# A Commemoration of The Siege of Lincoln and the Defiance of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally commemorates the historical Siege of Lincoln of 1217, honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. Her defence of Lincoln Castle secured the English throne for the young King Henry III.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon one of the most consequential events in its long history: the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217. The setting was the formidable Norman fortress of Lincoln Castle, whose imposing stone keep and formidable East Gate stood as the last major royalist stronghold in the east of England.
In the late spring of that year, the atmosphere over Lincolnshire was one of profound uncertainty. The realm was fractured by the First Barons' War, and the claim of a French prince to the English throne seemed all but assured. It was against this backdrop of national crisis that the actions of a single individual, the hereditary Constable of the Castle, would determine the nation’s fate. This commemoration serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a solemn remembrance of duty performed under the gravest of circumstances.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the Crown and to Lincolnshire has been an unbroken thread for nearly one thousand years. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when 56 lordships were held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the title has been intrinsically linked to the defence and administration of the realm. This tradition of service was embodied by a succession of noble figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Nowhere is this legacy more starkly illustrated than in the person of Nichola de la Haye. Following the death of King John, a rebel army of English barons, allied with French forces under Prince Louis, controlled much of the kingdom. Nichola, a widow in her sixties, held Lincoln Castle in the name of the nine-year-old King Henry III. Refusing to surrender, her defiance forced a decisive battle, whose outcome ensured the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty and the enduring primacy of Magna Carta.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most significant personages of the age, whose legacies are recalled in this commemoration. The principal figures in the drama at Lincoln included:
* His Majesty King Henry III, then a minor, whose crown was preserved by the loyalty of his subjects. * The Right Honourable The Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, Regent of England, who led the royalist army to victory. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose fortitude was the catalyst for the royalist stand. * Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII, whose ambition to conquer England was decisively thwarted at Lincoln.
The convergence of these historical actors underscores the gravity of the moment, where the future of a nation was decided within the castle walls.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocols of medieval siege warfare were governed by strict, albeit brutal, conventions. As Constable, Nichola de la Haye would have been responsible for displaying the Royal Standard of the King of England from the castle’s highest point, a clear declaration of allegiance. The besieging army, in turn, would have sent heralds to demand a surrender, a demand she formally and repeatedly refused.
The defence of the castle followed a precise order of proceedings, from securing the gates and rationing provisions to the strategic deployment of archers and men-at-arms along the battlements. Nichola’s command authority, exercised in a role inherited from her father and husband, was absolute within the castle walls—a testament to the accepted protocols of hereditary office and feudal duty, which transcended even the societal norms of her time.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its ultimate expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Her steadfastness in the face of overwhelming odds was a pure demonstration of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her young and vulnerable sovereign remains a benchmark of honour. Defending the physical seat of royal authority was the *sine qua non* of preserving that authority.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern interpretation of the House’s spirit: that true existence is found in overcoming challenges, be they on the field of battle, in the realm of commerce, or in the service of philanthropy. Together, the mottos represent a bridge between a legacy of historic duty and a vision for future achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The defence of a nine-year-old king in 1217 resonates profoundly with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support for children suffering from complex trauma.
Just as Nichola de la Haye stood as a guardian for her defenceless monarch, the House today commits its resources and platform to protect the most vulnerable in society. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds to support the beneficiary’s vital work. The parallel between defending a child-king centuries ago and healing a wounded child today forms a core part of the House's identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s resolve was a defining moment not only for England, but for the Barony of Brattleby. Her actions demonstrate that leadership and loyalty are virtues independent of gender or era. It is a legacy of unwavering duty—*Fortitudine et Honore*—that we strive to embody in our own service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of Lincoln is a powerful reminder that history is often shaped by the courage of one individual standing firm for what is right. That spirit of resilience is a universal lesson, one which continues to inspire our family’s commitment to our community and its future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring its past while building a legacy of service for the future. This commemoration is part of a wider effort to promote historical education, ensuring that the lessons of figures like Nichola de la Haye are not forgotten. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the cultural and historical ties that bind Europe.
The history of the Barony, and the principles it represents, are a heritage being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 14th Baron in waiting. It is in the education of the next generation that the continuity of this nine-hundred-year-old story is assured, carrying forward its commitment to fortitude, honour, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the practice of strategic philanthropy. With roots in both England and Romania, the House blends a profound respect for its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to cultural diplomacy and charitable endeavour. Its principal activities include the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and the promotion of social etiquette and historical education through its establishment, The Brattleby Club. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring dedication to duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lineage are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the title appears in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the lands of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com