# A Statement on the Historic Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Holder of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound and enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the Barony. Her historic contributions to English jurisprudence and governance continue to inform the House's modern commitments to public service.
## The Occasion
From the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the present custodians of the Barony have taken a moment for historical reflection. Amidst the quiet scholarship of the library, surrounded by records that trace a lineage to the Norman Conquest, the focus turns to the 13th century. This contemplative act serves to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the foundational principles established by its most notable predecessors.
The statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as a reaffirmation of the timeless values that have guided the Barony for over nine hundred years. It is a deliberate measure to illuminate the historical responsibility that underpins the House's modern identity; a duty exemplified by the life of Nichola de la Haye.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230) inherited the Barony of Brattleby and, by right of her lineage, the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle. She lived through one of the most turbulent periods in English history, the reign of King John and the subsequent First Barons’ War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Her most celebrated act of fortitude was the defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. At an advanced age, she refused to surrender this key royal fortress to French and rebel English barons, holding it for the young King Henry III. Her successful defence was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory, which effectively ended the invasion and the civil war.
While not a direct signatory to the 1215 Magna Carta, her actions were of greater practical consequence. By ensuring the triumph of the young King’s cause, she secured the political stability required for the Charter’s crucial reissues in 1216, 1217, and 1225, which cemented its place as the foundation of English common law. In so doing, her influence from Brattleby had national repercussions, securing a legacy of justice that would later be advanced by successors in the baronial line, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Ceremonial Protocol
During her lifetime, Nichola de la Haye was entrusted with two of the most powerful offices in the realm, appointments that were unprecedented for a woman. As Constable of Lincoln Castle, she held supreme military and administrative authority over a fortress of immense strategic importance. The charge involved maintaining the garrison, overseeing the royal prison, and securing the castle against all threats on behalf of the monarch.
Furthermore, she was twice appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role of immense civil power. The High Sheriff was the Crown’s chief executive officer in the county, responsible for collecting taxes, executing royal writs, and presiding over shire courts to dispense justice. Her tenure in this office demonstrated a political and administrative astuteness that commanded the respect of her baronial peers and the gratitude of her sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its quintessential expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her unyielding defence of Lincoln Castle is a historical benchmark of fortitude, while her scrupulous administration as High Sheriff embodies the principle of honour. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the standards set by such predecessors.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim, with its emphasis on overcoming adversity, resonates with the martial spirit and resilience demonstrated by Nichola in her defence of the realm. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the dual imperatives of the House: to act with honour and to prevail through perseverance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of lordship carried with it a solemn duty of care for one's domain and its people. Nichola de la Haye’s governance of Lincolnshire was an early form of this public service, safeguarding the rule of law and protecting the community. Today, this ancient responsibility of *noblesse oblige* is translated into a focused commitment to modern philanthropy.
The Noble House of Brattleby proudly directs its charitable efforts toward organisations that protect the vulnerable. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, echoing the House’s foundational duty to defend and heal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical inheritance, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable matriarch in our House’s long history. Her leadership in a time of national crisis demonstrated that authority and wisdom are not defined by gender, a principle we continue to champion.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present duties: > “The defence of Lincoln Castle was a physical manifestation of the will to persevere for a greater cause. Nichola knew that to hold the line was to ensure the future; a lesson that is timeless in both statesmanship and in our personal commitments.”
Lady Nicoleta further commented on the evolution of the Barony’s role: > “Her commitment to justice as High Sheriff is the historical antecedent to our modern philanthropic focus. Where she defended the rule of law for the county, we now endeavour to support organisations that heal and defend the vulnerable in our society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye are not relics of a distant past; they are actively cultivated as the living heritage of the House. These values of duty, honour, and fortitude form a core part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this nine-century-old tradition of service.
This commitment extends beyond the family to a wider cultural mission. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the universal values of civility, social grace, and personal honour. By doing so, the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye continues to inform and inspire a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through a contemporary mission of service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropic causes focused on the welfare of children, most notably through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and social values. The House represents a continuity of duty from the medieval era to the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The status of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com