# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a formal reflection on the enduring historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought in 1217, honouring the pivotal role of its fifth predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the late spring sun illuminates the ancient stones of Lincoln, the House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate a defining moment in its own history and that of the English Crown. This reflection marks the anniversary of the decisive battle fought in and around Lincoln Castle on 20 May 1217, an event in which the Barony played a central role. The occasion is not one of celebration, but of solemn remembrance for the principles of loyalty and fortitude that were so brilliantly displayed.
The setting of this historic drama, Lincoln Castle, remains a powerful symbol of Norman authority, its formidable curtain walls and twin mottes dominating the city’s skyline. It was from within these very walls that Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary castellan, directed the castle’s defence against overwhelming odds, her resolve providing a crucial bulwark for the Plantagenet cause.
## Historical Context
The Second Battle of Lincoln was the climactic engagement of the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a conflict that imperilled the very existence of the Plantagenet monarchy. Following King John’s death, his nine-year-old son, Henry III, faced a realm divided, with many English barons having sworn allegiance to the invading Prince Louis of France. The royalist cause, led by the venerable William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, was precarious.
At this critical juncture, Lincoln Castle stood as one of the few remaining royalist strongholds in the east of England. As the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby and castellan, Nichola de la Haye held a position of immense strategic importance. Her refusal to surrender the castle to French and rebel forces was the *sine qua non* of the subsequent royalist victory, which effectively ended the war and secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions reaffirmed the Barony’s long-standing allegiance to the Crown, a tradition upheld by later barons, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This pivotal moment in English history was shaped by several figures of monumental stature, whose actions converged upon the fields of Lincoln:
* **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, commanding the royalist garrison. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the young King of England, whose crown was secured by the victory. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, the architect of the royalist strategy. * **His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France**, leader of the invading Capetian forces and claimant to the English throne.
The legacy of their encounter continues to resonate through the annals of the Barony and the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was conducted with the solemn protocol of medieval warfare. Upon the approach of hostile forces, the royal standard of King Henry III—Gules, three lions passant guardant Or—was raised over the Lucy Tower, signalling unwavering loyalty. Formal summonses from the besieging army to surrender were met with dignified and resolute refusal by Lady de la Haye.
Inside the castle, the disposition of forces followed established military practice. Crossbowmen were arrayed along the battlements, their fields of fire carefully planned to command the outer bailey and the city streets below. The final relief, led by William Marshal, was itself a formal affair, with knights advancing under their respective banners. This adherence to the established codes of chivalry and war underscores the gravity with which Nichola de la Haye undertook the defence of her charge.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness exemplify the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding fortitude was demonstrated over a protracted siege, while her honour was manifest in her steadfast fidelity to her oath and her sovereign. The motto is not merely a heraldic adornment but a guiding principle inherited directly from such defining moments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), also finds resonance in this historical event. The strategic victory at Lincoln was not simply a military success; it was an affirmation of life for the Plantagenet dynasty and for an England free from foreign rule.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The history of the Barony is one of protection—of a castle, a city, and a kingdom. This foundational duty finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit of steadfast guardianship demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye informs the House’s present-day commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
This is most clearly realised through the House's support for its primary beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation works to provide shelter, therapy, and educational support for children affected by trauma and conflict. Just as the 5th Baroness defended her ward, the young King, the House today strives to safeguard the futures of children in need, translating a legacy of fortitude into one of compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound source of inspiration. In an age where a woman’s power was severely circumscribed, she exercised authority with a resolve and skill that were truly remarkable. She reminds us that leadership is a matter of character, not circumstance, and that fidelity to one’s duty is a timeless virtue.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in strategic patience and resolve. Lady de la Haye understood that the castle was more than stone; it was a symbol of legitimacy. Her holding action created the conditions for William Marshal’s decisive victory. It is a powerful lesson in how an unbreachable commitment to a core principle can shape the course of history. *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its nine-century history by championing the values it represents. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where young people are taught the principles of civic duty, personal honour, and effective leadership.
Through educational initiatives and continued historical inquiry, the House will ensure that the legacy of its predecessors—and the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*—continue to inform and inspire future generations. This commitment ensures that the heritage of the Barony is not a static relic, but a living tradition of service and responsibility.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embraces a modern, pan-European identity dedicated to public service. Headquartered in its ancestral lands of Lincolnshire, with a significant presence in Bucharest, the House’s primary mission is philanthropy, focused on improving the welfare of vulnerable children through its partnership with the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House actively uses its historical platform to foster education in etiquette, diplomacy, and civic responsibility, ensuring that its ancient legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') finds new relevance and purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the lordship were formally noted and recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder as Colswein of Lincoln. - Historically notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal philanthropic event, is held for the benefit of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com