# A Statement on the Historical Alliance between the Barony of Brattleby and William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement affirming the pivotal 13th-century alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, then Regent of England, during the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a defining moment in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England. This formal statement serves to commemorate the strategic partnership that proved instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III and upholding the principles later enshrined in *Magna Carta*. The occasion is one of historical stewardship; a duty to preserve and share the profound legacies entrusted to the care of the current House.
The issuance of this declaration from the family’s offices in London underscores a commitment to bridging the Barony’s nine-century history with its modern responsibilities. It is a remembrance of leadership in a time of national crisis, celebrating a heritage of steadfast service to the Crown and the nation, a principle that continues to guide the House today.
## Historical Context
In the turbulent aftermath of King John’s death in 1216, England was fractured by the First Barons' War. Rebel barons had invited Prince Louis of France to claim the English throne, placing the future of the Plantagenet dynasty in grave jeopardy. At this critical juncture, Lincoln Castle, held by the hereditary constable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, stood as a bastion of loyalist resistance in a largely hostile region.
The strategic importance of Lincoln cannot be overstated. Its capture by French and rebel forces would have created an unbroken line of control from London to the north. Recognising this, William Marshal, the venerable Earl of Pembroke and Regent for the nine-year-old Henry III, made the relief of Lincoln Castle his absolute priority. The alliance between the Regent, representing the authority of the Crown, and the Baroness, embodying local fortitude, became the *sine qua non* of the royalist campaign in the spring of 1217.
## Figures of Historical Distinction
This pivotal moment in English history was shaped by two formidable figures whose collaboration exemplifies the feudal ideals of loyalty and martial prowess.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby** and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, was a stateswoman of remarkable resilience. Already in her sixties, she personally commanded the defence of the castle against a gruelling siege, refusing all calls to surrender. Her leadership provided William Marshal with the precious time needed to muster a relief force.
**William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, lauded by his contemporaries as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, served as Protector and Regent of England. He marshalled the royalist army and, demonstrating profound tactical acumen, led it to a decisive victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought in the streets and environs of the city.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The alliance, though forged in the crucible of war, was governed by established feudal protocols. As the King’s Regent, William Marshal’s authority was paramount. His arrival at Lincoln was not merely a military reinforcement but a reassertion of royal power. The protocol of the field would have seen the raising of the royal banner alongside the baronial standard of the Haye family, symbolising a unified command.
Councils of war would have been held wherein the Baroness, by virtue of her command and local knowledge, would have provided vital intelligence to the Earl Marshal. Her formal pledge of fealty, already owed to the Crown, was powerfully reaffirmed through her actions. This interaction demonstrates the intricate blend of personal honour and sworn duty that structured medieval society, where the defence of one’s demesne was synonymous with the defence of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness during the 1217 siege are a powerful early embodiment of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unwavering fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and the honour she displayed in upholding her oath to the Crown are the very qualities the motto extols. It represents a legacy of resilience and principled leadership that has been passed down through successive holders of the title.
This historical event also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The determination to prevail at Lincoln was a struggle for the very survival of the kingdom as they knew it. The triumph was not merely a military victory; it was an affirmation of life and legitimacy for the English Crown against foreign invasion.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement commemorates a historical event, the principles it celebrates directly inform the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The defence of Lincoln was ultimately in service of a vulnerable child, King Henry III. This act of protecting the powerless is a core value that finds contemporary expression in the House’s work.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, proudly benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, a mission deeply resonant with the historical duty to safeguard the young and vulnerable. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that true honour lies in providing strength and support to those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“To hold this title is to be a custodian of remarkable stories. Nichola de la Haye was a woman of extraordinary courage, whose resolve at a moment of supreme crisis shaped the course of our national history. Her legacy is not merely one of defence, but of leadership, and it serves as a constant and profound inspiration.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of such strategic partnerships: >—“The alliance between William Marshal and Baroness Nichola demonstrates that success is born of trust and shared purpose. One provided the overarching strategy, the other the indispensable anchor. It is a timeless lesson in governance and effective collaboration, reminding us that to conquer great challenges, we must live by our commitments. *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of its unique heritage. This history, connecting Lincolnshire to the wider currents of European and English history, is a living legacy that the House is committed to sharing.
Future initiatives will include educational lectures hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, aiming to foster a greater appreciation for the shared history that binds Great Britain and the Continent. By exploring the lives of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House seeks to ensure that these chronicles of fortitude and honour continue to educate and inspire future generations.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a history extending over nine centuries, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its heritage while embracing a forward-looking, international vision. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its support for charities including Healing the Wounded Child, the House actively promotes the enduring values of duty, honour, and service in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s standing and the succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key figure at the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217). - Other significant holders include the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com