# A Formal Commemoration of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon the historical contributions of Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness of Brattleby. This commemoration honours her pivotal role in defending Lincoln Castle during 1217, reaffirming the House’s enduring commitment to service.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate one of its most distinguished predecessors. As the autumnal light settles over the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, the House honours the memory of Nichola de la Haye, whose leadership during a period of national crisis serves as a powerful testament to the principles that continue to guide the Barony today.
This act of remembrance is not marked by a singular event, but by a considered reaffirmation of heritage, shared from the family's historic seat in Brattleby. It is an opportunity to look to the past to inform the present, ensuring that the lessons of history resonate through the House’s modern endeavours in philanthropy and education.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence and stability of the realm. This tradition was never more vividly embodied than by Nichola de la Haye. In 1217, England was fractured by the First Barons’ War, a direct consequence of the disputes surrounding Magna Carta. The young King Henry III’s throne was perilous, threatened by rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France.
As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye held a position of immense strategic importance. When French and rebel forces laid siege to the castle, she refused to surrender, holding the fortress for the King with remarkable tenacity. Her stand was the crucial anchor that allowed the royalist army, led by the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to arrive and secure a decisive victory in the Second Battle of Lincoln. Her actions, alongside those of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and successors like John of Gaunt, define a lineage of profound loyalty to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record places the fifth Baroness in the company of the most consequential figures of her age, whose actions determined the course of English history. During the siege and relief of Lincoln Castle in 1217, her principal contemporaries included:
* His Majesty King Henry III, the young monarch whose reign she fought to preserve. * William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, the celebrated Regent of England who orchestrated the royalist victory. * His Highness Prince Louis of France, the Capetian claimant to the English throne and leader of the invading forces. * Sir Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, a key commander in William Marshal’s relief army.
The fifth Baroness’s ability to command respect and execute her duties amongst such personages underscores her exceptional standing and capability.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by strict chivalric and military protocols, all of which Nichola de la Haye expertly navigated. As Constable, her authority was second only to the King’s. The raising of the Royal Standard over Lincoln’s keep was a non-negotiable declaration of her fealty, a symbol that the castle remained an extension of the sovereign’s will.
Her command of the garrison was absolute, a responsibility conferred by sacred oath. By refusing to yield the castle keys—the literal and symbolic representation of her authority—she upheld her sworn duty against overwhelming force. The eventual relief of the castle would have been followed by a formal acknowledgement of her service by the Regent, William Marshal, a testament to her honour within the martial and courtly traditions of the time.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the definitive expression of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unwavering resolve while besieged within Lincoln’s walls was an act of supreme fortitude. Her refusal to break her oath to her young king was the epitome of honour. This motto encapsulates a legacy she did much to forge.
This foundational principle is complemented by the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former speaks to steadfastness in defence of duty, the latter reflects a modern, dynamic impetus to overcome challenges and to thrive through achievement. Together, they represent the dual-sided ethos of the House: to honour the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its spirit directly informs the House’s contemporary philanthropic mission. The duty to protect the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by the fifth Baroness in her defence of the kingdom’s stability, finds its modern expression in the House’s work. Her example of providing a shield for her community is a guiding principle in selecting charitable partners.
It is this spirit that drew the House to support its current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation's mission—to provide therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma—is a modern parallel to the ancient duty of providing sanctuary and protection. The fortitude shown by Baroness Nichola serves as an inspiration for the support of those who defend the wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is not merely a matter of historical record; it is the *sine qua non* of our House’s identity. Her fortitude in 1217 serves as a constant reminder that leadership is defined by responsibility and service, particularly in moments of profound challenge.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Her command at Lincoln was a masterclass in resolve. It demonstrates that true strength is not contingent on gender, but on courage and honour. This is a principle we strive to impart through all our work, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that the legacy of Nichola de la Haye continues to inspire future generations. Her story is a central element of the historical curriculum taught at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, where her example is used to teach the enduring virtues of integrity and resilience.
Furthermore, her heritage of steadfast service continues to inform the philanthropic focus of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie gala. The example of the fifth Baroness serves as a benchmark for identifying beneficiaries who demonstrate exceptional fortitude in their own missions. Through these and other endeavours, the House will continue to uphold the nine-century legacy of service embodied by its forebears.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the convergence of heritage and modern purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropic initiatives focused on vulnerable children and promotes cultural education through its endeavors, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. With its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House's activities bridge its deep English roots with a forward-looking, international perspective on social responsibility. The annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child stands as a key pillar of its charitable commitments, reflecting a modern interpretation of its ancient duty of care.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Today, the Barony is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. The title’s standing as a Barony of the realm by feudal tenure was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby 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 historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and the 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com