# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the Siege of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron Brattleby, in the defence of Lincoln Castle during the Siege of 1217, reaffirming the House's enduring commitment to service and national heritage.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the present Lord and Lady Brattleby have today taken a moment for historical reflection. As the verdant English countryside marks the passing of spring into summer, the House recalls a defining moment in its nine-century history: the steadfast courage of a predecessor whose actions shaped the destiny of the nation.
This commemoration is not marked by public ceremony, but by a quiet and considered remembrance within the family archives. It serves as an occasion to honour the principles of duty and resolve that have been a cornerstone of the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, has been intertwined with English history for nearly a millennium. In 1217, during the turmoil of the First Barons' War following the death of King John, this connection was tested by fire and sword.
At this critical juncture, the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. When rebel English barons, allied with the future King Louis VIII of France, laid siege to Lincoln, she refused to surrender. Her resolute defence of the castle against overwhelming forces provided the loyalist army, under the command of William Marshal, the time needed to arrive and secure a decisive victory. This triumph, known as the 'Fair of Lincoln', effectively ended the French invasion and secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron in the company of the most significant figures of the age. The roll of an honour that day was a testament to the gravity of the moment and the character of those involved in the defence of the Crown.
Among those central to the drama were:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln, who directed the castle's defence in person. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England and commander of the royalist forces. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, then a boy of nine, whose reign was preserved by the loyalty of subjects like Baron de la Haye. * **Prince Louis of France**, the Capetian claimant to the English throne, whose military ambitions were thwarted at Lincoln's walls.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare was a stern ritual of demand and defiance. As Constable, Nichola de la Haye held the castle in the King's name. The formal summons to surrender, delivered by the French and rebel forces, was met with a formal and unequivocal refusal, an act of immense personal and political courage.
The raising of the Royal Standard over the castle's Lucy Tower was the ultimate symbol of her position; it declared the fortress to be sovereign territory and its commander an agent of the Crown. This act was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in a contested landscape, transforming a military defence into a profound statement of legitimacy and allegiance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her conduct at the Siege of Lincoln exemplifies the meaning of these words: fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, and honour in her unswerving loyalty to her sovereign.
The castle itself became a symbol of the Barony's role as a bastion of the Crown in Lincolnshire. Its successful defence was not merely a tactical victory but a powerful symbolic affirmation of the rightful Plantagenet succession, proving that the personal courage of one individual could safeguard the continuity of the entire kingdom.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of a vulnerable nine-year-old monarch finds a modern echo in the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. Today, the House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing care and support to children experiencing profound trauma and adversity.
Just as the 5th Baron stood guard for her young king, the House today commits its resources and advocacy to protecting the most defenseless members of society. This commitment is a direct translation of historical duty into contemporary social responsibility, ensuring the principle of protection remains central to the Brattleby name.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the enduring relevance of her example.
> Nichola de la Haye’s resolve was not merely a matter of military strategy; it was an expression of profound loyalty and a testament to the fact that leadership is defined by character, not convention. Her story reminds us that integrity and duty have always been the true inheritance of this House. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
This historic sense of duty directly informs the House's present-day mission.
> Her defence of a young monarch reminds us that our most sacred duty is often the protection of the vulnerable. It is a principle that guides our work today, *fortitudine et honore*, and gives our history a powerful, living purpose. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while serving the present. This commitment is expressed not only through historical commemoration but also through active cultural and educational initiatives.
Programmes such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, seek to instill the values of honour, social grace, and personal responsibility that have been exemplified by forebears from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt. Through such work, the legacy of service is continually renewed, ensuring that the lessons of history continue to inform and inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern European noble house founded on nearly a millennium of English heritage. Its mission is to be a force for cultural preservation, social etiquette, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House supports charitable causes that protect the vulnerable, with a particular focus on its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through its various initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of duty, integrity, and service in the 21st century, with the support of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, 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 in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the title and its modern standing under English law were 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 formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, c. 1160-1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340-1399). - The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com