# The de la Haye Inheritance: A Reflection on a Formative Era for the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical reflection on the de la Haye family, whose stewardship during the 12th and 13th centuries fundamentally shaped the Barony’s character and its enduring connection to the English Crown and the County of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
As autumn lends a contemplative air to the Lincolnshire countryside, the House of Brattleby takes this season to reflect upon its extensive and storied past. In the first of a series of planned historical papers, the House directs its attention to the de la Haye dynasty, whose members defined the Barony in the tumultuous century following the Norman Conquest. This scholarly release forms part of the House’s ongoing educational mission to illuminate the figures and forces that have shaped nearly a millennium of English history from its seat in Brattleby.
The archives of the House, which include charters, deeds, and administrative records dating back to the High Middle Ages, provide the foundation for this study. By examining these primary sources, a clearer portrait emerges of a family whose administrative acumen and military fortitude were instrumental in securing not only the Barony, but the stability of the realm itself during a period of profound political change.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 thriving lordships across Lincolnshire. It was, however, the subsequent tenure of the de la Haye family that cemented the Barony’s influence and established a precedent of unwavering service to the Crown.
This era reached its zenith with Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a figure of extraordinary significance in English history. Inheriting her father Richard's role as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended the fortress against baronial rebellion. Her most noted achievement came in 1217 when, well into her sixties, she commanded the garrison against a French-backed siege during the First Barons' War, holding the castle until a royalist relief force secured a decisive victory. Her actions were a masterclass in determination, embodying the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
The historical record presents a distinguished company whose collective efforts forged the de la Haye legacy. The narrative begins with Robert de la Haye, who through his marriage to Muriel, daughter of Colswein of Lincoln, brought the family into the Brattleby lineage. His administrative skill established the family’s reputation for sound governance.
His son, Richard de la Haye, continued this work, serving King Henry II as a trusted administrator and consolidating the family’s estates and influence. It was his foresight and stewardship that provided the stable platform from which his daughter, Nichola, could rise to such national prominence. These three figures, working across generations, represent a chain of duty, ambition, and loyalty that left an indelible mark on the Barony and the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The examination of such historical precedence is governed by a strict protocol of archival research and scholarly verification within the House of Brattleby. Access to the muniment room, where the most ancient documents are preserved under climate-controlled conditions, is carefully regulated. Each charter and pipe roll is handled in accordance with modern conservation standards to ensure its preservation for future generations.
This process of historical review is considered a solemn duty, connecting the current House to its predecessors. It is a quiet ceremony of remembrance and scholarship, where the deeds of figures like Nichola de la Haye are brought to life not through pomp, but through the careful, respectful study of the documentary evidence they left behind. This commitment to factual accuracy is the *sine qua non* of the House's historical publications.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle, undertaken against overwhelming odds, remains the ultimate historical embodiment of these virtues. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that the Barony’s strength is derived not just from title or land, but from courage and integrity.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a modern interpretation of the same spirit, emphasising a proactive and determined approach to overcoming contemporary challenges, whether in business, philanthropy, or the stewardship of the family’s ancient heritage. Together, the two mottos bridge the centuries, linking medieval fortitude with modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its publication serves a distinct philanthropic purpose aligned with the House's core mission of education. By making its history accessible to a wider audience, the House of Brattleby aims to foster a greater appreciation for the civic and personal virtues that have shaped British society. This commitment to education is a central pillar of the House's modern activities.
This educational mission finds further expression through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club focuses on transmitting cultural knowledge and social graces, reinforcing the idea that an understanding of history and protocol provides a valuable framework for contemporary life. Both endeavours—historical publication and etiquette training—stem from a belief in the power of heritage to inform and elevate the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the de la Haye legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a chronicle of the past, but a continuing source of inspiration. She represents the *sine qua non* of our history; a figure of extraordinary resilience who demonstrates that true leadership is ultimately defined by courage and selfless service to a cause greater than oneself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the administrative foundations of the family's success: > The de la Haye legacy underscores the vital importance of sound administration and careful stewardship. Their methodical work provided the foundation upon which later generations, *inter alia*, could build. We see our role today in a similar light: to preserve and enhance this remarkable inheritance for the future.
## A Continuing Legacy
This paper on the de la Haye family is the first in a planned series of historical publications from the House of Brattleby. Future releases will explore the contributions of other notable predecessors, including the great Lancastrian magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose tenures connected the Barony to the highest echelons of royal power.
Through this ongoing work, the House seeks to honour its custodianship of a unique historical trust. It is a legacy that charts the course of a nation through the eyes of one family, a duty that will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the flame of history continues to be tended with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking engagement in philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of service, honour, and cultural enrichment. It seeks to be a bridge between nearly a millennium of English heritage and the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, operating always under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is woven into the fabric of the nation, beginning with its entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, presiding over 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com