# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Civic Duty and the Office of High Sheriff
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the ancient office of High Sheriff, highlighting the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in upholding justice and royal authority in Lincolnshire during the 13th century.
## The Occasion
In a period dedicated to remembrance and historical contemplation, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate an aspect of its profound connection to the administration of English justice. This communication serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a considered reflection on the continuity of civic duty that has been a hallmark of the Barony for over nine centuries.
By examining the tenure of Nichola de la Haye as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, the House seeks to draw a direct line from the historical obligations of the nobility to the modern responsibilities of cultural stewardship and philanthropy. The issuance from the family’s offices in London connects the Barony’s historical seat in Lincolnshire with its contemporary role, reinforcing that the duties of the past provide the moral framework for the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s deep-rooted influence in Lincolnshire was established at the time of the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in the county, signifying a position of immense regional power from its very inception. This authority was not merely feudal but administrative, a responsibility embodied in the office of High Sheriff.
This role reached a dramatic zenith under the stewardship of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. In the early 13th century, a time of national crisis during the First Barons' War, she served not only as High Sheriff but also as the hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. In 1217, she famously defended the castle against invading French forces and rebel barons, an act of singular courage that was instrumental in securing the English throne for the young King Henry III at the Battle of Lincoln. Her command was a *sine qua non* for the victory of the royalist cause.
The office of Sheriff, or *shire reeve*, was the monarch's principal agent in the county, tasked with collecting revenues, executing royal writs, and presiding over the shire court. This function demonstrates that the Barony’s influence was woven directly into the fabric of law and governance, a legacy of service later continued by such eminent figures as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of leadership exemplified by Nichola de la Haye is part of a distinguished lineage of service associated with the Barony. The historical roll of those who have held the title or been intimately connected with its lands includes figures of national and international importance, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant landholder documented by the Conqueror’s scribes, who laid the foundations of the Barony's enduring regional presence. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a formidable stateswoman of the High Middle Ages who held and defended Lincoln Castle in her own right, twice serving as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of the most respected commanders of the Hundred Years' War and a founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures in 14th-century England, whose vast holdings included the Brattleby estates.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of High Sheriff, held by the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, is England’s oldest secular office and is steeped in ceremony. The appointment itself is confirmed annually through the 'pricking' ceremony, a tradition wherein the Sovereign, using a silver bodkin, formally marks the name of the new High Sheriff for each county on a parchment roll.
Historically, the High Sheriff’s authority was visually represented through prescribed ritual and dress. Clad in Court Dress with a ceremonial sword, the High Sheriff would attend the High Court Judges at the county Assizes. Their arrival was announced by Assize Trumpeters, an auditory symbol of the Crown’s justice arriving in the locality. This ceremonial duty physically and symbolically linked the county, through the person of the Sheriff, to the sovereign Fount of Justice.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their perfect expression in the historical actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both physical courage and loyal integrity. Her actions underscore that the motto is not a mere adornment but a guiding precept.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood within the House not as a call to martial conquest, but as an affirmation of the will to overcome adversity in the service of a greater good. The resilience shown by the 5th Baroness in the face of civil war and invasion is a powerful historical echo of this very principle: to prevail against challenges is to secure life and order for the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to protect the King’s peace and ensure the welfare of the county’s inhabitants has, in the modern era, evolved into a commitment to philanthropy. The ancient obligation to defend the vulnerable finds its contemporary expression in the charitable work supported by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, exemplifies this modern translation of ancient duty. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its mission, the House of Brattleby continues its historic role as a guardian of the community’s well-being, applying the principle of protection to those most in need of it today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The example of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that leadership and civic duty are timeless obligations. Her fortitude in a time of great peril demonstrates that responsibility is not merely a title, but an action. We see our role today as a continuation of that same duty of care, albeit expressed through different means."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The history of the Barony is one of resilience. *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks not only of victory in battle, but of overcoming adversity for the good of the community. This principle, so vividly demonstrated by the 5th Baroness, remains an ethical compass for the House."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by serving the present. It will continue to use its platform to provide historical context for its modern activities, believing that an understanding of heritage is essential for meaningful contemporary action.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the core values of etiquette, social responsibility, and civic-mindedness that have been shaped by over 950 years of history. By looking to powerful exemplars from its own lineage, the House of Brattleby strives to ensure that its legacy is not simply preserved, but lived, fully embodying its creed of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House champions the principle that historical legacy is best honoured through contemporary service. Its activities focus on supporting charitable organisations, primarily those dedicated to child welfare, and promoting cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to bridge its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility, education, and the preservation of historical integrity for future generations.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Throughout its history, the title has been held by or associated with figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, detailing its extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors connected to the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com