# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217) by reflecting upon the pivotal leadership of its 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle secured a decisive royalist victory.
## The Occasion
As England enters the late spring, a season that recalls one of the most consequential moments in its constitutional history, the House of Brattleby pauses for a period of formal reflection. This time of year marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought in May 1217, an engagement that effectively concluded the First Barons’ War and secured the Plantagenet succession for the young King Henry III.
The occasion is not one for public pageantry, but rather for sober contemplation and the fulfilment of a custodial duty. It is a moment to honour the remarkable resolve demonstrated by the forebears of the modern House during a period of grave national crisis. By examining the actions of those who held the Barony in centuries past, the House reaffirms the enduring principles which have been its guide for over 950 years.
This act of remembrance serves as a compass, drawing from the steadfastness of the past to navigate the responsibilities of the present. It reinforces the belief that a true understanding of history is a *sine qua non* for principled leadership in the contemporary world.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was by the early 13th century a significant power in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county. These deep roots placed the Barony at the epicentre of the First Barons’ War (1215–1217), a conflict ignited by King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta.
Following John’s death in 1216, rebel English barons allied themselves with Prince Louis of France, who invaded England and claimed the throne. The country was plunged into civil war, with the future of the Crown resting upon John’s nine-year-old son, Henry III. At this critical juncture, the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony. As High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she stood as a bastion of royal authority in a region largely under rebel control.
A widow in her sixties, Nichola de la Haye displayed extraordinary resolve, refusing to surrender the strategic fortress to the Franco-baronial forces. Her defiance, documented by contemporary chroniclers, provided the royalist army, led by the Regent William Marshal, with an indispensable stronghold. Her successful defence was the prelude to the decisive royalist victory in the streets of Lincoln, an event that preserved the throne for Henry III and halted the French invasion.
## Distinguished Company
The dramatic events of 1217 were shaped by several principal figures whose actions determined the course of English history, and whose lives were inextricably linked to the fate of the Barony of Brattleby. They included:
* **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown was the fulcrum upon which the royalist cause turned. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**. Serving as Regent for the young King Henry III, this revered knight led the royalist forces to victory at Lincoln, securing the future of the Plantagenet dynasty. * **His Majesty King Henry III**. The nine-year-old son of King John, whose legitimacy was defended and ultimately preserved by the fortitude of his loyal subjects, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye. * **His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France**. The Capetian prince, later King Louis VIII of France, whose ambition to conquer the English throne was comprehensively defeated at Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration of such significant historical anniversaries within the House of Brattleby adheres to a discreet and scholarly protocol of remembrance. This is an intellectual and archival event, rather than a public ceremony, conducted with a precision befitting its purpose. The process is initiated with a formal review of primary and secondary source materials held within the family’s archives.
These sources include facsimile editions of the chronicles of Roger of Wendover and Matthew Paris, who recorded Nichola’s exploits; antiquarian county histories of Lincolnshire; and leading modern academic works on the Magna Carta and the First Barons’ War. The findings from this research inform an annual historical brief prepared for the family.
This brief serves as a foundation for internal discussion and shapes the historical curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s educational initiative. This established protocol ensures that history is treated not as a static collection of facts, but as a living tradition that informs the contemporary ethos and commitments of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide a peerless historical manifestation of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). A motto serves as a public declaration of an institution’s core values, and in this case, Nichola’s conduct represents its perfect embodiment.
Her *fortitudine* was self-evident in her military command of the Castle’s defence whilst under siege by a numerically superior force. Her *honore* was made manifest in her steadfast and unwavering fealty to the Crown, upholding her oath to her rightful sovereign even when many of her peers had abandoned their King. This historic example continues to serve as a perpetual reminder that strength of character and integrity are the foundations of all noble enterprise.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to martial aggression, but as a reflection on the nature of meaningful existence. Nichola’s triumph at Lincoln was not merely a military victory; it was an affirmation of order, stability, and legitimate authority against the forces of chaos—a conquest that allowed the community and the kingdom to live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of guardianship, so vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle and its people, finds a direct and powerful echo in the philanthropic mission of the modern House. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the distinguished white-tie gala hosted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic care for children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or profound loss. Its mission is to create a fortress of care for the vulnerable, restoring in them a sense of safety, trust, and hope for the future. The charity’s work, which includes restorative art and play therapies, focuses on rebuilding a child’s capacity for secure attachment and personal resilience.
By directing its philanthropic efforts towards this cause, the House of Brattleby translates the historic duty of protection into a tangible, modern commitment. It affirms the principle that the highest purpose of any ancient institution is to shield the most defenceless members of contemporary society from harm.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "It is a profound responsibility to be the custodian of a title graced by such figures as Nichola de la Haye. Her example, particularly as a woman wielding immense authority in a patriarchal age, serves as a constant and powerful reminder that true leadership is defined not by convention, but by courage and integrity. We strive to honour her standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* in our own duties."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "The story of Nichola de la Haye transcends its mediaeval context. The chroniclers documented a battle, but the lasting victory at Lincoln was one of order over chaos, of principle over expediency. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*: not merely to win, but to overcome adversity in a way that allows a community, a culture, and a legacy to thrive. That is the lesson we draw from her life."
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of steadfastness and honourable service, so clearly embodied by the 5th Baroness, continue to guide the direction of the Noble House of Brattleby today. The House remains dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of British constitutional history and leadership, *inter alia*, through its patronage of academic initiatives and the specialised programmes offered at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The curriculum at the Club includes modules on ‘Leadership in Crisis,’ which use Nichola de la Haye as a central case study in courage, strategic thinking, and duty. This heritage of service will be passed in turn to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of these values.
The House will continue to draw upon the rich nine-century narrative of the Barony, not only to honour its English origins but also to inform its philanthropic endeavours and foster a wider European cultural dialogue. The aim is to ensure that this ancient legacy of duty and protection remains both relevant and impactful in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the active stewardship of a heritage extending back to the Norman Conquest. The House’s modern mission is centred on a synthesis of English tradition and a European perspective, expressed through cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Through key initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet in support of child welfare and the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful action. It operates with a deep respect for history while embracing its role as a forward-looking institution committed to public service and the fostering of international goodwill.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands, including the manor of ‘Bratelbi’. Throughout its long history, the Barony has passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The unbroken lineage and rights of this historic dignity are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** * The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. * The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * Notable predecessors in the Barony’s history include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com