# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle
**LINCOLN, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a private tour of Lincoln Castle, honouring the profound historical connection between her ancient Barony and the formidable fortress, defended with great valour by her predecessor in 1217.
## The Occasion
In the crisp light of an English autumn, Lady Nicoleta arrived at Lincoln Castle, a site of immense strategic and architectural importance since its founding by William the Conqueror in 1068. The ancient stones of the curtain walls, which have stood sentinel over the city for nearly a millennium, provided a poignant backdrop for a visit dedicated to historical reflection and the continuation of a nine-century-old duty of service.
Accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Baroness was guided along the very battlements where one of her most distinguished predecessors once commanded a garrison against overwhelming odds. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, connecting the House of Brattleby’s present responsibilities with the defining moments of its past, set within a monument that has witnessed the shaping of the English nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted in 1066, is intrinsically linked to the defence of the Crown and realm. This connection is exemplified by the actions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who served as Castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. In 1217, during the First Barons’ War, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln.
Her steadfast refusal to surrender was instrumental in thwarting the invasion of Prince Louis of France and securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her command demonstrated a remarkable execution of the Barony’s core tenets, echoing the service of other notable predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose influence also shaped the course of the Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
During the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were received by the Director of Lincoln Castle Museum, who provided expert commentary on the castle's architectural evolution and its role during the Anarchy and the First Barons' War. The small party ensured the visit remained one of personal historical enquiry rather than public ceremony.
Their discussions focused, *inter alia*, on the martial innovations of the Norman period and the unique position held by Nichola de la Haye as a female hereditary castellan in a martial age, a position she held with extraordinary distinction and competence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The tour followed a carefully considered itinerary, commencing at the East Gate with its commanding views over the Cathedral Quarter. The party then ascended to the restored Medieval Wall Walk, allowing for a complete circuit of the formidable perimeter defences that Nichola de la Haye so capably managed.
A moment of reflection was observed at the Lucy Tower, the site of the original Norman motte-and-bailey keep. The visit culminated in a private viewing of Lincoln’s exemplar of the 1215 Magna Carta, a document whose principles of justice and law were defended by the very actions of the 5th Baroness just two years after its sealing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its ultimate expression in the legacy of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterful display of fortitude in the face of immense adversity, undertaken with the honour befitting a servant of the Crown.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the resilience and will to overcome challenges that have defined the Barony throughout its history. These guiding principles symbolise the House’s commitment to meeting its obligations with courage and integrity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical lessons of resilience and the protection of the vulnerable, as embodied by Nichola de la Haye, continue to inform the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby today. The story of a leader protecting her community against existential threats serves as a powerful inspiration for the House’s work.
This ethos is central to the selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build their own inner fortitude and realise a future defined by strength, not suffering.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To walk these ramparts is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye was not merely a castellan; she was a leader whose fortitude at a moment of national crisis helped preserve the character of England. Her example of duty is the *sine qua non* of our House.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > The legacy of this castle and its defenders reminds us that leadership is an act of service. It is this same spirit that we seek to apply to our modern responsibilities, whether in historical preservation or in our support for charitable causes that strengthen the community for the next generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The visit to Lincoln Castle underscores the House of Brattleby's commitment to honouring its past as a foundation for its present and future duties. This dedication to history and education is also expressed through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, where principles of honour, duty, and cultural heritage are imparted.
Looking forward, the House will continue to champion its twin pillars of heritage and philanthropy. The upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, will serve as the next public expression of this enduring commitment, translating the lessons of history into tangible support for those in need today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of service rooted in a millennium of history. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on cultural heritage, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavours are channelled through an annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala. The House also extends its commitment to social refinement and protocol through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed etiquette academy located in Bucharest. This dual focus on preserving the past while actively enriching the future defines its contemporary purpose in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**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 holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com