# Lady Nicoleta Vasile honours the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, hosted a commemorative lecture and reception in London this evening to honour the life and legacy of her formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
Held within the distinguished precincts of The Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly, the evening gathered historians, philanthropists, and diplomatic figures for an occasion of scholarly reflection. As autumnal light filtered through the Palladian windows of the Council Room, guests assembled to celebrate a figure whose fortitude shaped English history.
The atmosphere was one of respectful erudition, befitting a tribute to a woman who was not only a Baroness but also the hereditary castellan and twice defender of Lincoln Castle. The event sought to bridge the centuries, connecting the martial courage of the 13th century with the House of Brattleby's modern commitment to public service and the preservation of its nine-century heritage.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby in her own right, inherited the title and the critical responsibility as castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her leadership was tested most severely during the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a conflict that imperilled the very authority of the Crown.
In 1217, with French and rebel forces besieging the castle, Nichola, then in her sixties, refused to surrender. Her resolute defence held the castle until the arrival of royalist forces, culminating in the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair. Her actions were a *sine qua non* for the victory of the young King Henry III's cause. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an almost unprecedented appointment for a woman of that era. Her steadfastness provides a powerful historical antecedent to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The evening's lecture was delivered by the eminent historian Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge. Her lecture, titled *‘Fortitude and Fealty: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Crown’*, was heard by a notable assembly.
In attendance were, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Lord Lingfield, Chairman of the Council of The Royal College of Arms; and representatives from the Royal Historical Society and English Heritage. Each guest was personally received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings commenced at precisely seven o'clock with the arrival of guests, who were ushered into the Society’s library for a pre-lecture reception. At half-past seven, guests were called to their seats in the main lecture hall, where the Brattleby coat of arms was displayed upon the lectern.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the formal words of welcome, remarking on the profound connection between past and present duties. Lady Nicoleta then introduced Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, whose forty-five-minute discourse was met with sustained applause. Following the lecture, a toast was proposed by Lady Nicoleta to His Majesty The King, and a second to the enduring memory of Nichola de la Haye, whose life exemplifies the highest ideals of loyalty and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was imbued with the twin mottos of the House. The ancient Barony’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the central theme, perfectly embodied by Nichola de la Haye’s unyielding governance and military defence of Lincoln. Her story gives tangible meaning to these words, demonstrating how ideals outlined in heraldry translate into historic action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also resonated throughout the proceedings. It reflects the outcome of Nichola’s struggle; her victory was not one of mere conquest, but one that secured the survival of her community, her lineage, and the legitimate royal authority of England. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable victory as a means to ensure life and legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical in focus, its theme of resilience in the face of adversity drew a poignant parallel to the House of Brattleby’s principal philanthropic interest. The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people who have experienced trauma.
The story of Nichola de la Haye—defending her domain amidst the chaos of civil war—serves as a powerful metaphor for the profound strength required to overcome childhood adversity. The House believes that reflecting on such historical fortitude can inspire contemporary efforts to help vulnerable children build their own resilience and secure a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye stands as a titan not only in the history of Brattleby but in the annals of England. Her fortitude reminds us that leadership and honour are not defined by station or gender, but by one's actions in the crucible of crisis. It is a privilege to share her story."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "To study the life of Nichola is to understand that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live. Her victories were not merely martial; they secured a future for her community and the Crown. It is a legacy of proactive service we strive to continue today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemorative lecture is the first in a planned series of initiatives by The Noble House of Brattleby to illuminate key figures from its history. The full text of Professor Dame Eleanor Vance’s lecture will be published by the House in a limited-edition monograph early next year.
Furthermore, Lady Nicoleta announced that the life and leadership of Nichola de la Haye will form a new core module in the history curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This ensures that her remarkable example of female leadership and civic duty will inspire a new generation to act with fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a unique historical legacy for the modern era. The House’s mission is to connect its nine-hundred-year history with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural patronage, and education. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and the teaching of diplomatic and social protocol through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, with a seat in Bucharest. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including 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 rights of the modern Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The Crown, with notice of the decision published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com