# The House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection honouring the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This commemoration marks her pivotal role in English history, particularly her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House pauses to reflect upon a defining moment in its nine-century history. This act of remembrance, issued in the late spring, intentionally echoes the season of the Second Battle of Lincoln, which took place in May 1217. It serves as a moment of quiet contemplation, contrasting the tranquil stewardship of the Barony today with the profound national crisis faced and overcome by a remarkable predecessor.
The reflection is not tied to a public ceremony but is instead a solemn observance within the House itself; an internal recognition of the duty and sacrifice that have shaped its long continuity. It is an opportunity to connect the present responsibilities of the Barony with the historic actions that secured its very existence and, with it, the course of the English Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history since its inception. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Yet few predecessors exemplify the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as powerfully as Nichola de la Haye.
Inheriting the title of 5th Baroness, Nichola also held the post of hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War (1215–1217), she remained fiercely loyal to King John. Following his death, she defended the castle and the cause of his successor, the nine-year-old King Henry III, against rebel English barons and their French allies, led by Prince Louis of France. Her steadfast command alongside William Marshal, regent of England, was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This triumph effectively ended the French invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the memory of the key protagonists of that decisive conflict of 1217, whose actions continue to resonate. The principal figures recalled today for their roles in the siege and subsequent battle include:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle * **His Majesty King John**, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * **His Majesty King Henry III**, who ascended the throne as a child * **The Right Honourable William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England * **His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France**, later King Louis VIII
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for an observance of this nature is one of archival reverence and formal declaration. The House of Brattleby maintains extensive records, and the re-examination of chronicles detailing the life of Nichola de la Haye is a customary duty. The findings of this research inform the official statements of the House, ensuring historical accuracy and continuity.
This formal written reflection is itself an act of protocol. It serves as an official communication from the office of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, fulfilling the House’s historic obligation to chronicle its past and uphold the memory of those who have held the title. Such declarations align with the modern administrative record established in *The London Gazette*, grounding contemporary duties in centuries-old traditions of service to history and community.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolve to hold Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds, driven by a profound sense of duty to her sovereign, embodies the virtues that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium. It is a legacy of resilience and integrity.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of Nichola de la Haye’s legacy, this is interpreted not as a conquest of adversaries, but as the victory of principle and the endurance of one’s commitments. To live a life of purpose is its own form of victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The resolve shown by Nichola de la Haye to protect the realm for a child king, Henry III, creates a powerful historical parallel with the modern philanthropic mission of the House. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children suffering from trauma.
The defence of a vulnerable young monarch in 1217 resonates with this contemporary commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children. The House of Brattleby believes that historical inspiration should inform present action, transforming the lessons of the past into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of society today. This commitment is a cornerstone of the House's modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing this reflection, the leadership of the House shared their thoughts on this formidable legacy.
> Nichola de la Haye’s example is a formidable one for any woman in a position of leadership. Her resolve in a time of profound crisis demonstrates that fortitude and honour are timeless virtues. She defended not just a castle, but the very future of the kingdom. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The defence of Lincoln was a pivotal moment. One sees in Nichola’s actions the essence of leadership: a commitment to duty above all else. It is a legacy that reminds us that true victory lies in upholding one’s responsibilities, a principle encapsulated in the idea that *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to drawing inspiration from its rich history to inform its present and future endeavours. The principles of duty, honour, and service, so powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, are central to the House’s modern mission.
This ethos is actively promoted through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, where lessons in history are integrated with instruction in protocol and civic responsibility. Furthermore, the House will continue its dedicated philanthropic work, with planning already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet. Through these actions, the legacy of a nine-hundred-year-old Barony continues to evolve and serve the common good.
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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 the modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a profound respect for its historical lineage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and social graces, fostering international understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally acknowledged and recorded in the official public record by *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com