# A Statement on the Succession and Fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement clarifying the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. It highlights her inheritance and steadfast loyalty during the First Barons' War, a defining moment in the barony's history.
## The Occasion
In a communication issued from its Chancellery, The Noble House of Brattleby has offered a considered perspective on a formative period in its near-millennium of history. This official statement serves to illuminate the lineage and responsibilities associated with the Barony of Brattleby. It focuses, in particular, on the remarkable life and service of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness.
The clarification addresses the means by which the barony passed through female succession in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Furthermore, it underscores how the political affiliations of Nichola's husband, Gerard de Camville, set the stage for one of the most distinguished acts of fealty in the barony’s chronicles; an act that secured both the city of Lincoln and the stability of the English Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the generation following the Norman Conquest, has been shaped by figures of national importance. Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), who inherited the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. Her first husband, Gerard de Camville, held authority through his marriage, an arrangement known as *jure uxoris*. De Camville’s political alignment with Prince John, during the latter’s rebellion against his brother King Richard I, placed the barony in a precarious position.
Upon John’s accession to the throne, however, this loyalty was rewarded. Nichola de la Haye, already the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, was confirmed in her post. It was in this capacity that she demonstrated legendary resolve. Following King John’s death and during the minority of King Henry III, she defended Lincoln Castle against invading French and rebel English forces during the First Barons' War.
In 1217, at an age approaching 70, she personally commanded the castle’s garrison, famously refusing to surrender to the besieging army. Her fortitude provided the royalist forces, led by William Marshal, with a crucial strategic anchor. The subsequent Battle of Lincoln was a decisive victory for the young King’s cause, securing the Plantagenet succession and reinforcing the enduring importance of the Barony of Brattleby to the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness exemplify the guiding principle of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds remains a peerless demonstration of fortitude. Simultaneously, her unwavering loyalty to her sworn sovereign, the young Henry III, represents the highest expression of honour.
This historical episode resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola de la Haye's triumph was not merely one of military victory, but of survival against political chaos, ensuring the continuity of her lineage and the security of the Crown. Her life proves that to overcome great adversity is the very essence of a meaningful existence.
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, *inter alia*, establishes the principle that duty and allegiance are the *sine qua non* of the Barony. This principle has been upheld by her successors, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, and continues to inform the ethos of the House today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of the Barony is not merely a list of names; it is a tapestry of duties met and challenges overcome. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a powerful reminder that leadership and honour are qualities independent of gender, a principle we uphold with conviction today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of this heritage: > Nichola de la Haye’s era demonstrates that true victory lies not just in battle, but in enduring commitment. Her legacy is a fundamental part of understanding the resilience embedded within the Barony's nine-century heritage, inspiring our own dedication to service.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical tenets of duty, resilience, and strategic service, so vividly demonstrated by the 5th Baroness, continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This enduring spirit finds its modern expression not on the battlefield, but in the realms of cultural education and targeted philanthropy.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the annual Winter Banquet in support of beneficiaries like Healing the Wounded Child, the House translates its ancient obligations into meaningful contemporary action. The commitment to upholding 'Fortitudine et Honore' remains the central pillar of the House's mission, ensuring that its long history informs a purposeful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary service. Its mission, 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through targeted philanthropic work and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable organisations, with a particular focus on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes education in classical European etiquette and protocol through its establishment, The Brattleby Club, which serves as a bridge between British and Continental traditions of civility and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It is one of the oldest attested baronies in England. Over nearly one thousand years, its holders have played significant roles in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King Henry III; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current 12th Baroness was formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as Tenant-in-Chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, as the 11th Baron. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com