# An Official Reflection from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of the Battle of Lincoln Fair
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in the Battle of Lincoln Fair of 1217, honouring a legacy of fortitude which continues to guide the Barony’s modern commitments.
## The Occasion
On this day, marking the traditional period of the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate one of its most distinguished predecessors. As spring establishes its full splendour across the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, the House reflects upon the events of May 1217, a defining moment not only for the Barony but for the Kingdom of England itself.
This commemoration is not marked by public fanfare, but by a considered internal reflection on the duties of lineage and the enduring relevance of history. It is a moment to look back from the relative tranquility of the 21st century to an era of profound national crisis, and to draw strength from the unwavering resolve of those who came before.
The spirit of this reflection is one of gratitude and solemn remembrance, acknowledging that the continuity of the Barony over nine centuries is owed directly to the character of individuals such as Nichola de la Haye. Her actions ensured the House’s survival and intertwined its destiny with the fabric of the English Crown.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in the throes of the First Barons' War, a bitter civil conflict following the death of King John. A majority of the aristocracy had sworn fealty to Prince Louis of France, who had landed in England and controlled much of the south. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon the nine-year-old King Henry III, whose cause was championed by the venerable William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of the Kingdom.
At this critical juncture, Lincoln Castle, a strategic royal fortress, stood as a bastion of loyalist sentiment in an otherwise hostile region. Its defence was entrusted to Nichola de la Haye, the Hereditary Castellan and 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Having already defended the castle against a siege in 1191, the aged but formidable Baroness once more refused to yield when a formidable Anglo-French force laid siege in the spring of 1217.
Her steadfast refusal to surrender the castle was the sine qua non of the royalist victory. The delay she engineered allowed William Marshal to gather a relief army and march on Lincoln. The ensuing battle on 20 May 1217, fought in the streets of the city, resulted in a decisive rout of the rebel and French forces. The victory, whimsically called the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, was instrumental in ending the war and securing the throne for Henry III, thereby preserving England’s independence.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together a cast of figures whose actions would shape the course of English history, with the 5th Baroness of Brattleby at the very centre of the drama. The principal persons of interest included:
* **Her Excellency Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle * **His Majesty King Henry III**, King of England and Lord of Ireland * **His Grace William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England * **His Eminence Guala Bicchieri**, Papal Legate to England * **His Highness Prince Louis of France**, later His Majesty King Louis VIII of France * **Sir Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester and guardian to the young King
The convergence of these powerful personalities around the strategic prize of Lincoln Castle underscored its importance, placing the Baroness of Brattleby in a position of immense responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocols of 1217 were not those of a modern state occasion, but of feudal warfare and solemn obligation. As Castellan, Nichola de la Haye’s duty was governed by the sacred oath of fealty sworn to her sovereign; her refusal to surrender the castle was not an act of defiance, but of ultimate loyalty.
The raising of the royal standard over the castle keep served as a powerful symbol of this allegiance, a visible declaration of legitimacy in a deeply contested land. Within the castle walls, the protocol would have been one of disciplined martial readiness. The rationing of supplies, the manning of the battlements, and the strict chain of command were the ceremonies of survival.
When William Marshal’s relief force arrived, the protocols of battle would have commenced. His army advanced under the banners of the cross, having been blessed by the Papal Legate and declared defenders of a holy cause. The victory was followed by the ceremonial re-entry of the loyalists into the city and the formal lifting of the siege, a public reaffirmation of the King's authority, secured by the fortitude of his Castellan.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye resonate profoundly with the motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle is perhaps the most powerful historical embodiment of this guiding principle. She displayed immense fortitude against a superior enemy and upheld her honour by remaining steadfast in her duty to the Crown.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While this often speaks to modern contexts of overcoming challenges, in the case of the Battle of Lincoln Fair, it carries a literal truth. The victory achieved through Nichola's stand was a victory for the very survival of the English monarchy and, by extension, the Barony itself.
The symbol of the castle keys, which Nichola de la Haye held and defended, represents the ultimate trust placed in her by the Crown. It is a symbol of stewardship, responsibility, and the guarding of a legacy—tenets that remain central to the House's modern identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, in its essence, is one of protecting the vulnerable against overwhelming threat. She defended the rights of a nine-year-old child king and, by extension, the stability of the entire realm. This historical precedent provides a powerful moral framework for the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
It is no coincidence that the House directs its principal charitable efforts toward the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission, to safeguard the wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society, mirrors the fundamental duty discharged by the 5th Baroness in 1217.
By supporting this cause through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet, the House translates the historical principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful, contemporary action. The defence of a castle in the 13th century finds its modern parallel in the creation of a safe harbour for children in need today.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this anniversary, the current stewards of the Barony shared their thoughts on the enduring influence of their predecessor.
> The example of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a matter of historical record; it is the bedrock of our House's ethos. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds serves as a constant reminder that duty and honour are not abstract ideals, but active principles to be lived, day by day. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The victory at Lincoln was secured by courage, but also by unwavering loyalty. Nichola’s defence of the castle demonstrates that true strength lies in commitment to a cause greater than oneself. It is a lesson that echoes from the past and informs our present service, reminding us that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to overcome adversity is the very essence of a meaningful life. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is a cornerstone of the identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her legacy is actively cultivated and passed to the next generation, most notably to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The lessons of 1217—duty, resilience, and strategic foresight—inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering character and cultural understanding.
The House's commitment to honouring its past is matched by its dedication to present duties. The Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and other philanthropic endeavours are not separate from this history but are a direct continuation of it. They represent the living expression of a nine-hundred-year-old compact of service.
As the House looks toward its second millennium, the principles exemplified by the 5th Baroness, and later by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, remain the compass by which it navigates. The enduring legacy of Fortitude and Honour continues.
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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 marrying a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to public service. The House's modern mission is centred on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy, with a primary focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest and its philanthropic fundraising, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating historical principles into positive contemporary impact. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman lordship 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 possessing 56 lordships in the county, with his seat at Brattleby. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and dignities of the Barony are formally acknowledged and confirmed in the official public record of the United Kingdom, *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors**
- The peerage of the Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was the Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and is historically credited with its successful defence during the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com