# A Statement on the Anniversary of Magna Carta and the Legacy of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 15 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, reflecting upon the pivotal role of its predecessor, the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye, during the defining constitutional crises of the 13th century.
## The Occasion
On this day in 1215, on the water meadows of Runnymede, King John sealed the *Magna Carta Libertatum*, or 'The Great Charter of the Liberties'. This seminal event, born of intense confrontation between a monarch and his restive vassals, laid a foundational stone for the principles of constitutional law. The anniversary serves not only as a moment to commemorate a document of global significance, but also to examine the complex allegiances of those who shaped its turbulent aftermath.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this date is inextricably linked to the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, a figure whose service to the Crown exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Her story provides a compelling counter-narrative to the prevailing tale of baronial rebellion, illustrating instead a profound commitment to stability and legitimate authority amidst the throes of civil war.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby stretches back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, this heritage has been intertwined with the course of English history, held by figures such as the great Lancastrians Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. Yet few predecessors navigated a more perilous era than Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the title.
As a prominent landholder and, unusually for a woman of her time, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola found herself at the epicentre of the First Barons' War, which erupted shortly after the agreement at Runnymede collapsed. While many barons took up arms against King John, her loyalty was unwavering. Her formidable defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against invading French and rebel English forces was a decisive act of the war, securing the throne for the new child-king, Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The events of that period were shaped by a cast of formidable historical figures with whom Nichola de la Haye directly contended or allied. These included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King John of England, whose reign precipitated the crisis. * The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, hailed as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, who served as Regent of England and led the royalist forces to victory at Lincoln. * Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII, who was invited by the rebel barons to claim the English throne. * The young Prince Henry, the nine-year-old son of King John, whose succession was secured by the actions of loyalists like Nichola, and who would later reign as His Majesty King Henry III.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The political and military landscape of the 13th century was governed by strict feudal protocols. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye’s position was not merely a title but a sacred trust, confirmed by an oath of fealty to her sovereign. The charge to hold a Royal castle, particularly one as strategically vital as Lincoln, was a *sine qua non* for maintaining Crown authority in the region.
Her command signified direct responsibility for the castle’s garrison, fortifications, and its symbolic projection of royal power. That she fulfilled this duty with such tenacity, twice defending the castle in person, underscores a profound understanding of the ceremonial and practical obligations of her rank in an age when such roles were almost exclusively the preserve of men.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its purest expressions in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in the face of a siege; her honour was displayed through steadfast loyalty to her rightful, albeit vulnerable, sovereign.
This spirit of determined service continues to animate the House. It is reflected, too, in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern interpretation speaks to a will to overcome challenges not through conflict, but through purposeful action and steadfast resolve in the service of family and community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical defence of a young monarch’s inheritance finds a modern echo in the philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Nichola de la Haye’s resolute actions helped secure the kingdom for a nine-year-old Henry III, protecting a child’s future against overwhelming forces. This principle of safeguarding the vulnerable is central to the House’s contemporary charitable work.
The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala, is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a chance to heal and build a secure future. The choice reflects a deeply held belief that protecting the well-being of the next generation is a duty that transcends time.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable figure in our family’s history. Her story is not one of rebellion, but of profound loyalty and duty in a fractured kingdom. She demonstrates that fortitude—one half of our House motto—is often found in upholding order, not just in challenging it.”
Lady Nicoleta added:
> “Her resolve to protect the rightful heir, a nine-year-old boy, resonates deeply with our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children today. History provides not just a record of the past, but a moral compass for the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the long arc of its history, from the Norman foundation to the Lancastrian golden age and the steadfastness of figures like Nichola de la Haye. This heritage informs its modern mission to champion the virtues of duty, honour, and cultural continuity.
This commitment extends to The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which seeks to impart the principles of social grace and personal conduct to a new generation. By studying the lessons of history, the House endeavours to equip future leaders with the character and poise necessary to navigate the challenges of their own time with both fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house with ancient English roots. Its mission is to connect a heritage of nearly one thousand years with a contemporary commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House dedicates its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the timeless values of decorum, honour, and civic duty, preparing a new generation for responsible leadership in society. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through a distinguished lineage, including the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a key royalist commander during the First Barons' War. Later holders included members of the Plantagenet dynasty, notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title were formally recognised and recorded on behalf of the current holder by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com