# Lord of Brattleby Commemorates Alliance of William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, commemorating the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal during the defining 1217 Siege of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly quiet of The Brattleby Club's library in Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile addressed members and invited guests on a subject of profound dynastic and national importance. The event, held amidst panelled walls hung with portraits of historical figures, sought to connect the chivalric codes of the past with the modern diplomatic and ethical teachings of the etiquette academy.
The autumnal evening provided a contemplative atmosphere for the address, which focused on a critical moment in English history. Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke from a lectern draped in the House colours, drawing a direct line from the fortitude of his wife's medieval predecessor to the enduring values that guide the Noble House of Brattleby today.
## Historical Context
The address centred on the First Barons' War, a turbulent period following the death of King John in 1216. His heir, the nine-year-old King Henry III, faced a realm torn by civil war and an invasion by Prince Louis of France. At this precarious juncture, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the Barony of Brattleby, served as both hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire—an unprecedented concentration of authority for a woman of her time.
It was William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who decisively reaffirmed her command. A man lauded by his contemporaries as 'the greatest knight that ever lived', his public endorsement of Baroness Nichola was an extraordinary act of trust. This decision, to leave the defence of the strategic castle in her hands, was the *sine qua non* of the subsequent royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217, an event which effectively secured the Plantagenet succession.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance for the address were senior members of the Romanian Academy, representatives from the diplomatic corps accredited to Bucharest, and military attachés from several allied nations, reflecting the international interest in the historical ties between European noble houses and matters of statecraft.
Lord and Lady Vasile’s son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present for the occasion, representing the continuity of the family’s commitment to its historical lineage and public duties. The attendance of leading academics and cultural patrons underscored the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but intimate protocol. The President of The Brattleby Club offered a brief introduction, outlining the historical significance of the Barony before welcoming Honorary Lord Răzvan to the lectern. The address, titled *Fortitude and Fealty: Nichola de la Haye and the Marshal’s Trust*, lasted approximately forty minutes.
Following a period of questions from the audience, Honorary Lord Răzvan concluded the evening by proposing a traditional toast. In a gesture of diplomatic respect, the toast was raised first to His Majesty The King and second to His Excellency the President of Romania, acknowledging the House’s English roots and its contemporary presence in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the address resonated deeply with the heraldic mottoes associated with the House. The ancient motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented as the guiding principle of Baroness Nichola's conduct during the Siege of Lincoln. Her defence of the castle against overwhelming odds serves as the ultimate expression of these virtues.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), explaining it not as a call to martial conquest, but as a modern interpretation of the resilience required to overcome adversity. The joint victory of Marshal and de la Haye in 1217 was thus framed as a historical example of this spirit of perseverance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a thematic parallel between Baroness Nichola’s role as a protector of her domain and the House’s present-day philanthropic focus. The determination to defend the vulnerable, he noted, finds its modern expression in the family’s work with charitable organisations.
He specifically mentioned the beneficiary of the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, a mission that reflects the House’s commitment to offering sanctuary and support to those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the character of his wife’s notable ancestor, Honorary Lord Răzvan remarked:
> "Nichola de la Haye was far more than a mere castellan recorded in chronicles; she was the living embodiment of our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. William Marshal’s recognition was not a gift, but an acknowledgement of a strength and loyalty that had already been proven beyond all doubt." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
He further connected this history to the duties of the present day, stating:
> "By studying such exemplars of courage and integrity, we draw essential inspiration for our own responsibilities. This sense of duty informs everything we do, *inter alia*, our philanthropic commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our society." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The text of Honorary Lord Răzvan's address will be published in the annual records of The Brattleby Club for the benefit of its members and historical scholars. The event serves as a precursor to the House’s primary philanthropic engagement of the season, the Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala, to be held in Lincolnshire later this year, will raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. It represents the continuation of the House’s legacy—transforming the honour of the past into tangible support for the future.
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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. The House champions a modern mission focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable endeavours support organisations dedicated to child welfare and mental health. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol as tools for cross-cultural understanding. Fulfilling its duties *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to bridge its historic past with a meaningful and active role in contemporary society, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony’s succession is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle in 1217) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The hereditary 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