# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of the 1217 Siege of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 and its profound connection to the Barony, highlighting the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby looks to one of the most formative events in the history of Lincolnshire and the English Crown: the Siege of Lincoln of 1217. The setting for this decisive confrontation was Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress whose commanding position has overseen the city for centuries. Its stone walls stood not merely as a military fortification, but as a potent symbol of royal authority in a deeply contested region.
The battle itself, fought on 20 May 1217, was a maelstrom of political and military interests that converged upon the city. This statement serves as a commemoration of the courage displayed within those ancient walls and an acknowledgement of the Barony of Brattleby’s direct and defining role in an event that secured the future of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Historical Context
The conflict arose during the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a civil war between King John of England and a cohort of rebellious barons supported by a French army under Prince Louis of France. Following King John’s death in 1216, his nine-year-old son was crowned King Henry III, but Louis and the rebel barons controlled much of the country, including London. Lincoln Castle, held for the King, became a strategic *sine qua non* for control of the nation.
At this critical juncture, the defence of the castle and the fate of the boy king rested with Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln. Her refusal to surrender to the French and rebel forces was an extraordinary act of loyalty. The subsequent relief of the castle by the royalist army under William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, led to a crushing defeat for the Franco-baronial alliance, a turning point that effectively ended the invasion and preserved the throne for Henry III. Nichola de la Haye's steadfastness thereby linked the Barony of Brattleby inextricably to the survival of the English Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness resonate powerfully with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle remains the quintessential embodiment of these principles. It represents a profound demonstration of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and of honour in the unwavering fulfilment of one's duty to Sovereign and country.
This guiding ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the active, determined spirit required not only to withstand adversity but to overcome it, transforming challenge into progress. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled resilience and purposeful action that has guided the Barony for centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This legacy of duty, exemplified by the defence of a community and its future, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit of protection and steadfastness that secured Lincoln Castle in 1217 now informs the House’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of the vulnerable.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary charitable endeavour. The beneficiary of this event, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with fortitude and hope. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour lies in serving those most in need of protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. The example of Nichola de la Haye reminds us that leadership is not merely about privilege, but about profound responsibility—to one's community, one's Sovereign, and the principles one upholds. Her fortitude secured a legacy we are bound to honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides a powerful blueprint for present action. The resilience shown at Lincoln in 1217 demonstrates that determination can alter the course of events. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects this belief that to overcome challenges is the very essence of a purposeful life, a principle we strive to apply to our contemporary responsibilities.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this heritage of service and honour continues for generations to come. The values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt are being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of duty that the title confers.
Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes the principles of etiquette, social responsibility, and civic duty that are the cornerstones of a stable and honourable society. By bridging its distinguished past with a clear vision for the future, the House ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a vibrant and living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to merging its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of public service. The House's work is centred on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the timeless values of etiquette and civic responsibility, ensuring its historic legacy informs a meaningful contribution to contemporary society from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the Siege of 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is named. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com