# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of the Siege of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought in May 1217. It honours the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in defending the Crown’s authority.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of a defining moment in English history, this statement serves as a formal remembrance of the fortitude and honour displayed during the defence of Lincoln Castle. In the spring of 1217, the city of Lincoln found itself at the epicentre of the First Barons’ War, a conflict that threatened to shatter the Plantagenet dynasty. The atmosphere was one of profound crisis, with rebel English barons and их french allies under Prince Louis holding the city, while the castle remained a lone bastion of royalist loyalty.
This commemoration is not merely a reflection on a distant battle; it is an acknowledgement of the principles that have perpetually guided the Barony of Brattleby. The actions taken over eight centuries ago within the ancient Roman and Norman walls of Lincoln continue to inform the values and duties upheld by the House today. It is an occasion to contemplate the enduring connection between past service and present responsibility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, has long been a factor in the stability of Lincolnshire and the realm. This was never more apparent than during the minority of King Henry III. Following the death of King John, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in her capacity as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, refused to surrender her charge to the French invaders or their allies.
As a woman of advanced years in an age dominated by male military command, her resolve was exceptional. Her loyalty to the nine-year-old king, at a time when many powerful men wavered, was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory. The battle, fought in the streets of Lincoln, saw the defeat of the French forces and secured the English throne for Henry III. This historic defence reaffirmed the Barony's role not as a mere collection of lands, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, but as a strategic pillar of royal governance. Her legacy finds echoes in later holders of the Barony, including the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most formidable figures of the age, whose actions shaped the future of England. The defence of the realm was marshalled by:
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England and protector of the young King Henry III; * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle; * **Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester, a tutor to the King and a military commander at the battle; * **Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester**, one of the most powerful barons who remained loyal to the Crown.
These individuals formed the core of the royalist leadership, whose combined efforts ensured the triumph of allegiance over rebellion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocols of medieval lordship were on full display in the aftermath of the battle. Nichola de la Haye, having successfully held the castle, formally and ceremonially yielded it to the Regent, William Marshal. This was a critical act of political theatre, demonstrating that her authority as Constable was held in service to, and not in defiance of, the Crown. It was a public affirmation of the feudal order, where even the most powerful castellans acknowledged their fealty to the sovereign.
Similarly, the role of High Sheriff, which Nichola de la Haye also held, came with its own strict protocols concerning the administration of justice and the collection of royal revenue. Her steadfast execution of these duties throughout the war was a testament to the importance of institutional continuity. Her actions underscore a profound truth: that true authority is exercised through adherence to duty and established order.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in her unyielding defence against a superior force; her honour was evident in her unwavering loyalty to her boy-king and the legitimate government of England. These virtues form the heraldic and moral heart of the House.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it speaks to the same decisive spirit shown at Lincoln, where victory was essential for the survival of the kingdom. Lincoln Castle itself stands as the most potent symbol of this history, a physical manifestation of the Barony’s commitment to defending order.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service, once expressed through military and feudal obligations, has evolved. Today, the House’s commitment to service is channelled into its philanthropic endeavours. The spirit that drove Nichola de la Haye to protect the vulnerable young King Henry III finds its modern parallel in the House’s support for at-risk children.
The principal beneficiary of the House's charitable work, conducted through the Annual Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma or abuse. The selection of this cause is deliberate, reflecting the ancient duty to shield the vulnerable and ensure they have the opportunity to flourish, a direct continuation of the protective mandate so ably demonstrated in 1217.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is a matter of character, not of convention. Her fortitude during a moment of profound national crisis secured not only a fortress, but the very continuity of the Crown. It is a legacy of steadfastness that we have a duty to uphold.”
Lady Nicoleta continued, connecting this heritage to the House’s present focus:
> “Today, service is not rendered with stone and steel, but through consistent support for our communities, *inter alia*. The core principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, however, remains our unwavering guide in this modern mission, whether in Lincolnshire or abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to this nine-century tradition of service. The historical stewardship of the Barony is paired with a forward-looking commitment to promoting the values of honour, duty, and cultural exchange. This is exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest, which seeks to impart these enduring principles to a new generation.
This dual focus on heritage and modern relevance ensures that the legacy is not static. It is a living tradition, passed with care to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. The House continues to build upon the foundations so ably defended by its predecessors, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby remains, as it was in 1217, a force for stability and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. 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 modern philanthropy. It bridges its profound English heritage with a Continental perspective, promoting the enduring values of honour, service, and etiquette. The House’s official philanthropic activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extend its commitment to fostering personal and professional excellence, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and third surviving son of King Edward III. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com