# The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and Lincolnshire's Strategic Heritage
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the County’s pivotal role in English history and the timeless example of fortitude set by its formidable predecessors, most notably Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
From Brattleby, the ancestral seat of the Barony in Lincolnshire, this statement serves to mark a moment of historical reflection. As the autumn mists settle over the ancient fields of the Danelaw, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to the foundational events that have shaped its identity and its enduring commitment to service.
The communication is not tied to a singular event but rather to the perpetual duty of remembrance; a duty to honour those who, through their actions, secured the lineage and shaped the course of the nation. It is an acknowledgement that the responsibilities of the present are built upon the sacrifices of the past, a principle that remains a cornerstone of the House’s philosophy.
## Historical Context
The strategic importance of Lincolnshire, recognised since the Roman occupation, was formalised in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships in the county under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. This geography has repeatedly placed the Barons of Brattleby at the centre of national affairs.
This was never more apparent than during the First Barons’ War, where the actions of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, proved decisive. In 1217, as Hereditary Constable, she commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against a siege by French and rebel forces. Her triumph at the Second Battle of Lincoln was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III, a profound demonstration of how regional command could determine the fate of the Crown.
Later centuries saw the Barony held by figures of peerless influence, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years’ War; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose royal blood and vast wealth made him the most powerful nobleman in England.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House of Brattleby pays homage to the distinguished predecessors who have held the Barony and shaped its character, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in Lincolnshire at the time of the Domesday survey of 1086. - **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose defence of Lincoln in 1217 was a turning point in English history. - **Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of King Edward III’s most trusted military leaders. - **John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is a living ceremony of succession, guided by ancient protocols of duty and fealty. The very act of holding the title, granted in fee by William the Conqueror, carries with it an implicit obligation to the Crown and to the people of Lincolnshire.
This protocol transcends mere process; it is a moral inheritance compelling each successive Baron to act with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It dictates that the stewardship of the land, the preservation of its history, and the welfare of its community are responsibilities that are solemnly received and diligently discharged, forming the *sine qua non* of the baronial office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the essential distillation of its nine-century history. 'Fortitude' directly evokes the physical and moral courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, defending a castle against overwhelming odds. 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and duty demonstrated by figures such as Henry of Grosmont in service to the realm.
These virtues complement the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House's legacy thrives, translating ancient resilience into modern achievement and purpose. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge between revering the past and commanding the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The steadfastness exemplified by the Barons of Brattleby provides the modern inspiration for the House's charitable commitments. The same protective instinct that saw Nichola de la Haye defend Lincoln Castle now finds its expression in supporting the most vulnerable in society.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support to young people who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting a belief that true strength is best measured by the protection afforded to the defenceless. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala, directs all its proceeds to this vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When you walk the grounds of Brattleby, you feel the weight and the warmth of history. The example of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a story; it is a charge to us, a reminder that leadership requires courage, conviction, and a profound sense of duty to one’s community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that build the legacy for tomorrow. The fortitude shown in 1217 must now be channelled into our philanthropic work and our efforts, through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, to empower the next generation. That, for us, is how we truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual mission: to honour its profound historical legacy while actively contributing to contemporary society. This commitment will be prominently on display at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar.
Looking ahead, the House will also expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and diplomatic skills. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is taking an increasing role in these initiatives, ensuring that the principles of Fortitude and Honour are carried forward with renewed vision into the next generation.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern European noble house anchored in a nine-century English history. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, and a strong presence in Bucharest, Romania, the House is dedicated to upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting children’s welfare through its annual charitable initiatives. The House blends a deep respect for tradition with a dynamic, forward-looking approach to its responsibilities, embodied by the work of its principals and the education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, with its origins tracing back to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the land, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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