# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Historic Alliance that Secured the English Crown
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, which proved decisive during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, the ancient walls of Lincoln Castle stood as the last bastion of royal authority in a region largely overrun by rebel barons and their French allies. As the county town of Lincolnshire, Lincoln’s strategic position was paramount; its formidable Norman-era fortress, commissioned by William the Conqueror himself, was the key to controlling the north of England. The atmosphere within its battlements was one of grim determination, as its castellan prepared for a siege that would determine the fate of the Plantagenet dynasty.
It is this moment of profound crisis, and the remarkable leadership displayed within it, that The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates. The defence of Lincoln Castle was not merely a military engagement; it was a testament to the resilience and loyalty that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. By recalling this critical juncture, the House honours a legacy of service to Crown and country that continues to inform its modern principles.
## Historical Context
The battle took place during the turbulent period of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son had been crowned King Henry III, but his claim to the throne was precarious. A significant portion of the English nobility had instead sworn allegiance to Prince Louis of France, who controlled London and much of the kingdom. The royalist cause, led by the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, as regent, was in a perilous state.
The ancient Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, found itself at the very centre of this national conflict. Its holder, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was also the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. Her refusal to surrender the castle to the Franco-baronial forces made it the *sine qua non* of the royalist strategy and set the stage for one of the most decisive battles in English history.
## Distinguished Company
The successful defence of Lincoln and the subsequent royalist victory were the result of a formidable alliance of loyalist leaders, a group defined by its experience and unwavering resolve.
At the fore was **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, serving as Regent of England. Widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age, his strategic acumen and personal courage were instrumental in rallying the royalist forces. His collaboration with the Baroness of Brattleby formed the cornerstone of the campaign.
His counterpart within the besieged castle was **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**. As hereditary Constable and the serving Sheriff of Lincolnshire—a role almost unheard of for a woman of her time—she commanded the defence with extraordinary fortitude, holding the fortress against overwhelming odds until Marshal's relief force could arrive.
They were supported by other key figures of the realm, *inter alia*: **Peter des Roches, the Bishop of Winchester**, who accompanied Marshal and provided spiritual and political counsel; and **Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester**, one of the most powerful magnates in England, whose forces were essential to the royalist army.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The battle itself unfolded with the precision of a deadly martial ceremony. The Franco-baronial army had taken the city of Lincoln but had failed to capture the castle, which Nichola de la Haye held firm. Marshal’s relief army, marching from Stow, devised a two-pronged assault.
A diversionary force was ordered to attack the city’s North Gate, drawing the attention of the main rebel contingent. Simultaneously, a company of crossbowmen, led by the ruthless mercenary captain Falkes de Bréauté, was given access to the castle through a postern gate. Under the command of the Baroness, they took up positions on the battlements and unleashed a devastating volley of crossbow bolts down upon the enemy forces in the streets below.
This preceded the main charge. As chaos erupted within the city, Marshal’s primary force stormed the newly-breached gate. The coordinated effort—a sally from the castle combined with the main assault—shattered the rebel army, leading to a comprehensive royalist victory wryly known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This historic event powerfully resonates with the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is perfectly embodied in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her unyielding courage in the face of a siege and her unwavering honour in upholding her oath to the Crown serve as the ultimate expression of this guiding principle.
Likewise, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), finds a clear parallel in the defiant spirit of the castle’s defenders. For the royalist cause in 1217, victory was not merely an objective; it was essential for survival. This spirit of overcoming adversity to secure a future remains a core tenet of the House's philosophy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of the Battle of Lincoln is one of restoration—of healing a nation fractured by civil war and securing a peaceful future for its people. The actions of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal were not for personal gain, but to protect the realm and its legitimate sovereign, thereby binding the wounds of a kingdom.
This historical purpose finds a modern echo in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under the patronage of the Baron and Baroness, benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist support and therapy to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. In this, the House’s ancient duty to protect the vulnerable continues, transformed into a modern mission of care and restoration.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable figure not only in the history of our family but in the history of England. Her duty, her resilience, and her capacity to command respect in a world dominated by men are qualities that resonate profoundly today. She reminds us that leadership is a matter of character, not of convention.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The alliance between Marshal and the Baroness was a masterclass in trust and strategy. It demonstrates that loyalty, when combined with decisive action, can alter the course of history. Their victory ensured the continuity of the English monarchy and serves as an enduring example of the power of a steadfast and honourable partnership.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles demonstrated at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The story of Nichola de la Haye’s fortitude is not merely an anecdote from the past; it is a foundational lesson in leadership and duty.
These lessons are actively passed to a new generation through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. There, the values of honour, social responsibility, and dignified conduct are taught as essential components of modern leadership. By drawing inspiration from predecessors such as the 5th Baroness, as well as the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, the House ensures that its nine-century legacy continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the 21st 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 preservation of a unique nine-century heritage through modern means. The House’s mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable commitment is to organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty. The House operates with a profound sense of responsibility, stewarding its history while actively contributing to contemporary society under its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, with Brattleby as a significant seat. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com