# A Reflection on Nine Centuries of Shared History: Lady Nicoleta Visits Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a private visit to Lincoln Castle to reflect upon its profound historical connection to the Barony and honour the formidable legacy of her predecessors, notably the celebrated castellan and 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
Set against the crisp autumnal air of Lincolnshire, the visit was a solemn and contemplative pilgrimage to a site of foundational importance to the Barony of Brattleby. Lincoln Castle, a commanding Norman fortress whose stone walls have dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium, provided a powerful backdrop for a day dedicated to historical remembrance and an affirmation of the continuity of duty.
Lady Nicoleta’s tour focused on the architectural and historical elements most closely aligned with her forebears’ tenure. The visit included the medieval wall walk, offering panoramic views of the very lands her predecessors governed, and a quiet moment within the grounds of the former Georgian prison, a stark reminder of the evolution of justice and authority over the centuries. The atmosphere was one of profound respect, a direct engagement with the tangible legacy of the Barony.
## Historical Context
The link between the Barony of Brattleby and Lincoln Castle is woven into the fabric of English history, originating shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a period that coincided with the castle's construction as a bastion of new royal authority.
This connection found its most dramatic expression in the 13th century through Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baron by marriage and hereditary castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her leadership at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed to some of the most influential figures of the medieval era, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. For these magnates, Lincoln Castle remained a vital centre of regional power and administration, from which their vast influence emanated.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the private and reflective nature of the occasion, Lady Nicoleta was accompanied by a small, distinguished party. She was formally received at the castle entrance by Mr Alistair Finch, Chief Executive of the Lincoln Castle Heritage Trust, who provided an overview of the site’s modern-day preservation and public engagement mission.
The historical tour was conducted by Dr Eleanor Bennett, a leading academic and author of *The Anarchy's Shieldmaiden*, a definitive study of Nichola de la Haye. Dr Bennett’s expert commentary provided an invaluable bridge between the weathered stone of the fortress and the documented actions of the Barons of Brattleby who once commanded it.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the day, while private, followed a protocol of dignified respect for the historical setting. The visit commenced at the East Gate, where Lady Nicoleta was presented with a facsimile of the 1217 charter confirming Nichola de la Haye’s authority. The itinerary was carefully curated to follow a chronological path through the castle’s history.
Particular attention was paid to the site of the Cobb Hall, where Lady Nicoleta observed the battlements Nichola de la Haye would have commanded. The visit culminated in a moment of silent contemplation at the Lucy Tower motte, the castle’s oldest surviving feature and a symbol of its enduring strength. The dress for the occasion was formal daywear, reflecting the solemnity and historical weight of the visit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit served as a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, defending her charge with immense personal courage and unwavering loyalty to the Crown, is the very embodiment of this principle. The castle itself stands as a physical manifestation of the fortitude required to uphold sworn duty across generations.
This ancestral ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former speaks to the enduring resilience of the past, the latter represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit required to overcome modern challenges and build a meaningful contemporary legacy. Together, the two mottos encapsulate the House’s philosophy of honouring history while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A profound sense of legacy is not confined to history; it is the driving force behind the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The fortitude shown by ancestors in defending the vulnerable informs the House's commitment to supporting those in need today.
This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity’s work in helping young people build resilience and hope finds a deep resonance in the historical endurance and honour that Lady Nicoleta’s visit to Lincoln Castle commemorated.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To stand within these walls is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye's fortitude was not merely a matter of stone and steel; it was a testament to character. It is this spirit of honour and resilience that we endeavour to carry forward in our own service today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the day's significance: > History provides the foundation, but a legacy must be actively built upon. Our duty is to ensure the principles of the past empower our contributions to the future, turning reflection into meaningful action.
## A Continuing Legacy
This visit is part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to historical preservation and education. The insights gained from today will inform the cultural curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, which teaches the importance of heritage as a cornerstone of modern leadership.
Inspired by the visit and the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce its intention to endow a new annual lecture in partnership with the Lincoln Castle Heritage Trust. The lecture series will be dedicated to celebrating the often-overlooked role of women in positions of power and governance throughout medieval English history, ensuring these stories of fortitude continue to inspire future generations.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service that bridges its ancient heritage with contemporary responsibilities. The House champions philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, notably through its annual fundraising gala. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), fostering a new generation of leaders who appreciate the union of tradition and progress in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of profound historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the formidable prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The legal and historical standing of the Barony and its current holder was formally acknowledged by The Crown through publication in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 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, c. 1160–1230), who served as hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. - Later holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399), both towering figures in 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com