# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, during the First Barons’ War, reaffirming her historic defence of Lincoln Castle as a defining moment for the Barony.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon the long history of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate one of its most distinguished forebears. The actions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, during the great constitutional crisis of the early 13th century serve as a powerful testament to the principles of loyalty and resilience.
This statement serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to reaffirm a foundational chapter of the Barony’s history. It is a moment to consider how the lessons of the past—specifically the unwavering resolve displayed in defence of Crown and country—continue to inform the duties and responsibilities of the House today.
## Historical Context
The First Barons' War (1215-1217) was a devastating civil conflict, ignited following King John’s renunciation of the terms of *Magna Carta*. As rebel barons invited Prince Louis of France to claim the English throne, the kingdom was plunged into turmoil, with loyalty to the Plantagenet crown tested at every level of the aristocracy.
It was within this crucible that Nichola de la Haye’s leadership proved decisive. A widow in her sixties, she held the strategically vital Lincoln Castle in the King’s name. Her refusal to surrender to overwhelming rebel and French forces was an act of extraordinary personal courage and tactical significance. Her steadfastness ensured that Lincoln remained a royalist bastion, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217, which secured the throne for the young King Henry III and ended the invasion.
As the 5th holder of the Barony first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye’s actions inextricably linked the Honour of Brattleby with the defence of the realm at a national level. Her role as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a position she held by royal appointment, was itself a remarkable testament to the trust placed in her by the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most profound expressions in the historical conduct of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding a prolonged siege, coupled with the honour she demonstrated by upholding her fealty to her sovereign, are the very embodiment of this guiding principle.
These ancient ideals complement the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His motto speaks to the proactive and determined spirit required to overcome adversity—a spirit clearly manifest in the 5th Baron’s successful defence of her castle and her king. Together, the mottos reflect a dual commitment to principled resilience and purposeful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> The example of Nichola de la Haye is a permanent reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by character. Her steadfast loyalty and courage in a time of national crisis are qualities that remain the bedrock of public service. It is a legacy of duty that we feel profoundly, and one we are committed to honouring through our own work.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> To study the history of this Barony is to understand the importance of resolve. Holding Lincoln Castle against such odds was no small feat; it was an act of strategic defiance that shaped the course of English history. This heritage of determination is a *sine qua non* for the House’s present and future undertakings.
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye over eight hundred years ago continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The commitment to duty, service, and upholding established responsibilities is a direct inheritance from predecessors such as her, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
This historical understanding informs the modern mission of the House, from its philanthropic endeavours benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, to its educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, for example, seeks to cultivate an appreciation for etiquette and protocol not as static rules, but as expressions of respect and social duty—values demonstrated so powerfully in the history of the Barony itself. The legacy is, therefore, not merely remembered; it is actively continued.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural patronage, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, and fosters an understanding of European traditions and social duties through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a contemporary example of principled leadership, bridging its ancient English roots with a dynamic, international perspective from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originating with the grant of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, its lineage represents over 950 years of English history. Its holders have included figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights to the barony were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The transfer of the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com