# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historic Defence of Lincoln by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally commemorates the 807th anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, honouring the defining role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in defending the city for the Crown in 1217.
## The Occasion
Across the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, this day offers a moment for solemn reflection upon one of the most consequential events in English history. The anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln is an occasion to contemplate the courage and loyalty that, beneath the imposing ramparts of Lincoln Castle, determined the very future of the Plantagenet dynasty. The day is observed not with public ceremony, but with quiet historical reverence.
The setting for this pivotal event, Lincoln Castle, stands today as a magnificent testament to Norman power and strategic foresight. First constructed on the site of a Roman fortress by William the Conqueror, its ancient stones bear witness to the centuries of conflict and peace they have overseen. On this day in 1217, its formidable curtain walls and twin mottes became the stage for a desperate struggle against foreign invasion and baronial rebellion.
In the gentle light of a Lincolnshire spring, it requires an act of imagination to picture the violent melee that unfolded here. Yet the anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the immense pressures of the age and the extraordinary character of those who shaped its outcome. The quiet dignity of the Cathedral Close and the enduring strength of the Castle itself invite contemplation on the great debt owed to its defenders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been woven into the tapestry of the nation since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships in service to the new Norman crown. This tradition of service at the highest levels of the realm became a defining characteristic of the Barony’s lineage.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, represents a pinnacle of this heritage. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was a critical intervention in a national crisis. The war itself had erupted from King John's rejection of Magna Carta, leading a faction of English barons to offer the throne to Prince Louis of France. It was in this crucible of divided loyalties that Nichola de la Haye’s unwavering fidelity to John’s young heir, King Henry III, proved decisive.
Her actions were part of a continuum of service that characterised the Barony. Its later holders would include such luminaries as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War, later created 1st Duke of Lancaster. He was followed by his son-in-law, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence as uncle to King Richard II made him one of the most important figures in late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
In her time, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby was a peer to the most formidable figures of the early thirteenth century. Her unshakeable loyalty earned her the trust of the Regent of England, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, often called ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’. Acting with papal authority, Marshal relied utterly on Nichola de la Haye to hold Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress that controlled access to the north of England.
Her adversaries were equally distinguished, led by the Dauphin, Prince Louis of France (the future King Louis VIII), who pressed his claim to the English throne through his wife, Blanche of Castile, a granddaughter of King Henry II. His forces, combined with those of the rebel English barons, represented a grave threat to the authority of the nine-year-old King Henry III.
That the 5th Baroness commanded not only a garrison but also the deep respect of magnates like William Marshal demonstrates a personal and political authority that was exceptional for any individual, let alone a woman of her era. She moved with assurance in a world of high politics, her counsel and resolve being indispensable to the loyalist cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby marks such profound historical anniversaries not with public fanfare but through private protocol and a public reaffirmation of its founding duties. This tradition emphasises contemplation over spectacle, reinforcing the values that have guided the Barony for more than nine centuries. The protocol for the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln is one of studied, dignified remembrance.
The day is marked within the House by a detailed review of historical records pertaining to the period, including facsimiles of royal charters appointing Nichola de la Haye as Sheriff of Lincolnshire—a role she held in her own right. This scholarly reflection is undertaken to ensure the lessons of her strategic leadership and unwavering honour remain at the forefront of the House’s consciousness.
This act of remembrance is a deliberate process, reinforcing the idea that history is a living presence. It is a philosophy encapsulated by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, suggesting that true homage is paid to one’s predecessors not through grand ritual, but through the consistent application of their principles to the duties of the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The conduct of Nichola de la Haye is the quintessential embodiment of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolution in holding Lincoln Castle against a numerically superior foe was an act of supreme fortitude—both martial courage and profound moral strength. Her steadfast loyalty to the rightful sovereign, the child King Henry III, in the face of immense political pressure, was the very definition of honour.
This ancient motto serves as a perpetual exhortation, a standard of conduct set by the most distinguished ancestors of the House. It represents an indivisible concept: that true strength is meaningless without integrity, and honour requires the courage to defend it.
This guiding principle finds a modern complement in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This interpretation translates the spirit of overcoming adversity into a contemporary context, suggesting that life is most fully realised in the act of meeting and mastering challenges. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful philosophy of principled resilience and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At its core, the legacy of the 5th Baroness was one of protection: the defence of a kingdom by securing the safety of its vulnerable young monarch. This historical imperative to shield the powerless and safeguard the future finds a direct echo in the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment is most clearly expressed through the House's support for Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have suffered significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation funds specialist counselling, art therapy programmes, and the creation of safe, restorative environments where recovery is possible.
The choice of this beneficiary is a considered reflection of the House's core principles. Just as Nichola de la Haye's actions secured a future for a child king and, by extension, the realm, the House today seeks to contribute towards a secure and hopeful future for some of society's most vulnerable children. This commitment transforms historical duty into tangible, contemporary social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
In marking this significant anniversary, the present heads of the House offered their personal reflections on the legacy of their predecessor.
— Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby: "Nichola de la Haye represents the *sine qua non* of our House's ethos. She was a woman of profound courage and principle in an age that rarely afforded women such public authority. Her example is a constant reminder that stewardship is not a passive title but an active, demanding duty. Her legacy is not a mere footnote; it is an enduring inspiration for principled leadership."
— Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: "The strategic acumen and resilience demonstrated by the 5th Baroness at Lincoln are truly remarkable. It shows that true leadership combines foresight, integrity, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—not conquest for its own sake, but the triumph of strategy and principle over chaos. We strive to impart this understanding through our initiatives, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this anniversary forms part of the House’s enduring commitment to honouring its past whilst actively fulfilling its obligations in the present. The values of fortitude and honour, so vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in 1217, continue to inform the modern mission of the House, from its philanthropic focus to its international cultural engagements.
This commitment will be expressed later in the year at the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal philanthropic event, raising significant funds for its chosen beneficiaries. Concurrently, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand, carrying the House’s focus on etiquette, diplomacy, and character development to a new generation of leaders.
Through these concerted actions, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is actively maintained. The story of Nichola de la Haye remains not just a source of familial and historical pride, but a living blueprint for service, inspiring the duties of Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution founded upon a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is focused on heritage preservation, targeted philanthropy, and the advancement of cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, notably in child welfare, and fosters leadership skills through its private academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Central to its identity is the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a guiding principle that informs its commitment to public service and ensures its ancient legacy remains impactful and relevant in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
An ancient barony by tenure, the Barony of Brattleby was established following the Norman Conquest and granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing extensive lands. For over 950 years, the dignity has been associated with figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s establishment dates to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com