# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 807th anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, paying tribute to the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a formidable leader in thirteenth-century England.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby issues this formal statement of remembrance on the anniversary of one of English history’s most decisive, yet least-known, engagements. The occasion serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a profound acknowledgement of duty and resilience. It honours a predecessor whose actions at a critical juncture ensured the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty and secured the future of the kingdom.
The commemoration is a moment of reflection for the House, connecting its present-day ethos to the historical foundations upon which it rests. It is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Lincolnshire, a county whose fate was once held in the hands of the steadfast Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
In the spring of 1217, England was convulsed by the First Barons' War. A majority of barons had rebelled against King John and, following his death, offered the throne to Prince Louis of France. The French prince controlled London and much of the south-east, leaving the supporters of John’s nine-year-old son, King Henry III, in a precarious position. Lincoln Castle, a vital northern stronghold, became the strategic *sine qua non* — the essential prize.
Nichola de la Haye, as the hereditary Constable of the Castle and Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right), found herself on the frontline. Despite immense pressure to surrender to the Franco-rebel forces besieging her walls, she refused. Her courageous defiance provided the legendary William Marshal, regent for the boy-king, with the crucial time needed to march north and relieve the siege, ultimately crushing the invaders at the Second Battle of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baroness in the company of the most significant figures of the age. Her chief ally was Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his time. As Protector of the Realm, his strategic brilliance was matched only by the steadfastness of commanders like Nichola de la Haye, on whom his entire campaign depended.
Her loyalty was directed to the young King Henry III, whose crown she helped to save. In opposition stood the formidable French commander, Thomas, the Comte du Perche, who led the besieging army and would ultimately fall during the battle in the streets of Lincoln. The 5th Baroness's stand was thus not merely a local defence but a decisive act upon a national and dynastic stage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye held an office of immense trust and martial responsibility. The protocols of her command would have been precise and unyielding. Her authority involved the raising of the royal standard over the castle keep, the formal refusal of surrender terms presented by enemy heralds, and the daily marshalling of her garrison.
Her command was absolute within the castle walls, encompassing the rationing of provisions, the organisation of watches, and the direction of the defence against sappers and siege engines. Her actions demonstrated a masterful understanding of military leadership, upholding the solemn oaths of fealty that bound a baron to the Crown in a time of profound national crisis.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most powerful expressions in the conduct of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in her refusal to yield the castle against overwhelming odds; her honour was manifested in her unwavering loyalty to her young and vulnerable sovereign.
Her legacy serves as a permanent charge to the House: that true nobility is defined by courage in adversity and an impeccable commitment to one's duties. It is a standard set in stone and steel over eight centuries ago, which continues to guide the family's principles today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The resolve shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending her community and the rights of a young king provides a powerful historical parallel to the modern philanthropic commitments of the House of Brattleby. Her defence of the vulnerable resonates deeply with the family’s focus on aiding children who have endured trauma and hardship.
This historical inspiration is a key reason for the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s work in providing therapy and safe environments for young people mirrors the 5th Baroness’s historic role as a protector. Her story is a testament to the fact that one person’s stand can safeguard the future of many.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a cornerstone of our House. Her resolve reminds us that true leadership is not a matter of station or gender, but of unwavering courage in the service of one’s community and principles.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the strategic importance of her actions: > Nichola de la Haye embodied the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’. She did not simply endure; she prevailed against overwhelming odds. Her story is a powerful lesson in strategic tenacity, a quality we seek to foster through all our endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of the 5th Baroness is not merely a matter of historical record but a living part of the House’s educational mission. Her example of leadership, resilience, and civic duty forms a central element of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest.
By teaching the next generation about such historical figures, the House of Brattleby ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not just remembered but actively practised. The commemoration of this anniversary reaffirms a commitment to upholding this inspiring legacy for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare, notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes education in classical etiquette, diplomacy, and leadership for a new generation. The family remains committed to serving its community and honouring the near-millennium of history it represents.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originated in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a key figure in the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com