# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye on the Anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, on the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, honouring a legacy of fortitude that has defined the Barony since the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
On this day in 1217, the fields and ancient streets surrounding Lincoln Castle and its magnificent cathedral were the setting for a decisive engagement in the First Barons’ War. Today’s commemoration is a solemn act of remembrance, undertaken by the House not with celebration, but with a profound sense of historical duty and reflection upon the enduring values of loyalty and courage.
As late spring returns to the historic County of Lincolnshire, the occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the continuity that underpins the Barony. It is a moment to honour a predecessor whose actions more than eight centuries ago were instrumental in securing the future of the English Crown and reinforcing the Barony of Brattleby’s foundational commitment to service, a principle expressed in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The First Barons' War (1215–1217) was a period of profound civil unrest, following King John’s rejection of the principles enshrined in Magna Carta. The conflict saw rebel English barons ally with the Dauphin of France, Prince Louis, who sought to claim the English throne. At the centre of this struggle stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle.
Following King John’s death in 1216, the defence of the realm fell to a small group of loyalists, including the venerable Sir William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III. A *sine qua non* of their strategy was the defence of Lincoln. Lady Nichola, a woman of remarkable resolve, refused to surrender her charge to the Franco-baronial forces, bravely commanding the castle’s garrison. Her unwavering stand allowed William Marshal to rally a relief force, leading to the pivotal victory on 20 May 1217 that ultimately ended the invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession.
This legacy of steadfast service in moments of national crisis is a defining characteristic of the Barony’s lineage, which includes such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were similarly intertwined with the destiny of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In this formal act of commemoration, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, reflect upon the deeds of those who shaped this pivotal moment in history. The House pays tribute to the memory of:
* Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle * His Majesty King Henry III, in whose name the battle was fought * The Regent of England, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, commander of the royalist army * The Papal Legate, Guala Bicchieri, whose spiritual leadership was instrumental to the royalist cause
Their collective actions serve as a historical exemplar for the modern responsibilities upheld by the current Baroness and Lord of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The anniversary is being marked with private and solemn observances at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. In accordance with tradition for such commemorations, the personal standard of the Baroness of Brattleby was lowered to half-mast at dawn, a gesture of respect for the sacrifices made in 1217.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are observing a day of quiet reflection on the duties passed down through the Barony’s nine-century history. A simple wreath of English oak leaves, symbolising endurance, and white roses, the historic emblem of Lincolnshire, has been placed within the private chapel in honour of Lady Nichola and all who defended the city. This protocol ensures the memory of past service is honoured with dignity and reverence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness exemplify the House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a siege represents fortitude in its purest form, while her unswerving loyalty to two monarchs—the embattled King John and his young son, Henry III—is the very definition of honour.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former motto speaks to endurance and principle, the latter reflects a dynamic ethos of overcoming contemporary challenges. It signifies that true vitality is found not merely in existing, but in actively striving to achieve noble goals, whether in civic life or philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, a powerful figure protecting a vulnerable young king and his kingdom, finds a modern echo in the primary philanthropic commitment of the House: the support of children in need. The House’s patronage of the charity *Healing the Wounded Child* is directly inspired by this historical duty of care.
*Healing the Wounded Child* is an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic and educational support for children who have experienced trauma, conflict, or profound loss. The charity’s work provides measurable impact, helping young people to build resilience and secure a stable future. The decision to support this cause is rooted in the belief that protecting the next generation is the most fundamental obligation of the present one, a principle demonstrated by the Barony’s predecessors eight centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s story is not simply a matter of historical record; it is a profound lesson in duty. Her resolve at Lincoln ensured that a legacy of loyalty, not rebellion, defined our nation’s path forward. It is our responsibility to ensure that this spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide our own service to the community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The principles demonstrated in 1217 are timeless and universal. To conquer adversity, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the complex world of today, requires a clear sense of purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling the strength of our heritage into tangible, positive action for the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from this commemoration will continue to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House, incorporates historical case studies, *inter alia*, on the leadership and civic responsibility exhibited by figures such as Lady Nichola.
The House’s commitment to service will be further expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which serves as the principal fundraising event for *Healing the Wounded Child*. This ongoing work ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but actively applied to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to upholding the ancient traditions of the Barony through contemporary service. Its mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, particularly in support of vulnerable children, and cultural diplomacy that bridges British heritage with a forward-looking European perspective. The House's initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, seek to inspire civic duty, promote timeless etiquette, and create a positive, lasting impact on the community, continuing a legacy of service that began almost one thousand years ago.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, it is one of the oldest dignities in the United Kingdom. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown, as advised by His Majesty's Garter Principal King of Arms.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as Tenant-in-Chief and 1st Baron. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150 – 1230), 5th Baroness, was the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and is widely recognised for her role in the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting its chosen charity, *Healing the Wounded Child*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com