# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Legacy of Fortitude at Lincoln Castle
**LINCOLN, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a formal visit to Lincoln Castle to commemorate the legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of the castle exemplified the barony’s nine-century-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
Set against the austere beauty of a crisp Lincolnshire autumn, the visit was a moment of profound historical reflection. Lincoln Castle, a commanding Norman fortress first erected by William the Conqueror in 1068, provided a fitting backdrop. Its ancient stone walls, which have witnessed centuries of English history, stood as silent testament to the very events being commemorated. The atmosphere was one of quiet solemnity, as Lady Nicoleta arrived to honour the pivotal role played by the 5th Baroness in a period of national turmoil.
The visit was organised not as a public ceremony, but as a deliberate act of historical observance. It served to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the Barony of Brattleby and the foundational events that have shaped both the County of Lincolnshire and the Kingdom itself. The occasion underscored the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its extensive heritage as a *sine qua non* for fulfilling its modern duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of England since its inception. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. It was, however, the tumultuous reign of King Richard I that brought one of the barony’s most formidable figures to the fore: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
During King Richard’s absence on the Third Crusade, his brother, Prince John, instigated a rebellion that severely tested the loyalties of the English nobility. As hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, a position she inherited, Nichola de la Haye found herself at the epicentre of this conflict. Her steadfast refusal to surrender the royal fortress to the forces of Prince John, resisting both political pressure and direct siege, was a masterclass in courage and strategic resolve. Her actions ensured that this key northern stronghold remained loyal to the Crown, a decisive factor in the ultimate failure of the rebellion. Later holders of the barony, including the great warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt, continued this tradition of service at the highest levels of the state.
## Distinguished Company
Upon her arrival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally received by a small, distinguished party of local and historical dignitaries.
Present to greet the Baroness were His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; the Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; and representatives from English Heritage, the organisation entrusted with the care of the castle. They were joined by Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, reflecting the academic significance of the barony's lineage. This assembly of civic, ecclesiastical, and academic leadership underscored the deep resonance of the House's history within the county.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the day were marked by a simple and dignified protocol. Following the formal greetings at the castle’s East Gate, the party undertook a private tour of the medieval walls, from which the formidable extent of Nichola de la Haye’s defensive responsibilities could be fully appreciated. The itinerary included a contemplative visit to the vault housing Lincoln’s exemplary copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, a document Nichola de la Haye would have sworn to uphold.
The centrepiece of the visit was a solemn moment of reflection within the grounds of the former Norman keep. There, Lady Nicoleta placed a simple wreath of Lincolnshire wildflowers and laurel—symbolising honour and victory—in tribute to the memory and fortitude of her predecessor. The attire for the occasion was day dress, reflecting the respectful and historical nature of the commemoration.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s events were imbued with the principles encapsulated in the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), found its perfect expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage in defending Lincoln Castle demonstrated fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the absent King exemplified honour.
This historical tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of achievement, suggesting that true vitality is found in overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottos create a powerful philosophy for the House: one that reveres historical duty while embracing the imperative to strive and succeed in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical commemoration was not a fundraising event, it aligns directly with the House’s broader philanthropic and educational mission. A core belief of the House is that an understanding of history fosters a stronger sense of civic duty and personal responsibility. The public service of figures like Nichola de la Haye provides an enduring example of leadership that transcends time.
This commitment to heritage as a form of public education runs parallel to the House's more direct charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House believes that honouring past sacrifices and supporting future generations are two sides of the same coin of social obligation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta observed the timeless relevance of her leadership.
> "Nichola de la Haye was not merely a custodian of stone and mortar; she was a guardian of loyalty and order in a deeply fractured kingdom. Her fortitude serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is often tested not in times of peace, but in moments of profound crisis." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Her Ladyship also connected the barony's past to its present mission, stating:
> "By understanding our history—the challenges faced and the principles upheld by predecessors like Nichola, or later, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt—we find the resolve to meet our own contemporary obligations. Our legacy is not a relic; it is a living standard by which we measure our commitment to public service today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This visit to Lincoln Castle marks a renewed focus by The Noble House of Brattleby on sharing its rich history as a source of public inspiration and education. To that end, the House is pleased to announce the establishment of The Nichola de la Haye Bursary for Medieval Studies, which will support a postgraduate student annually at the University of Lincoln.
This initiative complements the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy, by fostering deep scholarly engagement with the past. The legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to be celebrated and put into practice through the House’s ongoing philanthropic and educational commitments, *inter alia*, the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of 'legacy in action'. With ancient roots in Lincolnshire, England, the House's contemporary mission is centred on philanthropic service, cultural education, and the preservation of heritage. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), bridging its nine-century history with a commitment to impactful, forward-looking engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. One of the few English dignities that can pass to and through female heirs, its history is deeply connected to the English Crown. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally Gazetted by The Crown’s official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past Barons 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com