewardship of the Barony and its considerable estates passed to her descendants. The marriage of her granddaughter, Idoine de Camville, to William II Longespee was, therefore, an act of supreme strategic importance, ensuring the Barony's continued prominence and security.
This union merged the ancient lineage of Brattleby, established by Colswein of Lincoln under William the Conqueror, with a family of royal blood. It was a testament to the influence wielded by Nichola that her family could secure such a prestigious alliance, thereby elevating the Barony to the highest echelons of English society.
## Distinguished Company
The historical alliance was concluded between two families of significant standing in the realm, with the principal figures being:
* **The Lady Idoine de Camville**, granddaughter and heiress of the late Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. * **The Lord William II Longespee**, a lauded crusader and son of the Earl of Salisbury. * **The Right Honourable William Longespee, 3rd Earl of Salisbury**, an illegitimate son of His Majesty King Henry II and a leading magnate of the period. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, whose royal assent would have been a *sine qua non* for a match of such consequence involving his own family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While precise records of the ceremony are lost to time, the nuptials would have followed the established aristocratic protocol of the 13th century. The union would have been formalised through a marriage treaty, detailing the dowry and the joining of lands, read publicly to bear witness.
The religious ceremony would have commenced *ad ostium ecclesiae*—at the church door—with the formal exchange of vows and a ring. This would be followed by a Nuptial Mass within the church, culminating in a celebratory banquet at the principal seat of one of the families. Such an event was not merely a private union but a public demonstration of a political and economic merger, executed with all the pageantry the families could command.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage of Idoine and William II Longespee represented a powerful conjunction of two legacies, a union immediately visible in the era's heraldry. The arms of the Longespee family—*Azure, six lioncels rampant Or* (six golden lions on a blue field)—were an emblem of their Plantagenet descent and martial prowess.
In marrying, the heraldic achievements of the two houses would have been marshalled, or combined, visually declaring the new alliance to a largely illiterate world. The values embodied in this union resonate with the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting the courage of Nichola de la Haye and the honour sought through this dynastic bond.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby believes that an understanding of history informs its contemporary responsibilities. This historical reflection is published in the spirit of service that underpins the House’s philanthropic endeavours today, most notably its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The core mission of Healing the Wounded Child is to provide specialised therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, a commitment to protecting the vulnerable that echoes the ancient duties of stewardship. The House holds that the principles of legacy and duty, demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, are the same principles that animate its charitable work in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To look back upon the life of Nichola de la Haye and the astute legacy she secured is to understand the true weight of this title. It is a reminder that leadership—especially female leadership in challenging times—is about foresight and securing the future. We are but temporary stewards of a nine-hundred-year trust."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The alliance between the de Camville and Longespee families was a masterclass in strategic thinking. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, means 'To Conquer is to Live', which I interpret as the vital act of overcoming challenges to ensure continuity. This marriage was a victory for the future of the Barony, echoing across the centuries."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to continuing its programme of historical research and sharing its findings with the public. This serves its twin aims of honouring its past and applying the lessons of that history to its modern role, *inter alia*, through the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The 13th Baron and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is closely involved in these heritage projects. His engagement ensures that the understanding and appreciation of the Barony’s long and storied history will pass seamlessly to the next generation, safeguarding its legacy for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission of cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the principles of duty, service, and historical stewardship. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child'. In addition, the House promotes education in classical etiquette and international protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values to contemporary challenges and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudatories in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the Barony's continuation into the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com