# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the Barony’s profound historical connection to Lincoln Castle, paying tribute to the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, and her pivotal role in English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the verdant landscapes of an English spring, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment for historical reflection. As the fields that have sustained the Barony for centuries enter a season of renewal, the House pauses to honour the foundations upon which its present duties stand.
The statement serves as a formal observance, a deliberate act of remembrance intended to reaffirm the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the current House to its most storied predecessors. It is an acknowledgment that the stewardship of such a heritage requires not only an eye to the future, but also reverent respect for the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This ancient lineage places the Barony among the oldest in the realm, its history interwoven with the very fabric of the nation.
Central to this chronicle is the figure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her most celebrated act came in 1217, during the Second Battle of Lincoln, where she valiantly defended the castle against a besieging force of French troops and rebel English barons. Her refusal to surrender was a *sine qua non* for the ultimate Royalist victory, securing the throne for the young King Henry III and altering the course of the First Barons' War.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown underscores the consistent strategic and political importance of Brattleby and its lords.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal statement by The Noble House of Brattleby is an act governed by considered protocol. The text is drafted within the House’s chancellery, reviewed for historical accuracy and appropriate tone, and submitted for the final approval of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby.
This process ensures that every official communication aligns with the dignity of the Barony and upholds the standards of clarity and gravity expected of a House with a nearly thousand-year history. The release itself, distributed via the Court Circular and to registered press, is a modern continuation of the tradition of royal proclamation, adapted for a contemporary audience.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their perfect embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle; her defence was a masterclass in fortitude, undertaken in the service of honour and loyalty to her sovereign.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of overcoming challenges and embracing progress. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s dual commitment to honouring its profound legacy while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye is the same principle that animates the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment is most vividly expressed through its patronage of charitable organisations.
The principal beneficiary of the House's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The funds raised at the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, directly contribute to the charity's capacity to offer life-changing care, ensuring that the Barony's historic duty of protection is reimagined for the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To understand the Barony is to understand the example of Nichola de la Haye. She was not merely a custodian of stone and land; she was a guardian of the Crown's authority in a time of great peril. Her fortitude is a standard to which we, nine centuries later, still aspire."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History is not a static record; it is a living dialogue that informs our present actions. Understanding the sacrifices made at Lincoln Castle inspires our own commitment to service, reminding us that leadership demands both resilience and a clear sense of purpose. It shows that, truly, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring this remarkable history is not only preserved but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the full history of the Barony and the responsibilities it entails.
Furthermore, the values exemplified by Nichola de la Haye—discipline, honour, and service—are actively promoted through the House’s initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy aims to instil principles of courteous conduct and social responsibility, translating the Barony’s historical legacy into a modern educational mission. The story of Lincoln Castle is a powerful lesson in character that continues to resonate today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on children’s welfare, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote the timeless values of etiquette and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Dignity in Lincolnshire, England. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as lord of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential Plantagenet prince, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's dignity was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past 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