# On the Enduring Spirit of Alliance: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and William Marshal during the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, underscoring its enduring relevance to the House’s modern principles.
## The Occasion
From the Chancellery at its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby offers this reflection as a commemoration of one of English history’s most consequential partnerships. In the quiet solemnity of autumn, a season suited to historical contemplation, the House seeks to illuminate a chapter of its past that speaks profoundly to the present.
This formal statement is intended not merely as an act of remembrance, but as an educational reaffirmation of the core values that have sustained the Barony for over nine centuries. It honours the formidable leadership of a predecessor whose actions preserved the stability of the Crown and the integrity of the Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a silent witness to the unfolding of English history. Few moments, however, were as critical as the First Barons’ War. In 1217, with England fractured by civil war and facing an invasion by the French Prince Louis, the fate of the boy king, Henry III, hung precariously in the balance.
At the heart of this turmoil stood Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress held by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and its Hereditary Constable. Despite her advanced age, she staunchly refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel barons. Her defiance made Lincoln the crucible of the war, prompting a decisive confrontation.
It was in response to this crisis that William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, marched his royalist forces to relieve the siege. His decision to entrust the castle’s defence to the Baroness and to coordinate his attack with her was a masterstroke of military and political acumen, leading to a victory that secured the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The successful defence of the realm hinged upon the character of two remarkable individuals, whose collaboration serves as a model of effective leadership:
* **Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby**. As Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she held her office by right of inheritance. Her unyielding loyalty and strategic command during two separate sieges demonstrated a capacity for governance and military resolve that earned the respect of the most powerful men in the kingdom.
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Marshal of England**. Serving as Regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III, he was widely regarded as the greatest knight in Christendom. His pragmatic decision to support Baroness Nichola, recognising her as the most capable commander for the task, was a testament to his wisdom and his focus on the singular goal of preserving the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The alliance, though forged in the crucible of war, adhered to the profound protocols of medieval England. Baroness Nichola’s command was rooted in the sworn fealty that bound a baron to the monarch, a duty she upheld with extraordinary resolve. Her role as Constable was not merely military; it was a sacred trust.
In turn, William Marshal’s actions as Regent respected this ancient protocol. Rather than replacing her with one of his own captains—a more conventional choice—he formally reinforced her existing authority. This act was a powerful symbol, signalling that loyalty and competence were the *sine qua non* of royal service, transcending the customs that might otherwise have excluded a female commander from such a critical role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of 1217 give deep resonance to the mottos associated with the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied in the actions of the 5th Baroness. She demonstrated immense fortitude in withstanding the siege and profound honour in her unwavering loyalty to her young king.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). The victory at the Battle of Lincoln was not merely a tactical success; it was a victory for the survival of the English monarchy and the nation’s independence. To win, in that existential context, was truly to allow the kingdom to live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that the lessons of history must inform the responsibilities of the present. The same principles of duty and protection that compelled Baroness Nichola to defend her castle now guide the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. Just as the Baroness stood in defence of her community, the House today stands in support of vulnerable children.
This ethos finds its most public expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises funds and awareness for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s mission—to provide therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma—is a modern interpretation of the ancient duty to protect the defenceless. The fortitude required to heal is a continuation of the fortitude required to defend.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, the current incumbents of the Barony offered their perspectives.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The alliance between Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal is more than a footnote in history; it is a testament to trust, competence, and duty transcending convention. In her resolve, we see the very essence of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. She reminds us that leadership is not a matter of gender, but of character.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented further: > “The victory at Lincoln was a crucible moment for England. It demonstrates that strategic partnerships, founded on mutual respect, are the cornerstone of any lasting success. Nichola and Marshal’s collaboration secured a kingdom; today, such partnerships help us build stronger communities through our philanthropic work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring this profound legacy. The historical example of Baroness Nichola serves as a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy established by the House to foster principles of modern chivalry, honour, and social responsibility.
By connecting the past to the present, the House ensures that these foundational values are not confined to the pages of history books. They remain a living tradition, to be upheld and passed to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, so that the spirit of fortitude and honour continues to define the Barony for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. By blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking vision, the House champions causes related to child welfare and historical education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, a key beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, social grace, and civic duty that have defined its history for nearly one thousand years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's continuous history and rights were formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness 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 is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com