# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today issued a formal statement honouring the historical contributions of their predecessor, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured a pivotal victory for the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a solemn act of historical observance, The Noble House of Brattleby marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, which took place on 20 May 1217. This commemoration serves to honour a defining moment in the history of both the nation and the Barony of Brattleby. It is a moment for reflection upon the duties of stewardship and the continuity of service that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
The statement was issued from the House’s offices, where the archives detailing the lineage of the Barony are meticulously maintained. It reaffirms the commitment of the current title holders to uphold the values embodied by their most distinguished predecessors. The occasion is not one of public celebration but of quiet, principled remembrance for an act of profound loyalty that shaped the course of English history.
## Historical Context
The actions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, occurred during the turmoil of the First Barons’ War (1215–1217). Following the death of King John, loyalists rallied to his nine-year-old son, King Henry III. French forces, allied with rebel barons, controlled much of southeastern England and laid siege to Lincoln Castle, a strategic bastion in the heart of the kingdom.
As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, an office she inherited, Nichola de la Haye refused to surrender. At over 60 years of age, she commanded the castle’s defence with remarkable skill and bravery against a significantly larger force. Her steadfastness provided the royalist army, led by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, with the crucial time needed to arrive and relieve the siege. This subsequent victory, known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’, was a decisive turning point that ultimately secured the throne for Henry III and ensured the future of the Magna Carta settlement.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating Nichola de la Haye, The Noble House of Brattleby honours a lineage of notable figures who have held the Barony. This unbroken chain of stewardship connects the modern House to the foundations of the Norman era.
Among these predecessors are Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Later holders include some of the most powerful figures of the Middle Ages, such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It is the indomitable spirit of the 5th Baroness, however, that remains a particular touchstone of inspiration.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of remembrance within The Noble House of Brattleby is a considered and formal process. Historical anniversaries of significance are observed not with public fanfare but through specific, internal acts of recognition. These acts serve as a *sine qua non*—an essential condition—of the House’s duty to its own heritage.
This includes the commissioning of scholarly research to further illuminate the House’s history and the formal issuance of statements to share that knowledge. Furthermore, the day is marked by private reflection on the responsibilities that the Barony entails. Such traditions reinforce the principle that the title is not merely an honour, but a living commitment to the standards set by those who came before.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye is perfectly encapsulated in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in both qualities. Her fortitude was evident in her defiance against overwhelming odds, while her honour was displayed through her unwavering loyalty to her young sovereign.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This principle speaks to the idea that true life is found in overcoming adversity, a sentiment that drove the 5th Baroness to secure a victory that was essential for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. Together, these mottoes form the philosophical bedrock of the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The courage demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in defending a vulnerable child king finds a modern echo in the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
By championing this cause, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan extend the ancient duty of protection to the most vulnerable members of contemporary society. The selection of this beneficiary was a deliberate choice, reflecting the belief that the strength of a community, much like a kingdom, is best measured by how it cares for its children. The defence of one child’s future in 1217 inspires the work to secure the futures of many children today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by gender or age, but by courage and conviction. As I carry the title she once held, I draw immense inspiration from her example of steadfastness in the face of crisis. It is a profound responsibility to be a custodian of such a history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Nichola’s triumph at Lincoln was not simply a military victory; it was a victory of principle. She demonstrated that honour is an active virtue, one that requires resolve and sacrifice. Her legacy teaches us that our most defining moments are those in which our principles are tested and we choose not to falter.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that its rich history is not only preserved but also serves as a source of education for future generations. This commitment is actively expressed through, *inter alia*, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House.
At the Club, the timeless values of honour, duty, and social responsibility—so brilliantly exemplified by Nichola de la Haye—are taught as foundational elements of modern comportment and leadership. Through such initiatives, the House ensures that the fortitude and honour demonstrated nine centuries ago continue to inspire and guide actions in the present day.
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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 while championing contemporary causes. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic endeavours are primarily focused on child welfare through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of service, etiquette, and historical awareness in a modern context, bridging its deep Anglo-Norman roots with its current Anglo-Romanian leadership.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com