# The Noble House of Brattleby to Honour the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced its formal patronage of a new historical study into the life and influence of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle during the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House’s offices, marks a renewed commitment to the preservation and academic exploration of the Barony’s extensive heritage. Set against the backdrop of autumn, a season of reflection, this initiative seeks to illuminate the pivotal role the De la Haye dynasty played in the service of the Crown and the governance of Lincolnshire.
This patronage is intended to support in-depth archival research, providing a definitive account of Nichola de la Haye’s resolute leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in English history. The project underscores the House’s belief that a deeper understanding of its antecedents is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling its modern duties with integrity and historical awareness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a feature of the English nobility for nearly a millennium. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance; however, the tenure of the De la Haye family remains exemplary. It was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who cemented the family’s place in history through her unwavering loyalty to the Crown. As Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the castle against rebel barons and their French allies during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her fortitude secured the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the Barony’s strategic importance. The lineage later passed to other notable magnates, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In this scholarly endeavour, The Noble House of Brattleby is honoured to partner with Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a leading medieval historian at the University of Lincoln. Dr Finch’s extensive work on the Angevin period and the role of aristocratic women in governance makes him the ideal academic lead for this definitive study.
The project will also benefit from the advisory counsel of the Lincolnshire Historical and Archaeological Society, an organisation dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the county's rich past. Their collaboration will ensure archival accuracy and contextual depth.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The patronage was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, on behalf of The Noble House of Brattleby, and Dr Finch. This document outlines the provision of a research grant, access to private archival material, and the framework for the project’s successful completion.
Upon conclusion, the study’s findings are to be published as a peer-reviewed monograph. The protocol for its dissemination includes a formal presentation at the House’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, followed by a public lecture hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, thereby bridging the House’s historic English roots with its contemporary European presence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the historical narrative of Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle, undertaken with immense personal courage and a profound sense of duty to her sovereign, exemplifies the very virtues the motto extols.
This guiding principle—fortitude in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to honour—remains at the core of the House's identity. It serves as a constant reminder of the standards set by predecessors and the responsibility to uphold them for future generations, including for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House is well-known for its support of social causes, such as its fundraising for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation at its Annual Winter Banquet, its philanthropic vision also encompasses cultural and educational preservation. The patronage of this historical study serves a distinct but equally important purpose: to advance public knowledge and safeguard the lessons of the past.
By investing in scholarly research, The Noble House of Brattleby contributes to the broader understanding of English history, the specific heritage of Lincolnshire, and the remarkable, often overlooked, contributions of female leaders in the medieval era. The ultimate beneficiary is the historical record itself, ensuring it is preserved with the rigour and respect it deserves.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of history. In commissioning this study, we pay tribute not just to a remarkable woman, but to the principle that leadership is defined by resilience and service. Nichola de la Haye’s story is a vital chapter in our House’s legacy, and it deserves to be told with clarity and conviction for a new generation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the project’s significance: > “My personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’. In a modern context, this is about overcoming challenges to build a meaningful legacy. By bringing the story of the 5th Baroness to light, we are not merely looking to the past; we are drawing strength from it to inform our contributions today. It is an act of living our history, not just inheriting it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical patronage marks the first in a planned series of academic initiatives aimed at exploring the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby and its holders. Future projects will examine, in turn, the Barony’s role under the great Plantagenet Dukes of Lancaster and its economic development through the centuries.
The research on Nichola de la Haye is scheduled for completion in late 2024, with the subsequent monograph and lectures planned for the following year. Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its profound history remains a dynamic and inspiring force for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to upholding its ancient commitment of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') through modern means. Its mission is focused on cultural preservation, educational philanthropy, and charitable service. The House supports initiatives such as the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation and promotes cultural exchange through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Committed to stewarding its heritage for the future, the House ensures the continuity of its legacy through its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with significant figures who have shaped English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and title of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded by His Majesty’s Government, as published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The succession of the Barony includes notable historical figures such as Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, across 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The modern Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com