# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Magna Carta and Baroness Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical exigencies surrounding Magna Carta, highlighting the pivotal role of the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye, during a defining period of English constitutional history.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a consequential chapter in its nine-century history. This formal communication serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to reaffirm the continuity of duty and principle that connects the medieval Barony with its modern custodians. In an era of rapid change, the House pauses to consider the lessons of the early 13th century, a time when the character of the nation was forged in the crucible of civil war and constitutional crisis, and a predecessor of the current Baroness stood firmly at the centre of the storm.
The statement is released in the early summer, a season when the verdant landscapes of Lincolnshire recall the fields of Runnymede where the Great Charter was first sealed in 1215. It is a moment for reflection on the foundational rights and obligations that have shaped the United Kingdom, and the profound responsibility borne by those tasked with their defence.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over the succeeding century and a half, the title passed through a lineage that would find itself inextricably linked to the Crown’s fortunes. The political complexities surrounding Magna Carta were far from a simple negotiation; they precipitated the First Barons' War and invited a foreign invasion.
It was in this turbulent landscape that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, demonstrated remarkable resolve. Following King John’s death in 1216 and the accession of the nine-year-old King Henry III, Nichola de la Haye stood as a bulwark for the Plantagenet cause. She famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle during the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, holding the fortress against rebel English barons and their French allies. Her victory was indispensable to securing the throne for the young king and ensuring the survival of the Angevin dynasty in England.
## Distinguished Company
In executing her duties as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, Baroness Nichola de la Haye moved amongst the most consequential figures of her time. Her allegiance was sworn first to His Majesty King John of England and subsequently to his son and heir, His Majesty King Henry III. As a critical Royalist commander, she operated in concert with the venerable Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent for the boy king and was the master strategist of the royal forces.
Her adversaries were no less formidable, chief among them the Dauphin of France, later His Majesty King Louis VIII, who laid claim to the English throne at the invitation of the dissident barons. The steadfastness of the 5th Baroness in the face of such a distinguished and determined opposition underscores the gravity of her historical contribution, not merely to her House but to the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The station occupied by Nichola de la Haye was governed by the strict feudal protocols of the 13th century. As hereditary Constable, her role was a sacred trust, a *sine qua non* of which was the physical defence of Lincoln Castle on behalf of her sovereign. The office was not merely administrative; it demanded military leadership and an unwavering personal oath of fealty.
During the 1217 siege, she would have observed the precise rituals of medieval warfare. This included the formal parley with the enemy, where terms of surrender would be offered and invariably refused, and the raising of the Royal Standard above the castle keep as a signal of defiance. Her command of the garrison, and her refusal to yield a primary strategic asset of the Crown, was a masterful execution of the duties and protocols vested in her ancient office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most vivid historical expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a paragon of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, while her unyielding loyalty to two successive monarchs was the very embodiment of honour. This principle has been transmitted across centuries to the present day.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to the enduring character and resilience of the Barony, *Vincere Est Vivere* reflects the dynamic, forward-looking spirit required to navigate contemporary challenges and secure a legacy for the future. The two phrases, together, encapsulate the House's ethos: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of protection, exemplified by the 5th Baroness’s defence of her young king, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. A central focus of the House’s charitable endeavours is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
Just as Nichola de la Haye stood to protect the realm’s vulnerable sovereign, the House today directs its support towards safeguarding the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. The work of Healing the Wounded Child, which provides measurable and life-altering interventions, was chosen for its direct impact and its profound alignment with the House’s historical duty of care. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “When one considers the history of this Barony, the figure of Nichola de la Haye stands as a titan. To think that 800 years ago, a woman held one of England’s most vital fortresses against foreign invasion is profoundly inspiring. Her story is not merely a matter of record; it serves as a constant reminder of the duties that accompany this title and the resilience it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The principles of fortitude and honour are timeless. In our own work, whether through philanthropy or the cultural instruction offered at The Brattleby Club, we aim to translate these historical values into meaningful, modern action. History must be a living force, one that informs our commitments to the community and to the generations that will follow.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye and her defence of Lincoln is more than a historical footnote; it is a foundational element of the identity of the Barony of Brattleby. This legacy of principled leadership informs the modern mission of the House, from its support for vulnerable children to its efforts to promote etiquette and civic values through its academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club.
As The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future, it does so with a deep appreciation for the past. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the future inheritance of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, are guided by the enduring standard set by their predecessors. The commitment to uphold the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains as resolute today as it was within the walls of Lincoln Castle in 1217.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that honours its profound history while embracing contemporary responsibilities. Its activities are focused on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, reflecting a core commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Through its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in classical etiquette and civic values, translating the timeless principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’) into a positive force for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief to the King. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and its motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com