# On the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered remarks in Lincoln on the historical significance of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The address explored the 5th Baron's pivotal role during the First Barons' War and its lasting influence on the House.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a setting of profound historical resonance. Beneath the soaring Gothic vaulting, built during the very era in which Nichola de la Haye lived, a distinguished audience gathered in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The late autumn light, filtering through the stained-glass windows, illuminated a space that has borne witness to centuries of English history.
The event, hosted by the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, was conceived to reflect upon the county’s seminal role in the establishment of English constitutional liberty. The choice of venue was deliberate; from the Cathedral's walls, one can see Lincoln Castle, the very fortress whose defence by Nichola de la Haye proved a turning point in the fortunes of the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an institution woven into the fabric of English history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage has endured through periods of profound national turmoil. None were more testing than the First Barons' War (1215–1217).
During this conflict, which pitted rebellious barons against the volatile King John, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, remained steadfast in her loyalty to the monarch. Her resolute defence of the castle against formidable sieges in 1217 was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. Her actions not only secured her personal renown but ensured the Barony of Brattleby’s status as a pillar of loyal service to the Crown, a tradition later upheld by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance for the address were individuals representing the civil, ecclesiastical, and academic leadership of Lincolnshire. Her Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, Laura Popescu, was present, reflecting the current House's European heritage.
Also among the company were The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; Mr Toby E. L. Dennis, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and senior fellows from the University of Lincoln's College of Arts. This gathering underscored the deep connection the Noble House of Brattleby maintains with the modern institutions of its ancestral county.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings were conducted with a formal dignity befitting the occasion. Lady Nicoleta Vasile arrived at the Cathedral's Judgement Porch and was received by The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, before processing to the Chapter House. The dress code was observed as morning dress for gentlemen and equivalent formal day wear for ladies.
The President of the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology delivered a brief introduction, outlining Nichola de la Haye’s historical importance. Lady Nicoleta then delivered her address from a lectern positioned centrally, speaking for approximately 20 minutes. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, after which guests retired for a private reception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the example of Nichola de la Haye. Her command of the Lincoln garrison demonstrated immense fortitude under siege, while her unwavering loyalty embodied the highest concept of honour.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome modern challenges through perseverance and strategic vision. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge between historic duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the occasion was historical in focus, its underlying theme of resilience in the face of adversity resonates deeply with the House's modern philanthropic commitments. The steadfastness shown by Nichola de la Haye in protecting her community serves as an inspiration for the family's charitable work.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The charity's mission—to help young people overcome profound personal challenges and build lives of stability and hope—mirrors, in a modern context, the same spirit of fortitude that has defined the Barony of Brattleby through the centuries.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the contemporary relevance of her predecessor’s legacy:
> Nichola's example is not merely a page in a history book; it is a living testament to the power of fortitude and honour in the face of profound uncertainty. She was a woman who, in a world governed by men, accepted the full weight of hereditarial duty and discharged it with more courage than most.
She further connected this history to the House’s present-day stewardship:
> By understanding her choices, her loyalty, and her sacrifice, we reaffirm our own commitment to service, *inter alia*, to our community in Lincolnshire and to upholding the values that have sustained this Barony for nearly a millennium. It is a legacy we are privileged to inherit and obliged to continue. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its historical foundations while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. This rich history, from the Norman Conquest through the Lancastrian era to the present day, is a heritage being carefully stewarded for the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
Future engagements include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child and the continued work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional refinement. Through these efforts, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to find practical and meaningful expression.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to serving as a bridge between its ancient heritage and a forward-looking global perspective. Its mission is focused on three core pillars: the stewardship of its nearly one-thousand-year history, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House actively supports charitable causes, notably through its annual philanthropic gala, and fosters international understanding through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created following the conquest of AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant fief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and 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 uninterrupted descent and current standing of the Barony are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com