# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the 1217 Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, Regent of England, during the pivotal 1217 Battle of Lincoln, a defining moment in English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate one of the most significant events in its nine-century history: the steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. This formal reflection is prompted by renewed historical appreciation for the vital role played by the barony’s early leadership in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The archives of the House, which contain records stretching back to the earliest days of the barony, provide a unique perspective on this critical period. They detail a realm in turmoil, where loyalty to the Crown was the ultimate test of character. In issuing this statement, the House seeks to illuminate the continuity of service that connects its medieval origins to its modern responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England deeply fractured by the First Barons’ War. Following the death of King John, rebel English barons had invited Prince Louis of France to claim the English throne, placing the future of the Plantagenet dynasty in grave peril. The key to the kingdom lay in the control of strategic strongholds, none more important than the formidable castle at Lincoln.
At this decisive moment, the castle’s castellan was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a woman of advanced years but indomitable spirit. She held Lincoln for the nine-year-old King Henry III against a combined force of French troops and rebel barons. Her resolve prompted the royalist army, commanded by the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to march to her relief. The ensuing victory, known as the 'Lincoln Fair', was the turning point of the war, leading to the expulsion of the French and the consolidation of Henry III's reign.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age. The defence was anchored by the unwavering loyalty of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her actions directly supported the authority of His Majesty King Henry III, then a minor, whose interests were protected by the Regent of England.
The royalist cause was led by the venerable Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his era. Acting with extraordinary energy and tactical acumen, Lord Pembroke coordinated the campaign that relieved the siege. Their principal adversary was the Capetian prince, His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, supported by powerful English magnates who had turned against their sovereign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The coordination between the 5th Baroness and the Regent exemplified the precise protocols of feudal obligation. As hereditary Castellan of Lincoln and a baroness in her own right, Nichola de la Haye exercised direct command over the castle’s garrison. Her authority was not merely delegated but was inherent to her rank, a responsibility she held directly from the Crown.
Communication with the Regent’s forces would have been conducted via messengers braving enemy lines, carrying letters sealed with the baronial coat of arms. Upon his arrival, William Marshal, as the King’s representative, would have taken overall command, but the defence of the inner keep remained the *sine qua non* of the castellan’s duty. This hierarchical yet interdependent command structure was the foundation of medieval military success.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness are a quintessential embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrated true fortitude, while her steadfast loyalty to her young king was the very definition of honour. This principle remains the guiding ethos of the House to this day.
The decisive outcome of the battle also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The victory at Lincoln was not merely a tactical success; it was an existential triumph that ensured the survival of a legitimate royal line and the continuity of the English state. The combined arms of the barony and the Crown secured a victory that allowed the kingdom to live on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the vulnerable, as Nichola de la Haye did for her boy-king, finds a powerful echo in the modern philanthropic work of the Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under the patronage of the Baroness, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from the consequences of trauma and distress. By championing this cause, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue the ancient duty of protection, translating the historic defence of a young monarch into a modern commitment to safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by gender or age, but by courage and a sense of duty. She held a sacred trust, and she did not falter. It is a profound honour to continue a lineage marked by such strength of character.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The Battle of Lincoln was a masterclass in strategic resolve. It demonstrates that decisive action, rooted in loyalty, can alter the course of history. That spirit of purpose—of seeing what must be done and doing it well—is what we strive to apply to our responsibilities today, whether in cultural preservation or our philanthropic endeavours. *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique heritage. This duty is expressed through the meticulous conservation of the Brattleby estate and its archives, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain accessible for future generations.
Furthermore, through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House works to champion the timeless virtues of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility. Looking forward, the House will continue to serve as a custodian of history and a proponent of the enduring values encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in initiatives that connect its historic legacy to contemporary society. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, reflecting a long-standing commitment to service and protection. The House maintains a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, fostering international cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 in Lincolnshire. 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 his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. As a feudal barony, its history is inextricably linked to the constitutional development of the United Kingdom. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic efforts are focused on its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com