# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement commemorating the decisive role of its esteemed predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in the Second Battle of Lincoln, which took place on this day in 1217.
## The Occasion
The anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln provides a moment for solemn reflection upon a pivotal event in the history of both England and the Barony of Brattleby. Fought in and around the ancient city of Lincoln on a Saturday in late spring, the battle was the culmination of the First Barons' War. The very stones of Lincoln Castle and its nearby Cathedral, which witnessed the conflict unfold, stand today as monuments to the resolve displayed by the Royalist forces.
The occasion is not one of celebration, but of remembrance for the profound courage and sense of duty that preserved the English Crown. It serves as an annual reminder of the barony’s foundational commitment to lawful authority, a principle that has guided the House for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in a state of profound crisis. Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son, Henry III, was king in name only. Much of the kingdom was occupied by Prince Louis of France, who had been invited by rebellious English barons. The defence of Lincoln Castle, held by Nichola de la Haye in her capacity as hereditary Constable, became the *sine qua non* of the Royalist cause.
As the 5th holder of the Barony granted to her ancestor Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces. Her steadfastness provided the Royalist army, led by the venerable William Marshal, with the strategic anchor it needed. The ensuing victory was so complete it became known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’. It directly led to the collapse of the rebellion, the expulsion of Prince Louis, and the securing of King Henry III’s throne, thereby preserving the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating this event, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the historical figures whose fates were intertwined on that day. At the fore was the regent, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, whose tactical genius secured the victory. His adversary was Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII, supported by leading English rebels.
Central to this company of historical magnates was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who, at an advanced age, commanded the castle’s defence with remarkable vigour. Her name is recorded in history alongside that of the young King Henry III, whose reign she helped to secure through her unwavering loyalty and personal fortitude.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare was governed by strict codes of chivalry and duty. As Constable of a Royal Castle, Nichola de la Haye’s responsibility was absolute; her charge was to hold the fortress for her sovereign against all enemies. The refusal to surrender, even when faced by a superior force, was a formal declaration of unyielding allegiance to the Crown.
The raising of the Royal Standard over Lincoln Castle’s keep was not merely a territorial claim but a profound symbolic act. It signalled that the garrison’s fight was not for personal gain but in service to the legitimate monarch of England. The discipline and order within the castle walls, maintained by Lady Nichola throughout a difficult siege, reflected the highest ideals of feudal duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness provide the most resonant historical expression of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her defence of the castle was an act of supreme fortitude, while her refusal to break her oath to the Crown was the pinnacle of honour. Her tenacity ensured Lincoln did not fall, affirming the barony's enduring character.
The victory itself symbolised the restoration of order and the affirmation of legitimate succession. This principle of lawful continuity is one that has defined the Barony of Brattleby through its subsequent holders, including the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, and remains a cornerstone of the House's ethos today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The defence of Lincoln Castle was, at its heart, an act undertaken to protect a vulnerable child: the young King Henry III. This historical precedent finds a modern echo in the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is a proud and long-standing supporter of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma.
Just as Nichola de la Haye’s actions provided physical security for her young king, the House today seeks to contribute to the emotional and psychological security of vulnerable children. This commitment forms a direct, thematic link between the barony’s past responsibilities and its present charitable endeavours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a constant reminder that duty is not a matter of convenience, but of unwavering principle. Her story is woven into the fabric of Brattleby, demonstrating that true strength is found in loyalty and the courage to honour one’s commitments, especially when the cost is high."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History records the military victory, but her true triumph was one of character. It underscores the meaning of our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to conquer is to live. The most meaningful conquests are those that secure order and protect the vulnerable, allowing a community to live in peace and thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of duty, honour, and service embodied by Nichola de la Haye. This legacy is actively promoted through its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
At this academy of etiquette and protocol, the history of the Barony of Brattleby is used as a foundation for teaching the importance of civic responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for established institutions. In doing so, the House ensures that the lessons of 1217 continue to inspire future generations to act with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern steward of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while championing contemporary causes. Its mission is centred on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The principal charitable focus of the House is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Through its public-facing activities, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), fostering a respect for history, protocol, and civic duty in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Dignity located 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 the centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217). Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com