# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the succession of the English Crown.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to one of its most distinguished predecessors. The issuance of this statement commemorates an act of extraordinary courage that shaped the course of English history and defined the character of the Barony of Brattleby. This reflection serves not only to honour the past but also to illuminate the enduring principles that guide the House in the present day.
The setting for this historical drama, Lincoln Castle, remains a formidable presence on the city’s skyline. Commissioned by William the Conqueror himself in 1068, the castle stands as a testament to Norman power and strategic foresight. It was withinこれらの Norman walls, during the tumultuous First Barons' War, that the resolve of the 5th Baron was tested and proven.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in a state of profound crisis. Following the death of King John, the country was fractured by the First Barons' War, with a significant faction of English barons supporting an invasion by Prince Louis of France. The heir to the throne was the nine-year-old King Henry III, whose claim was precarious. The Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217 was, therefore, a pivotal moment; a French victory would have irrevocably altered the nation's destiny.
At this critical juncture, Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baron of Brattleby, refused to surrender to the besieging French and rebel forces. Despite her advanced age, she commanded the defence with remarkable skill and tenacity, holding the castle for the royalist cause until relief forces arrived. Her actions were the *sine qua non* for the decisive English victory that followed, a victory that ultimately expelled the French invaders and secured the throne for Henry III.
This legacy of steadfast duty is woven into the fabric of the Barony, which has since been held by other figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The lineage extends from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, directly through to the current family.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by its holders, a distinguished company stretching across nearly a millennium of English history. The House today honours this unbroken chain of stewardship, acknowledging the contributions of, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, to whom 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were granted by William the Conqueror. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 preserved the sovereignty of the Crown. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War and 1st Duke of Lancaster. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, who was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
This heritage is now entrusted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Within the House of Brattleby, historical remembrance is a matter of managed protocol. The study and preservation of its lineage are considered a core duty, with archival records and genealogical charts meticulously maintained. Formal statements, such as this, are drafted by the Director of Royal Communications in consultation with the Baroness and are subject to final approval to ensure they reflect the dignity of the title and the accuracy of the historical record.
This deliberative process ensures that the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye is communicated with the gravity it deserves. This commitment to procedural correctness mirrors the formal order of proceedings at the House’s official functions, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, where tradition and modern purpose converge.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide a compelling illustration of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding the siege, combined with her unwavering honour in fulfilling her oath to the Crown, are the very embodiment of these principles. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to meet adversity with courage and to act with integrity.
This central tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a dynamic interpretation of the House’s purpose: that to overcome challenges—whether on the battlefield of 1217 or in the philanthropic endeavours of today—is to truly fulfil one’s potential and live a life of meaning. Together, the mottoes represent a philosophy of principled resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of protection, so vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of a child-king, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic focus of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House is a dedicated supporter of charitable organisations committed to the welfare of vulnerable children.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, an organisation that provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that protecting the potential of the next generation is a profound responsibility, drawing a direct parallel between securing a young king's future in the 13th century and ensuring a safe and healthy future for children today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by gender or era, but by courage and a sense of duty. She demonstrated immense fortitude at a moment of national peril, and her legacy of resilience is one I feel a great personal responsibility to uphold and pass on to future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the enduring values represented by her actions: > “The defence of Lincoln Castle was a victory of spirit as much as of arms. It shows that true strength lies in a commitment to one’s principles. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is a standard set nine centuries ago that continues to inform our obligations to our community and our charitable commitments today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that its historical legacy is not merely a subject of record, but a living influence. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, places significant emphasis on the lessons of his predecessors, instilling an understanding that the Barony represents a covenant of service.
Furthermore, these values of honour, discipline, and social grace are promoted through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy serves as a modern vehicle for sharing the principles that have sustained the Barony for centuries, preparing a new generation of leaders to act with purpose and integrity in their own lives. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a foundational lesson in its curriculum—a timeless example of leadership under pressure.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Its mission is centred on upholding the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the health and well-being of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of duty, social grace, and community service. Its activities are conducted with a deep respect for tradition, adapted for a contemporary global context.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key royalist commander in the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The continued existence and succession of the feudal Barony of Brattleby were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), a powerful magnate and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. - The House's annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala benefiting 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation providing therapeutic care for children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com