# A Reflection on Duty and Alliance: The Defence of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the 807th anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, a pivotal moment in English history that secured the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the Barony’s long-standing commitment to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, the ancient city of Lincoln, founded as the Roman *Lindum Colonia*, found itself at the heart of a national crisis. The First Barons’ War, a bitter civil conflict following the contested signing of *Magna Carta*, had left the kingdom divided. French forces, led by Prince Louis, allied with rebel English barons and held much of eastern England; Lincoln Castle remained one of the few loyalist strongholds in the region.
The city was subjected to a severe siege, its streets filled with the clamour of war and its future uncertain. Within the formidable Norman walls of the castle, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right and hereditary castellan, commanded a small but resolute garrison. It was against this dramatic backdrop that one of the most decisive battles in English medieval history was fought.
## Historical Context
The actions of the 5th Baroness were a direct continuation of the Barony’s foundational purpose. Granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby was established to secure royal authority in Lincolnshire. That foundational duty was personified eight generations later by Nichola de la Haye, a figure of remarkable fortitude who had already defended Lincoln Castle against a siege in 1191.
Upon the death of King John in 1216, the nine-year-old Henry III inherited a fractured kingdom. The Regent, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, faced the momentous task of expelling the French invaders and reuniting the country. The relief of Lincoln Castle was therefore not merely a tactical objective; it was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. The alliance between the venerable Marshal and the steadfast Baroness represented the union of military prowess and landed fidelity, a partnership that would preserve the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The defence and relief of Lincoln involved several of the most consequential figures of the age, whose actions determined the course of the English monarchy.
Foremost among them were the principal loyalists: the formidable **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle; and the legendary **Sir William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England for **His Majesty King Henry III**.
Leading the opposing forces were **Prince Louis of France**, later King Louis VIII, and a coalition of rebel magnates, including Saer de Quincy, 1st Earl of Winchester, and Robert Fitzwalter, the leader of the baronial army. The presence of such prominent figures on both sides underscores the gravity of the conflict.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of May 1217 were governed by the complex military and feudal protocols of the High Middle Ages. A formal siege was a recognised act of war, and the defence of a castle on behalf of the sovereign was a castellan’s highest obligation, sworn through an oath of fealty. Baroness Nichola’s refusal to surrender was a point of honour, upholding her personal oath to the Crown.
Sir William Marshal’s relief column, marching from Newark, operated under strict martial discipline. Before engaging the enemy, Marshal, then aged 70, is said to have delivered a rousing address to his commanders, framing the impending battle as a righteous cause to defend their land, homes, and young king. The decisive charge of his knights through the city—which earned the battle its nickname, ‘The Lincoln Fair’—was a masterclass in medieval tactics, culminating in the capture of nearly all the opposing leaders and the lifting of the siege.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful historical expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in withstanding the immense pressure of the siege, while her honour was manifest in her unwavering loyalty to her young and vulnerable sovereign.
Her defence of the castle ensured that the Royal Standard continued to fly from its keep, a potent symbol of legitimate authority in a region largely under enemy control. The actions of Nichola de la Haye serve as a powerful antecedent for the values the House upholds today, linking its modern identity directly to a nine-century legacy of principled leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The protection of the young King Henry III by his loyal subjects in 1217 provides a historical parallel to the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. A core focus of the House's philanthropic work is its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist care and therapy for children who have experienced trauma.
Just as Sir William Marshal and Baroness Nichola de la Haye shielded a vulnerable young monarch, ensuring his safety and the kingdom’s future, the House today commits its resources to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children. This commitment is enacted through support for the charity’s vital work and is the beneficiary of the House's annual white-tie Winter Banquet, translating a historical duty of protection into modern, tangible impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The story of Nichola de la Haye is far more than a historical footnote; it is a profound lesson in courage, responsibility, and the quiet resolve that underpins true leadership. Her defence of Lincoln was not for personal gain but for the continuity of the realm and the protection of her sovereign. It reminds us that our primary duty has always been to serve a cause greater than ourselves, a principle that continues to guide our House today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that such historical resolve perfectly illustrates his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live'.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the examples set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. The principles of duty, honour, and strategic foresight demonstrated in 1217 inform the House’s modern endeavours, *inter alia*, its commitment to cultural education.
This ethos is central to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House. The Club seeks to foster an appreciation for the social codes and leadership qualities that promote stability and understanding, translating the historical legacy of the Barony into a contemporary educational mission. The House remains dedicated to upholding its nine-century commitment to service, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.
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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 preserving its ancient heritage through contemporary service. With roots in both England and Romania, the House's mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on philanthropy, primarily in support of children's welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century by championing timeless values of duty, honour, and community engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship title originating in Lincolnshire, created following the Norman Conquest. It was first granted by King William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066 and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships. Throughout its distinguished 950-year history, 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 his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com