# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Third Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal twelfth-century tenure of Robert and Muriel de la Haye, underscoring their crucial role in securing the lineage and influence which would define the Barony for centuries to come.
## The Occasion
From the archives at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this reflection emerges not from a public ceremony but from the House's continuing duty of historical custodianship. During a period of dedicated archival research, new light has been cast upon the administrative consolidation that occurred under the third holders of the Barony. The occasion is thus one of quiet scholarship; an opportunity to reaffirm the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the present House to its earliest antecedents. It serves as a considered acknowledgement of those who navigated the Barony through one of English history's most turbulent chapters.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Muriel and Robert de la Haye as the third Barons of Brattleby occurred during the mid-twelfth century, a period framed by the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153). As holders of a barony granted by the Crown, their primary challenge was the preservation of their lands and authority amidst the destructive conflict between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. They served as a vital bridge, connecting the original Norman settlement under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, with the celebrated achievements of their descendants.
Robert de la Haye, holding the Barony *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), and Muriel, who held it in her own right as a descendant of the second Baron, Picot, successfully consolidated the 56 Lincolnshire lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book*. Their prudent governance and strategic allegiances ensured that the Barony of Brattleby did not fracture. This created the stable foundation upon which their son, Richard, could build and their granddaughter, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, could later make her legendary stand as defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
While this statement is an act of historical reflection, the distinguished company it keeps is that of the foundational figures of the Barony's medieval consolidation. Foremost among them are Muriel de la Haye, Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Robert de la Haye, who together steered the family's fortunes. Their legacy was secured through their direct descendants, including their son and heir, Richard de la Haye, who inherited a strengthened and prosperous domain. The lineage's most notable figure, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, would later elevate the family's name to national prominence through her unwavering loyalty to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the twelfth century, the tenure of a barony was bound by strict ceremonial protocols, the *sine qua non* of the feudal system. Upon inheriting the title, Muriel and Robert de la Haye would have performed an act of homage and fealty to the reigning monarch. This solemn ritual required the baron to kneel, place their hands between those of the sovereign, and swear an oath of allegiance, promising military service and counsel in exchange for the King's protection and recognition of their title to the land. As tenants-in-chief, holding their lands directly from the Crown, this oath was not merely symbolic; it was the legal and spiritual bedrock of their authority and a personal bond of service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The formalised system of heraldry known today was still in its nascent stages during the tenure of the third Barony. Early arms were often simple, personal devices used for identification in battle. The family name itself, de la Haye, meaning 'of the hedge' or 'enclosure' in Norman French, carries its own symbolic weight. It evokes the primary baronial duties of demarcation, protection of one's lands, and defence of the domain's borders.
This foundational principle resonates directly with the motto of the modern House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to defend and hold lands during The Anarchy, and the honour demanded by the oath of fealty to the Crown, were the very qualities embodied by Muriel and Robert de la Haye. Their success was a living demonstration of these values, long before they were codified in the House's present coat of arms.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern concept of organised philanthropy was unknown in the feudal era; however, its principles were manifest in the doctrine of *noblesse oblige*. As lords of the manor, the Barons of Brattleby were charged with the welfare, justice, and protection of all who lived upon their estates. This sacred duty of care for their community was the philanthropic purpose of their age, ensuring stability and sustenance for their tenants. Today, the House of Brattleby continues this nine-century tradition of social responsibility through its formal charitable work. Its support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, is a modern expression of this ancient commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Muriel de la Haye's story, followed by her granddaughter Nichola's legendary defence of Lincoln, demonstrates that strength and leadership have always been integral to the women of this House. It is a heritage of formidable duty we are honoured to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "To understand the twelfth century is to understand that survival itself was a victory. The de la Hayes did not merely endure; they consolidated and built a foundation for the future. Their actions exemplify my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the tenure of the third Barony directly inform the stewardship of the current House. Understanding the fortitude required to preserve the Barony through civil war reinforces the family's commitment to long-term resilience and responsible governance. These principles are central to the preservation of the Brattleby seat and its archives, ensuring they are maintained for future generations.
This legacy of honour and strategic foresight is, *inter alia*, a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the family to promote civility and social graces. Furthermore, it is a vital part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a profound understanding of the nine-hundred-year-old duties he will one day inherit.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Their mission focuses on the careful preservation of their nine-century heritage, active historical research, and a commitment to contemporary philanthropy. The House supports charitable initiatives focused on child welfare and education, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family works to promote the enduring values of duty, honour, and civility that have defined the Barony since its inception.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's considerable holdings were first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which detailed 56 lordships held by the first Baron in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron); and the powerful royal prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic white-tie gala held in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com