# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness and Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this week hosted a commemorative lecture and reception at Lincoln Castle, honouring the enduring legacy of the fifth Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during the pivotal Siege of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
The event was held on the anniversary of the historic engagement within the walls of Lincoln Castle, a fortress whose stones are steeped in the very history being celebrated. Guests assembled in the restored Victorian Prison Chapel, its solemn Gothic Revival architecture providing a fittingly august setting for reflection upon a defining moment in the history of both Lincolnshire and the Crown.
Sunlight streamed through the chapel’s lancet windows, illuminating the space where attendees gathered to pay tribute to a remarkable predecessor. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, acknowledging a heritage of service that has spanned more than nine centuries and continues to inform the ethos of the modern House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence of the realm. This duty was never more vividly demonstrated than in 1217, during the First Barons’ War, a conflict that imperilled the nascent reign of the boy-king Henry III.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, refused to surrender her charge to the invading French forces and their rebel allies. Her steadfast command against overwhelming odds enabled the arrival of the royalist army under William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. The subsequent clash, known colloquially as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, was a decisive victory for the Plantagenet cause, securing the English throne for Henry III and reaffirming the Barony’s stature, a legacy later carried by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests, representing the civic, academic, and diplomatic life of the nation and county.
In attendance were The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. H. Dennis; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew V. Cragg; and The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln. The historical dimensions of the occasion were illuminated by the presence of Dr Eleanor Vance, a leading medieval historian from the University of Lincoln. The House’s Anglo-Romanian heritage was marked by the attendance of Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal but personal order, beginning with the arrival of guests who were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following welcoming remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who situated the day’s commemoration within the House’s continuing traditions, Dr Vance delivered the keynote lecture.
Her address, titled *Nichola de la Haye: The Dame and the Castle*, offered a scholarly perspective on the political and military significance of the 1217 siege. The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Lady Nicoleta, who reflected on the lessons of duty and honour passed down through her lineage. Afterwards, guests joined the Baroness and Lord Brattleby for a reception in the castle’s Magna Carta vault.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The central theme of the day was encapsulated by the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the fifth Baroness in her defence of Lincoln Castle remains the ultimate expression of this guiding principle, a *sine qua non* for the Barony's endurance.
This historical credo is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), which speaks to the forward-looking dynamism required to sustain such a legacy. Together, the mottos represent both the deep roots of tradition and the active pursuit of progress that characterises the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the commemoration was primarily a historical observance, its themes of protecting the vulnerable and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity resonate deeply with the philanthropic mission of the House. The event served to highlight the values that underpin the work of the House's principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or the effects of conflict. The House of Brattleby is committed to supporting its vital work, which gives vulnerable young people the fortitude to overcome their own profound challenges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts on the continuity of service.
> Nichola de la Haye's story is not merely a footnote of a distant past; it is a powerful and enduring example of leadership, duty, and immense courage. Her fortitude is a standard to which we, as her successors, must always aspire in our own service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the universal relevance of the history being commemorated.
> Honouring the past provides the very foundation upon which we build the future. The principles of courage and integrity are timeless and they are universal, forming a bridge between the England of 1217 and the responsibilities we hold today. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby will continue its programme of cultural and historical patronage throughout the year, seeking to connect its unique heritage with contemporary society. These efforts are part of a wider commitment to public service which includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural exchange.
Later this year, the House will host its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This event remains the cornerstone of the House’s charitable activities, translating the principle of *Honore* into tangible support for those in need.
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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 modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principles of heritage, service, and cultural diplomacy. With its unique Anglo-Romanian character, the House actively engages in philanthropy, primarily through its support for its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitments. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater cultural understanding and uphold traditions of excellence. The family seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heartland of the Barony for nearly a millennium.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and considerable lands—comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217. Later Barons included the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy in the modern era is formally acknowledged by The Crown, with recognition published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com