# The Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement from her London offices honouring the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose service as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the 13th century affirmed the Barony’s profound historical connection to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In an act of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the life and service of a pivotal predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. This formal statement serves as a tribute to her remarkable tenure and as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to chronicling and sharing the nine-century history of the Barony.
The issuance of this communiqué is not tied to a specific anniversary, but rather reflects a considered moment of contemplation on the nature of duty and leadership. It seeks to connect the foundational principles of the past with the responsibilities of the present, ensuring that the lessons of history continue to inform the House’s modern-day ethos and obligations.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony in the early 13th century, was a figure of exceptional significance in English history. In an era when such roles were the exclusive preserve of men, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire by King John. This was not merely an honorific title; the High Sheriff was the Crown's chief executive and judicial officer in the county, responsible for collecting taxes, administering justice, and commanding military forces.
Her appointment was a direct reflection of the Crown's complete trust in her personal capabilities and steadfast loyalty during the turbulent First Barons' War. As castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously led its defence against rebel barons and French forces in 1217, an act of great personal courage which was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her service stands as a powerful link in the Barony’s long chain of allegiance, which began with Colswein of Lincoln under William the Conqueror.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record places Nichola de la Haye in the company of the most consequential figures of her time, whose actions shaped the future of the English monarchy. Her service was rendered directly to, and recognised by, two Plantagenet monarchs: His Majesty King John and his son, His Majesty King Henry III.
During the regency of the young King Henry, Nichola de la Haye’s efforts were coordinated with the great statesman William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent of the kingdom. Her successful defence of Lincoln was executed against the forces of the rebellious barons and their ally, Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII. Her story is therefore intrinsically woven into the fabric of England's national survival and the consolidation of Plantagenet rule.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a High Sheriff in the 13th century was a matter of significant royal protocol. It was enacted through a writ patent, issued by the king and sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm, commanding all within the shire to be ‘intentive and respondent’ to the new sheriff. Upon her appointment, Nichola de la Haye would have taken a solemn oath of office, swearing allegiance to the King and promising to uphold the law and faithfully execute her duties.
The authority vested in her was absolute, bypassing the conventions of the age. Her command of Lincoln Castle was a hereditary right, but her appointment as High Sheriff was a deliberate choice by the Crown, a testament to her proven administrative skill and military acumen. This appointment was a public and legally binding act, making her the *sine qua non* of royal authority in one of England's most important counties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Nichola de la Haye serves as the quintessential embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in the face of overwhelming odds was a supreme act of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to two monarchs was a perfect demonstration of honour. The motto is not merely a heraldic inheritance; it is a standard of conduct set by predecessors such as the 5th Baron.
This historical spirit is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase speaks to the will to overcome adversity and to find life's purpose in meeting and mastering challenges. The actions of Nichola de la Haye, nearly 800 years ago, exemplify this very principle, creating a symbolic bridge between the Barony's medieval responsibilities and its contemporary outlook.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement commemorates a historical achievement, its underlying theme of duty resonates with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Nichola de la Haye’s role as Sheriff was fundamentally a public trust, charged with protecting the peace and welfare of the people of Lincolnshire. Her service was, in effect, a profound commitment to the community she governed.
Today, this commitment to public welfare is expressed through the House’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma. Just as the 5th Baron protected her shire from harm, the House today seeks to protect the most vulnerable in society, translating the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* into tangible, modern action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this distinguished history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Nichola de la Haye was an extraordinary custodian of this Barony. Her story is not merely one of gender, but of profound competence and unwavering loyalty during a time of national crisis. She demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not circumstance. It is a standard we strive to uphold."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of this legacy:
> "The spirit of Nichola reminds us that true victory lies in fulfilling one's duty with resolve. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming adversity. Her defence of Lincoln Castle is a powerful historical illustration of that principle in action, a legacy that continues to inspire our own commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of duty and service exemplified by its most notable predecessors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the great soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The House will continue its work to research and publish aspects of the Barony's rich history, ensuring this legacy is understood by a new generation.
This educational mission finds further expression through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and social refinement. In all its future endeavours, whether historical, philanthropic, or cultural, the House will continue to be guided by the enduring maxim of its forebears: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Balancing its deep English heritage with a distinct Continental perspective, the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its historical ideals of Fortitude and Honour while contributing positively to contemporary society. It represents the living continuation of a noble lineage founded in AD 1066.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire, among his 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his heir, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. The Barony's continuous history and titular succession were formally acknowledged by The Crown through registration in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the 1086 *Domesday Book* as held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby 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