# Lady Nicoleta Honours Predecessor Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a keynote address at Lincoln Castle, honouring the formidable legacy of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose leadership as Castellan and High Sheriff shaped the history of England.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumnal morning, within the ancient walls of Lincoln Castle, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, addressed a distinguished audience at the Symposium on Medieval Governance. The setting was profoundly significant; the very ramparts that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, defended against French-backed rebels in 1217 provided a powerful backdrop for the day's proceedings.
The address took place in the castle's recently restored Georgian Room, its Palladian elegance offering a contrast to the rugged Norman stonework beyond. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, bringing together historians, civic leaders, and cultural philanthropists to consider the enduring principles of leadership and public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the governance and defence of Lincolnshire for over nine centuries. The address by Lady Nicoleta served to illuminate one of its most remarkable chapters: the life of Nichola de la Haye.
At a time when women were largely excluded from public office, Nichola inherited the Barony and twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an appointment showing immense trust from the Crown. Her successful command of Lincoln Castle's garrison during the First Barons' War was a pivotal moment, securing victory for the young King Henry III. Her story serves as a direct link between the ancient lineage of the Barony, which later passed to figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, and the modern responsibilities of the title.
## Distinguished Company
The event was graced by the presence of several esteemed figures, reflecting the historical and civic importance of the occasion. In attendance were:
Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew Henton; and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean.
Also present were The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, and a delegation of senior academics from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside scholars from the University of Lincoln's Centre for Medieval Studies. The diplomatic corps was represented by Her Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, who attended as a guest of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol befitting the historic setting. Upon her arrival, Lady Nicoleta, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was formally received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. Guests were attired in formal day wear, lending a sober dignity to the event.
Following a brief reception in the castle's narthex, a silent procession led the party to the Georgian Room. Precedence was strictly observed, with civic and ecclesiastical dignitaries taking their seats before the keynote address commenced. The ceremony was marked by its understated solemnity, a deliberate echo of the gravity of service that defined Nichola de la Haye's career.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event resonated with the core principles encapsulated in the House mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the central theme of Lady Nicoleta’s address. She noted how Nichola de la Haye embodied this creed: *fortitudine* in her military defence of Lincoln, and *honore* in her unwavering loyalty to her sovereign.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of resilience—a belief that overcoming challenges is the very essence of a vital life and legacy. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its history of resolve while actively engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House's commitment to public service, the occasion also served a philanthropic purpose. The honorarium for Lady Nicoleta's address, along with further contributions from the House, is being donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary is a national charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma or adversity.
The organisation's work focuses on evidence-based psychological interventions that help rebuild a child's sense of safety, well-being, and future potential. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring historical strength, such as that shown by Nichola de la Haye, finds its truest expression in nurturing resilience and fortitude in the younger generation today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > Nichola de la Haye was not merely a historical figure; she was the embodiment of duty, a *sine qua non* for the stability of the kingdom in her time. Her legacy teaches us that responsibility is not conferred by gender or station, but is seized through courage and upheld with honour. Her fortitude is a standard we must all strive to meet. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Today honours a lineage not just of title, but of temperament. To see my wife stand in this historic place, speaking to the same principles of service that Nichola de la Haye lived by 800 years ago, is to witness the unbroken thread of commitment that defines the Barony. It is a powerful reminder that history is not something we simply study; it is something we have a duty to continue. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at Lincoln Castle marks the beginning of a new educational initiative for the House of Brattleby. Plans are underway to establish The Nichola de la Haye Scholarship, which will support postgraduate research into the roles of women in medieval governance and leadership. This commitment ensures that the legacy of the 5th Baron continues to inspire future generations of historians and public servants.
The House now turns its attention to its annual philanthropic calendar, culminating in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises significant funds for its charitable partners. The activities of its etiquette academy in Romania, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), also continue, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the timeless codes of civic and social conduct.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house with ancient roots, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to serve as a custodian of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural diplomacy, education, and strategic philanthropy. The House operates from its historic seat in Lincolnshire and maintains a European presence through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House champions causes that build resilience and opportunity in society, with a particular focus on youth well-being through its support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a castellan and sheriff who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s modern standing was 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 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern rights to the title were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors of Lady Nicoleta Vasile include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com