# The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln Castle: A Nine-Century Legacy of Service
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's profound historical connection with Lincoln Castle. This nine-hundred-year legacy of custodianship, most notably through the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, underscores a foundational commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position on the Lincoln Edge, the formidable silhouette of Lincoln Castle has dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium. Commissioned by William the Conqueror on the site of a Roman fortress, its construction began in 1068. The castle is a rare example of a 'twin motte' design, its great stone curtain wall enclosing not only a Norman keep but also the surprising later additions of a Georgian and a Victorian prison.
It is within these ancient walls, which have witnessed civil war, royal charters, and the administration of justice for centuries, that the history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably interwoven. To understand the castle is to understand the historic duties of the Barony and the origins of its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the original feudatories granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first held by Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 attests to the initial grant, recording 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his name. Through subsequent generations, the Barony passed to the De la Haye family, who assumed the vital role of hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle.
This duty reached its historic apex with Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby. A figure of remarkable resolve, she twice defended the castle during periods of national crisis. During the First Barons’ War, she held the fortress for King John against rebel barons. Following the King’s death, at over sixty years of age, she again defended the castle in 1217 on behalf of the young King Henry III, withstanding a formidable siege by French and baronial forces. This action was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, which ultimately secured the Plantagenet succession.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, at the centre of a conflict involving the most powerful figures in England and France. She directly served two English monarchs, His Majesty King John and his son, His Majesty King Henry III. Her co-commander in the campaign was one of medieval England’s most celebrated knights, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent for the boy king.
Their principal adversary was His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII), who had been invited by the rebellious English barons to seize the throne. The defence of Lincoln Castle by the Baroness of Brattleby ensured the defeat of this claim and the expulsion of the invading forces, shaping the course of English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The position of hereditary Constable was a sacred trust, bestowed directly by the monarch. It was a military and administrative office, not merely a title. The Constable held the castle *in capite*, or as a direct tenant of the King, and was responsible for maintaining its garrison, overseeing its defences, and provisioning its stores.
The role also carried significant judicial authority, with the Constable presiding over the castle-guard court. In times of war, the protocol was absolute: the Constable’s first and only duty was to hold the castle for the reigning monarch, an obligation Nichola de la Haye fulfilled with extraordinary courage and tactical skill. This duty to serve the Sovereign above all else remains a guiding principle for the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron give profound meaning to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds stands as the ultimate expression of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to her oath, made to a deceased King and upheld for his nine-year-old heir, is the very definition of honour.
In heraldry, a castle is a symbol of strength, security, and vigilance. For the House of Brattleby, it represents a nearly thousand-year-old inheritance of duty. This legacy of guardianship—first of a fortress, now of a heritage—is at the core of the House's identity and is reflected in the Baronial arms.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic duty to defend a physical fortress finds a clear twenty-first-century parallel in the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable. The determination that secured Lincoln’s walls in 1217 is today channelled into supporting organisations that provide a different kind of sanctuary.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to offering therapeutic care and safe environments for children recovering from trauma. This focus reflects a belief that true strength is now measured not in stone and steel, but in the effort to heal and protect the most fragile members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted: > "To reflect upon the service of Nichola de la Haye is to understand that leadership is not a birthright, but a duty that must be actively discharged. Her fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle reminds us that our responsibilities—both to our heritage and to our community—are our highest calling."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The concept of 'victory in life', as our motto *Vincere Est Vivere* suggests, is not about personal gain but about serving a cause greater than oneself. The Barons of Brattleby defended a kingdom; today, our duty is to champion and support those organisations that defend the defenceless."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring and preserving its unique history. This legacy of service, from the ramparts of Lincoln Castle to the Barony’s later association with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, informs the House’s modern purpose.
Through educational initiatives and cultural engagements, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the enduring values of duty, honour, and civic responsibility. By connecting the past with the present, the House ensures that this nine-century story of fortitude and honour continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage. Its modern mission is focused on philanthropic service and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's charitable activities are principally focused on the welfare of children through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters education in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**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 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was inextricably linked with the defence of Lincoln Castle through its hereditary Constables, most notably the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a key figure in the First Barons’ War. Later holders of the Barony included some of the most powerful nobles in English history, *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status and holder are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com