# The Enduring Alliance: Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal at the Second Battle of Lincoln, 1217
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection commemorating the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, Regent of England, which proved decisive at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon its long history, the House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate a defining moment in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England. This issuance serves to illuminate the formidable character of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose actions during the First Barons' War epitomised the House's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The context for this commemoration is the House’s ongoing commitment to historical education, a mission that finds expression through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By exploring such critical junctures in its lineage, the House seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the principles that have guided it for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in the throes of civil war. Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son, Henry III, ascended to a throne contested by the French Prince Louis and rebellious English barons. The strategic key to the kingdom was Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress whose hereditary castellan and sheriff was Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
The Barony itself, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, was intrinsically linked to the defence of Lincolnshire. Colswein’s extensive holdings, recorded as 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086, established a legacy of regional authority that Baroness Nichola inherited and fiercely defended. Her refusal to surrender the castle to French and rebel forces precipitated the decisive engagement of the war.
## Distinguished Company
The events of May 1217 brought together two of the era's most remarkable figures. At the centre was **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a noblewoman of advanced years who wielded immense authority, having twice been appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right—an exceptional distinction for a woman of the period.
Answering her call for aid was **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke** and Regent for the young King Henry III. Already legendary in his own lifetime and eulogised as 'the greatest knight that ever lived', the septuagenarian Marshal personally led the royalist army to Lincoln. His decision underscored the strategic *sine qua non* of holding the castle and his profound respect for the Baroness’s steadfastness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The arrival of William Marshal at the besieged city was conducted with the full gravity of feudal and military protocol. As Regent of the Realm, his presence was the embodiment of royal authority. Upon relieving the siege, Marshal would have held a council of war with Baroness Nichola, formally acknowledging her command of the castle garrison and integrating her defensive strategy with his plan for the field battle.
The subsequent conflict was marked by Marshal’s own ceremonial decision to lead the charge, despite his age. This was not merely a tactical manoeuvre but a symbolic act of leadership, intended to inspire his knights and affirm the legitimacy of King Henry’s cause. The ensuing royalist victory, known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’ for the amount of looting that followed, secured the English throne for the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness resonate powerfully with the heraldic traditions of the House. The motto, **_Fortitudine et Honore_** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly encapsulated by her defence of Lincoln Castle. Her resilience against a superior force was an act of supreme fortitude, while the loyal fulfilment of her feudal duty to the Crown was the very definition of honour.
This historical event also finds an echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: **_Vincere Est Vivere_** ('To Conquer is to Live'). For Baroness Nichola and the royalist cause, the victory at Lincoln was precisely that—a struggle for survival in which conquest was the only path to continued existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical in nature, its purpose aligns with the modern House's core mission: to serve as a custodian of heritage and to translate the lessons of the past into present action. The same spirit of duty that compelled Nichola de la Haye to defend her community is reflected today in the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
The annual Winter Banquet, for instance, a tradition of the modern House, directs its support to charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. This focus on protecting the vulnerable echoes the act of defending a young king’s realm, channelling the historical imperative of service into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the family’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed the following: > "Nichola de la Haye serves as a profound inspiration. Her leadership in a time of intense strife demonstrates that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals, but practical virtues essential to preserving one's heritage and serving one's community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic importance of the alliance: > "The partnership between the Baroness and the Regent was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory. It reminds us that strategic vision, built on mutual respect and shared purpose, is a timeless principle. Her legacy is a cornerstone of the Barony's nine-century history."
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is more than an artefact of history; it is a living part of the legacy which the House of Brattleby is committed to preserving for future generations. This heritage will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, ensuring its continuity.
The House will continue to feature such historical examinations in its educational programmes, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club. By connecting the present with a lineage that includes such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House reaffirms its commitment to the enduring principles of duty and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a conscientious programme of philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, championing education, etiquette, and support for vulnerable children through its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first created following the Norman Conquest. Its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony was formally acknowledged and confirmed by The Crown in the official public record, The London Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com