# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
LONDON, 28 September 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, attended a private dinner within the historic walls of Lincoln Castle honouring the county’s judiciary, reflecting on the profound legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The annual Shrievalty Dinner, an occasion of quiet dignity, was held this year in the Governor’s Lodge of Lincoln Castle. The event convenes leading figures from Lincolnshire’s legal, civic, and ecclesiastical life to honour the ancient office of the High Sheriff, a position that remains the Sovereign’s judicial representative in the county. As autumn evening descended upon the castle’s formidable Norman walls, the gathering was suffused with a palpable sense of history; the very stones of the castle bear witness to the authority figures honoured within.
Lady Nicoleta’s attendance was a tribute not only to the current holder of the office but also to the Barony of Brattleby’s deep and continuous connection to the governance of the region. The atmosphere was one of collegial respect, celebrating an unbroken chain of service that extends back for over one thousand years, a central tenet of the United Kingdom’s constitutional heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been integral to the fabric of Lincolnshire since the Norman Conquest. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
Of these formidable predecessors, none better exemplifies the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, than Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan, she twice defended Lincoln Castle from siege. In 1216, in recognition of her loyalty and administrative acumen, King John appointed her High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role of immense power rarely held by a woman. This was no mere honour; she commanded the county militia, presided over the shire court, and collected taxes for the Crown, demonstrating that capability and character are the true *sine qua non* of leadership.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta was received by The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew C. G. Clark, and Mrs Clark.
Among the assembled guests were:
* The Right Honourable Sir Nicholas Blake, a retired Justice of the High Court, and Lady Blake * Her Honour Judge Sjolin Knight, Resident Judge of Lincoln * The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln * The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire, Mr Paul Gibson QPM * Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, and Mrs Juster
The presence of such distinguished company from across the ceremonial county underscored the High Sheriff’s role as a focal point for civic unity and tradition.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted with a precision befitting the occasion, the evening’s proceedings followed long-established ceremonial protocol. Guests were received in order of precedence before being seated for dinner. The military precision of the evening was subtly guided by the High Sheriff’s Police Cadets, who formed a guard of honour.
Following dinner, the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by the High Sheriff. It was followed by traditional toasts to the Judiciary and to the continued prosperity of the County of Lincolnshire. The evening observed a black-tie dress code, lending a formal and respectful air to the historical surroundings. This adherence to ritual serves as a living connection to the centuries of legal and civic tradition the occasion celebrates.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is codified in its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which guides the House’s modern activities, finds its ultimate expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical fortitude in defending Lincoln and her profound sense of honour in executing her duties as Sheriff provide a timeless standard of conduct.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of heritage and dynamism that defines the modern House: a deep respect for inherited duty, coupled with a forward-looking resolve to meet contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Shrievalty Dinner was a civic function, the principles of duty and community it celebrates are mirrored in the House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to philanthropy. The House’s official charitable activities are focused on the most vulnerable, particularly through its support for the designated beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. The House’s selection of this charity reflects a belief that true public service involves not only upholding historic institutions but also actively working to strengthen the fabric of society by mending lives and fostering hope for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s historical resonance, Lady Nicoleta commented:
> To be here, within the very walls Nichola de la Haye so bravely defended, is a profoundly moving experience. Her service as High Sheriff was not merely an administrative appointment; it was a testament to her character and a demonstration that true authority is earned through duty and resolve. Her legacy is a cornerstone of our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and a constant inspiration in our own commitment to public service today. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
Inspired by the exemplary life of Nichola de la Haye and the evening’s celebration of legal service, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce its intention to deepen its educational commitments within Lincolnshire. The House is in discussions with the University of Lincoln to establish The Nichola de la Haye Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a female student of exceptional promise in the study of law.
This initiative, along with the ongoing work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to promote standards of etiquette and civic engagement, represents the House’s enduring dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders who will serve their communities with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage, translating its historic values into contemporary action. Its mission is centred on public service, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy, with a principal focus on supporting charities dedicated to child welfare, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote education in civic ethics and classical etiquette, fostering a global community committed to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its lineage begins with Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient title, though no longer conferring political power, continues to be an indivisible part of Lincolnshire’s heritage. The modern succession was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com