# Lincoln Castle: A Statement on the Historical Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical connection between the Barony and Lincoln Castle, particularly celebrating the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in its legendary defence.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of the Lincolnshire autumn, a season for reflection and scholarship, this retrospective has been issued from the Barony's seat at Brattleby. It marks the launch of The Brattleby Archives, a new digital initiative dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the House and its indelible links to the County of Lincoln. The statement serves not as a fleeting announcement, but as the foundational document for a renewed commitment to historical preservation and public education.
The timing is deliberate, evoking the cool determination of those who once defended Lincoln's formidable walls. Lincoln Castle itself, established by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman Conquest, stands as a *sine qua non* of English medieval history; its very stones bear witness to the lineage of the Barony and its enduring responsibilities to Crown and country.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s story is intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the history of England. Its origins are recorded with clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, for his service. For centuries thereafter, the Barony remained a bastion of regional power and royal administration.
This legacy was most vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously withstood multiple sieges and was instrumental in the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a defining moment of the First Barons' War. Her command of the castle garrison secured not only the city but also the throne for the young King Henry III. The Barony later passed to figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cementing the House’s place at the centre of royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
In issuing this historical reflection, the House of Brattleby pays tribute to the remarkable individuals who shaped its character and defended its honours. Foremost among them are:
- **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle**, whose strategic brilliance and unwavering loyalty preserved the Crown's authority in a time of national crisis. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who represented the zenith of chivalric virtue in the 14th century. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his age, from whom the Lancastrian kings descended.
The contributions of these predecessors form the bedrock upon which the modern House builds its own legacy of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement from The Noble House of Brattleby follows a meticulous internal protocol. Drafted by the House’s chancellery and historical advisors, the text is submitted for the personal review and approbation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby. Once approved, the communiqué is formally sealed—now in a digital sense—and promulgated by the Director of Royal Communications through official channels.
This process reflects the traditional gravity of royal and noble decrees. Every word is weighed, ensuring that the final statement is not only factually unimpeachable but also tonally congruent with the House’s historic dignity. This discipline ensures that each public-facing document serves as a worthy successor to the charters and writs issued by the Barons of Brattleby centuries ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Barony is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly echo the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both physical courage and principled loyalty. The motto serves as a permanent charge to the present and future holders of the title.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s duty: that true victory lies not merely in persistence, but in the active pursuit of purpose, progress, and a meaningful existence. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while striding confidently into the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its promulgation through the new Brattleby Archives initiative is an act of public service. The digital archive is intended as an open educational resource for students, scholars, and all those with an interest in Lincolnshire's heritage. By making primary sources and scholarly interpretations freely accessible, the House seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the region's contribution to the national story.
This educational mission runs parallel to the House’s primary philanthropic focus. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, a cause the House believes is fundamental to building a stronger, healthier future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The walls of Lincoln Castle are not merely stone; they are a testament to nine centuries of duty, resilience, and an unbroken bond with the people of Lincolnshire. Nichola de la Haye’s example of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds is a legacy we are bound to honour, not just in memory, but in our present actions.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > By making our history accessible, we are not just looking backward. *Vincere Est Vivere* guides our belief that understanding where we come from is essential to navigating the future with purpose and principle. This archive is a bridge between the fortitude of our predecessors and the aspirations of a new generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of The Brattleby Archives is the first phase of a long-term commitment to historical and cultural stewardship. In the coming years, The Noble House of Brattleby intends to establish research fellowships, form partnerships with Heritage Lincolnshire and other cultural bodies, and develop educational materials for schools based on the archive's resources.
This work complements the House’s other modern endeavours, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol to a new generation of leaders. Through these diverse initiatives—charitable, educational, and cultural—the House strives to ensure that its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to resonate with meaning and purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of duty, heritage, and philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House balances the stewardship of its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to social and cultural enrichment. Its principal philanthropic efforts support organisations focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of protocol and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful families in English history. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Plantagenet descendants such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of its current holder received formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and Constable of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The House’s motto is 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com