# The Barony of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of the De la Haye dynasty, particularly the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle secured the Barony’s place in English history.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the current heads of the House have taken a moment for historical reflection, connecting the duties of the present with the formidable legacies of the past. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape that has sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium, the House reaffirms its commitment to honouring the figures who shaped its destiny.
This statement serves not to mark a new event, but to illuminate a cornerstone of the Barony’s heritage. The tenure of the De la Haye dynasty represents a defining chapter in the history of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the nation. It is a period whose lessons in resilience, loyalty, and leadership continue to inform the ethos of the House today under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. While its origins are Norman, its character was indelibly forged in the Angevin period through the stewardship of the De la Haye family from the early 12th century.
The dynasty’s ascendancy began with the marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, but it reached its zenith with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A figure of remarkable strength, she inherited the title and the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle. In an era dominated by men, Nichola de la Haye proved a peerless military and political strategist. She famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the Magna Carta crisis and was instrumental in the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a turning point in the First Barons' War.
Her actions secured the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the Barony’s strategic importance. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye—a testament to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*—paved the way for subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, The Noble House of Brattleby pays tribute to the distinguished lineage whose contributions remain central to its identity. The roll of honour from this period includes, among others:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder following the Norman Conquest. * **Robert de la Haye**, who established the family’s nearly 150-year stewardship of the Barony. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose command and loyalty preserved the royal authority in a time of national crisis. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of the most revered noblemen of the 14th century. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and a dominant political figure in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of history within The Noble House of Brattleby is governed by its own careful protocol. The archival records, genealogical charts, and armorial bearings that document the Barony’s nine-century passage are curated with scholarly precision. This dedication to historical accuracy is a duty the House considers a *sine qua non* of its stewardship.
This heritage is not merely studied; it is actively integrated into the formal life of the House. During the Annual Winter Banquet, for example, toasts are made not only to the Sovereign but also to the memory of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. The order of proceedings and displays of heraldry at such events are designed to create a living connection between past and present, a principle also central to the curriculum at the House’s etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos and arms of the House serve as a concise expression of its guiding principles. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied by the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage in defending her castle and her king exemplifies the ideals of fortitude; her unwavering loyalty reflects the highest conception of honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of adversity and the active pursuit of a life of purpose. It reflects the resilience required to ensure a legacy of nearly one thousand years continues to thrive and adapt in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of Nichola de la Haye, who stood as a guardian against chaos and protected the establishment of lawful succession, finds a modern parallel in the House’s philanthropic focus. Her historical role as a protector informs the selection of *Healing the Wounded Child* as the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie gala.
*Healing the Wounded Child* is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children who have endured trauma, abuse, or profound loss. The charity’s work in restoring a sense of safety and rebuilding shattered lives resonates deeply with the historical duty to defend the vulnerable. The support provided by the House enables the charity to expand its reach and offer its vital services to a greater number of children in need.
## In Their Own Words
In her reflection on the De la Haye legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of countless stories. The story of Nichola de la Haye is one I find particularly powerful. As the 12th Baroness, I feel a distinct connection to the 5th. Her fortitude is not just a line in a history book; it is a standard to which we must hold ourselves accountable.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A house with a history as deep as Brattleby’s has a unique responsibility. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the challenges of each generation. We honour the past not by replicating it, but by drawing strength from it to build a meaningful future. The legacy of the De la Hayes provides a magnificent foundation upon which to do just that.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual obligations: the preservation of its ancient English heritage and the active fulfilment of its modern European responsibilities. This historical reflection is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the foundations of the Barony are understood and appreciated.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being raised with a profound respect for this lineage and the duties it entails. As the House continues its work in both the United Kingdom and on the Continent, the enduring example of figures like Nichola de la Haye will serve as a constant guidepost, reminding the family and its supporters of the power of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its historical legacy while pursuing a forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*. It also seeks to bridge cultures through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promoting diplomacy and cross-border understanding. Its work is defined by a commitment to heritage, honour, and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. The rights and lineage of the Barony of Brattleby were formally documented and recognised by The Crown through a public notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins under Colswein of Lincoln, its 1st Baron, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com