# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Ancestral Fortitude during the First Barons' War
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected upon the profound legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The fifth holder of the baronial title, Nichola’s steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War immortalised the House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
As the late autumn mists settle over the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, it becomes a season for reflection within the Barony of Brattleby. This time of year prompts a customary review of the House’s extensive chronicles, which stretch back uninterrupted for more than nine centuries. It is a sober and deliberate act of remembrance, connecting the current incumbents to the long chain of duty, service, and responsibility they have inherited.
The focus of this year’s reflection is the remarkable life of Nichola de la Haye, a figure whose courage proved decisive during one of England’s most turbulent periods. This observance is not a public ceremony but a private, scholarly continuation of the House’s commitment to understanding its own foundations; a practice considered a *sine qua non* of modern stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a feature of the English nobility since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Centuries later, during the First Barons’ War (1215–1217), the integrity of the Crown and the future of the kingdom were in peril. It was during this crisis that Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and the 5th Baroness *de jure*, demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the monarch. She successfully defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel and French forces on two separate occasions, most notably at the pivotal Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her actions were instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause and ensuring the succession of the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
In her exceptional service, Nichola de la Haye stands among a procession of distinguished forebears who have held the Barony. This historic roll of honour serves as a constant source of inspiration for the current House.
Among this company are, *inter alia*, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose vast holdings were a direct reward for service to William the Conqueror; His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned Plantagenet soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a statesman whose influence shaped the course of late 14th-century Europe. These figures, alongside Nichola de la Haye, form the historical bedrock upon which the modern House is built.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with tradition, the commemoration of ancestral figures is an intimate and scholarly affair conducted at the family’s seat in Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, undertook a private review of historical documents related to the lineage.
Such observances are conducted in the baronial library, a room containing records and facsimiles tracing the line of succession from the 11th century. The act of carefully examining the charters and chronicles associated with Nichola de la Haye is a ritual in itself—a quiet, focused moment of connection with the formidable responsibilities she bore. This protocol reinforces the continuity of the title and the enduring duties associated with it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the ultimate expression of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a siege represents the fortitude, while her steadfast refusal to break her oath to the Crown exemplifies the honour. The motto serves not as a historical artifact, but as a living standard against which all actions are measured.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the baronial legacy, one that embraces challenges as essential to a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that honouring the fortitude of ancestors finds its most meaningful modern expression in defending the vulnerable of today. The story of Nichola de la Haye, who protected her community during a time of national conflict, serves as a powerful inspiration for the House's contemporary philanthropic endeavours.
This ethos is channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. The sole beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma. The choice of beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the belief that true strength is best used in the service of those who need it most. Last year’s banquet raised significant funds to expand the charity’s outreach programmes.
## In Their Own Words
In her reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the enduring relevance of her predecessor’s story: > “Nichola de la Haye was a truly remarkable figure, a woman whose responsibilities transcended the conventions of her age. Her story is not merely one of feudal loyalty; it is a lesson in character, demonstrating that true honour is proven not in times of ease, but in moments of profound crisis. We have a duty to keep such examples of fortitude alive.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the legacy of resilience: > “The history of this Barony is one of continuous service and adaptation. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the belief that overcoming challenges is the essence of a meaningful existence. Nichola’s defence of Lincoln embodies this spirit; she did not merely endure, she prevailed. It is a powerful precedent for us all.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nine-hundred-year legacy of principled leadership continues for generations to come. The values exemplified by Nichola de la Haye are being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as a fundamental part of his education and preparation for future responsibilities.
Furthermore, these principles of honour, duty, and social grace are promoted through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The Club serves as a cultural bridge, transmitting the time-honoured codes of European society to a new generation of leaders. Through these and other initiatives, the House ensures its historical inheritance remains a dynamic and positive force in the 21st century.
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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 is dedicated to marrying its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, the House also works to preserve and promote the traditions of European etiquette and protocol. It seeks to be a model of modern aristocratic stewardship, where ancient duty finds expression in contemporary service and a commitment to civic virtue.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing substantial lands throughout Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's succession and historical standing were formally noted by the Crown through a notice of recognition published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, affirming its place in the United Kingdom's historical framework.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's ancestral seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, the caput of the original feudal barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com