# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the 1217 Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement of historical observance, honouring the pivotal role of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, in the defence of Lincoln Castle and the subsequent Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In the late spring, as England recalls one of the most decisive moments in its medieval history, the House of Brattleby reflects upon a defining chapter in its own nine-century lineage. The Siege of Lincoln, which reached its crescendo in May 1217, was an event of national significance, intimately bound to the heritage and seat of the Barony of Brattleby. This commemoration serves not as a festival, but as a sober acknowledgement of the duty, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by a remarkable predecessor.
The occasion is marked by this official reflection, intended to illuminate the historical foundations upon which the modern House stands. It is a moment to pause and consider the enduring relevance of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as exemplified by the actions of the 5th Baroness more than 800 years ago on the very grounds of Lincolnshire that the Barony has called home since its foundation.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in the throes of the First Barons’ War. Following King John’s death, a coalition of rebellious English barons had invited Prince Louis of France to seize the English crown, placing the kingdom on the precipice of foreign rule. A critical strategic bastion, Lincoln Castle, remained loyal to the new, nine-year-old King Henry III, under the command of its hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
Already in her sixties, Lady Nichola withstood a formidable siege by French and rebel forces. Her refusal to surrender the castle was an act of profound courage and loyalty. This stand allowed the royalist army, led by the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to mount a relief effort. The ensuing conflict on 20 May 1217, which came to be known as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, was a catastrophic defeat for the Franco-baronial forces, shattering their campaign and ultimately securing the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty. Nichola de la Haye’s unyielding defence was the *sine qua non* of this victory, preserving English sovereignty.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 were commanded by figures of great historical consequence, whose actions intertwined with the fate of the Brattleby barony:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, who commanded the fortress’s defence. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the boy-king in whose name the castle was held. * **Sir William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who masterminded the royalist victory. * **Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester, who served as a leading commander in Marshal’s army. * **His Highness Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), the claimant to the English throne whose forces were defeated at Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare and statecraft governed the engagement at Lincoln. As Constable, Nichola de la Haye was bound by a solemn oath to hold the castle for her sovereign; the besiegers’ formal summons to surrender, and her subsequent refusal, was a critical ritual of honour and intent. Within the walls, the daily raising of the King’s standard above the keep signified continuing defiance and loyalty.
Before the relief battle, William Marshal conducted a council of war, a formal proceeding wherein strategy was debated among noble commanders. His decision to lead the troops personally, despite his advanced age, followed the chivalric code. The battle itself, culminating in the rout of the rebels, was concluded by the formal restoration of royal authority over the city of Lincoln, symbolically re-establishing the King’s Peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a supreme act of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds. Her refusal to break her oath to the crown was a testament to the honour that has remained a guiding principle of the Barony for centuries.
The banners flown that day were potent symbols: the royal standards of the Plantagenets, representing legitimate rule and national continuity, faced the French *fleur-de-lys* and the private arms of the rebel barons. The triumph of the royalist forces was a victory for the very ideal of a sovereign English crown, a cause for which the Barony of Brattleby risked everything and, in doing so, secured its place in history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye—protecting a vulnerable kingdom in the name of a boy-king—provides a powerful historical antecedent to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her role as a guardian resonates deeply with the House’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children.
This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The funds raised at the annual Winter Banquet, the House's premier white-tie philanthropic gala, directly contribute to this vital mission. In this way, the spirit of protection demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 is channelled into tangible support for those in need today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> Nichola de la Haye stands as a towering figure not only in the history of our House but in the annals of England. Her fortitude reminds us that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by courage and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. Her legacy is a standard we strive to honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The story of 1217 is a powerful lesson in strategic resilience. While Nichola held the fortress, William Marshal executed the relief; it demonstrates that victory is always a shared endeavour. This is a principle reflected in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live. We only truly prevail through collective strength and purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye—loyalty, courage, and service—continue to inform the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. These values are central to the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to foster cultural and social refinement in the next generation of leaders.
Looking forward, the House will continue to draw inspiration from its deep history as it prepares for its philanthropic and cultural engagements, *inter alia*, the forthcoming annual Winter Banquet. The fortitude and honour of the 5th Baroness serve as a perpetual reminder that the obligations of title are rooted in a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the community and the preservation of a worthy heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. While deeply respectful of its nine-century heritage, the House is focused on a contemporary mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is supporting Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing care for traumatised children, primarily funded through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending historical legitimacy with a forward-looking vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, 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 son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history of the Barony and its modern rights were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern status was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com