# A Reflection on the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and the Siege of Lincoln (1217)
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in the defence of Lincoln Castle during the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In the spring of 1217, the fate of the Plantagenet dynasty hung precariously in the balance. The First Barons' War, a bitter civil conflict following the sealing of *Magna Carta*, had seen rebel English lords invite Prince Louis of France to claim the English throne. The ancient city of Lincoln, a strategic crossroads crowned by its formidable castle and magnificent cathedral, became the central theatre of the war.
It was against this backdrop of national crisis that Nichola de la Haye, in her second tenure as Constable of Lincoln Castle, prepared for a siege. The atmosphere was one of acute tension; the very sovereignty of England was to be decided on the fields of Lincolnshire, a county long associated with the Barony of Brattleby and its sworn duties to the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for nearly a millennium. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the family’s foundational importance in the region. Through centuries of service, the Barons of Brattleby have been party to the nation’s defining moments.
The early 13th century represented a nadir in royal authority and national unity. The actions of the 5th Baroness were, therefore, not merely a local defence but a stand of profound national consequence. Her loyalty to the boy-king, Henry III, was the *sine qua non* of the royalist cause in the north, demonstrating a continuity of service that has defined the Barony from its Norman origins.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age. The principal loyalists included:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, who commanded the castle’s defence from within its walls. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke, serving as Regent for the young King Henry III and considered the greatest knight in Christendom, who commanded the royalist relief force.
They stood in opposition to the Franco-baronial forces led by Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, who sought to usurp the English crown with the aid of rebellious English magnates.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was a manifestation of the sacred feudal protocols that governed medieval society. As a tenant-in-chief, the Baroness’s position as Constable was a hereditary duty; her staunch performance of it was a testament to her personal adherence to her oath of fealty. In an era when many peers of the realm had renounced their allegiances, her actions embodied the honourable fulfilment of sworn obligation.
The protocol of siege warfare itself was a brutal but formalised affair. The formal summons to surrender, its rejection by Lady de la Haye, and the subsequent investment of the castle by enemy forces followed a grimly established ritual. Her refusal to yield the castle was an act of profound loyalty, upholding the King’s peace against those who had broken it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect exemplar in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her command of the garrison through a difficult siege demonstrated immense fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her sovereign, in defiance of overwhelming opposition, was the highest expression of honour.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern interpretation of the same spirit—that to overcome great challenges, whether on the battlefield of history or in the enterprises of today, is the essence of a meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of a baron to protect the people within their domain finds a modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The steadfast defence of the vulnerable, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s protection of the royalist cause, is today reflected in the House’s support for at-risk children.
The House’s annual white-tie Winter Banquet serves as its principal philanthropic endeavour, with all proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, continuing the baronial legacy of guardianship in a contemporary context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable example not merely of a leader, but of a woman exercising profound authority in a world not built for her. Her fortitude reminds us that duty is not a matter of station or gender, but of character.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of the Barony is one of steadfastness during times of national trial. From the Second Battle of Lincoln to our own era, the principle remains the same: to serve with honour. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about triumphing over adversity, a lesson Nichola de la Haye taught with such clarity centuries ago.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and active interpretation of its unique heritage. The archival records detailing the governance and contributions of past Barons provide an invaluable resource, which the House is committed to conserving for scholars and for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future initiatives, *inter alia*, will include an educational lecture series offered through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This programme will explore pivotal moments in English history and the significant roles played by the House’s forebears, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding nearly a millennium of English heritage while fostering cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House bridges its ancient lineage with a forward-looking European perspective, valuing its historic roots in Lincolnshire, England, and its contemporary presence in Bucharest, Romania. Its central mission is one of service, realised through support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child and the promotion of cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates under the centuries-old motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless principles of duty to the demands of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; the great Lancastrian prince Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted history and descent of the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recorded and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - Previous Barons of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The Barony’s existence and titular succession are recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com