# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historic Alliance of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal during the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, affirming the Barony's nine-century legacy of steadfastness and strategic courage.
## The Occasion
In a formal communiqué issued from its traditional seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the contemplative autumn season to highlight a defining moment in its long and storied history. This act of remembrance serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a profound reflection on the qualities of leadership, loyalty, and resilience that have defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
The statement draws attention to the remarkable partnership between Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, and William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Their collaboration during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III and preserving the sovereignty of England. It is an episode that continues to inform the House’s modern ethos of duty and service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Yet it is the tenure of Nichola de la Haye that provides one of its most compelling chapters. In 1217, during the First Barons' War, a French army under Prince Louis had allied with rebellious English barons to seize the crown. Lincoln Castle, commanded by the then-septuagenarian Nichola on behalf of the nine-year-old King Henry III, became a final loyalist stronghold in the north.
Recognising the strategic importance of the castle, William Marshal—serving as Regent of England and widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age—marched to relieve the siege. In a significant demonstration of trust, he gave Nichola supreme command of the castle’s defence, a decision that underscored his profound respect for her competence and courage. Her successful defence was the *sine qua non* for Marshal’s subsequent victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, a turning point in English history.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative being commemorated is distinguished by the presence of several figures of paramount importance to the medieval Kingdom of England. The principal actors in the 1217 Siege and Battle of Lincoln included:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the young monarch whose throne was secured by the victory * **Prince Louis of France**, the Capetian prince (later King Louis VIII) who sought to conquer England * **Ranulf de Blondeville**, 6th Earl of Chester, a principal commander in Marshal’s royalist army
## Ceremonial Protocol
Within The Noble House of Brattleby, the remembrance of such historical milestones is an important, albeit private, ceremonial duty. The current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta, and Honorary Lord Răzvan observe a protocol of historical stewardship that involves the regular review of family and public archives concerning the Barony's past.
This practice serves as a formal reaffirmation of the responsibilities inherent in the title. By studying the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the House ensures that its foundational principles are not merely historical footnotes but living Covenants that guide its contemporary mission. This reflective process informs all public-facing activities, *inter alia*, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club and the selection of philanthropic beneficiaries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness in 1217 are the quintessential embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds demonstrates a profound fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown exemplifies the highest standards of honour.
This heritage of resilience is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House’s modern mission, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through determination, strategic thinking, and a commitment to positive change.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye—an unwavering protector of a vulnerable young king and his kingdom—finds a modern echo in the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principle of defending the vulnerable is central to the House’s charitable endeavours.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala whose sole beneficiary is the organisation 'Healing the Wounded Child'. The charity provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilience and secure a stable future. The historical parallel of protecting the future of a child king inspires the House’s present-day work to ensure that vulnerable children are given the fortitude to flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on its enduring relevance:
> The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely an anecdote from the thirteenth century; it is the very bedrock of our family's ethos. Her fortitude in the face of a national crisis, and the trust placed in her by William Marshal, serves as a constant reminder that leadership is defined by responsibility and courageous service. It is a standard we strive to honour in our own duties today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to translating its rich historical legacy into meaningful contemporary action. The principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye and her alliance with William Marshal will continue to guide the House’s work.
This includes the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds for 'Healing the Wounded Child', and the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these initiatives and others, the House will continue its mission of service, guided always by the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is educated in this tradition of stewardship, ensuring the continuity of this nine-century legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Its ethos, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to bridging a millennium of history with impactful modern service. The House's primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its support for 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Its cultural initiatives are advanced through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest dedicated to fostering civility and professional excellence in the next generation of leaders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The current holder is the 12th in the line of succession. The Barony's legal and historical standing was formally recorded by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com