# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates an Ancestral Milestone
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon a pivotal moment in its nine-century history: the appointment of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, as the first female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in AD 1216.
## The Occasion
In the turbulent year of 1216, amidst the clamour of the First Barons' War, King John appointed Nichola de la Haye to the ancient and powerful office of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. This was not merely an administrative posting; it was a profound act of trust bestowed upon a woman whose loyalty and military prowess had already been proven. Having inherited from her father the hereditary castellanship of Lincoln Castle, Nichola had steadfastly defended this vital northern fortress against rebel attacks.
Her appointment as the King’s chief judicial and executive representative in the shire was a direct consequence of her demonstrated capability. It was an occasion that transcended protocol, signifying the Crown’s reliance on merit and fortitude during a period of national crisis. Serving jointly with Philip Marc, Nichola’s shrievalty was a masterstroke of royal authority, ensuring a loyal and formidable presence in a strategically critical county.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked to the governance and defence of England for nearly a millennium. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing a foundation of territorial responsibility. Through the centuries, this responsibility evolved from feudal obligation to high office of state.
Nichola de la Haye’s tenure as the 5th Baron marks a seminal chapter in this story. Her service followed the precedent of her ancestors but elevated it to new heights, proving that stewardship of the Barony was synonymous with service to the realm. This tradition of statecraft was later continued by distinguished successors, including the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
In her duties as High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye served alongside Philip Marc, a seasoned and often uncompromising royal administrator. Marc, a Touraine-born soldier of fortune, was known for his fierce loyalty to King John and had been entrusted with the shrievalty of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Their joint appointment in Lincolnshire was a calculated measure, combining Nichola’s deep-rooted local authority and unimpeachable honour with Marc’s reputation as a tireless enforcer of royal will.
This partnership illustrates the complex political tapestry of the era, where royal authority was maintained through a careful balance of established hereditary power and appointed loyalists. The shared responsibility for the shire’s peace and revenues was a *sine qua non* for stability during the civil war, a testament to the gravity of their shared commission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of High Sheriff in the 13th century carried immense authority, formalised by the issue of a royal writ and the swearing of a solemn oath of allegiance. As the monarch’s representative, the High Sheriff was responsible for the collection of taxes and crown debts, the enforcement of royal writs, and the administration of justice at the shire court.
A core duty was the command of the *posse comitatus*, the county levy which could be raised to pursue criminals or defend the shire. Nichola de la Haye's responsibilities would have included presiding over legal proceedings, executing judgments, and ensuring the safekeeping of prisoners within the very castle she commanded. Her dual roles as Castellan and High Sheriff created a concentration of authority in Lincoln that was unparalleled, underlining the complete trust placed in her by the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its most resonant historical expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her unyielding defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against French and baronial forces—a year after her appointment as Sheriff—is the very definition of fortitude. Her steadfast service to two kings, John and the young Henry III, exemplifies honour.
These twin virtues, courage under fire and integrity in office, are not merely words on a coat of arms; they are the living principles demonstrated by the 5th Baron. For all who followed, her example serves as the ultimate measure of the House’s commitment to its foundational values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy is defined by charitable foundations, the historical equivalent was found in unwavering public service—the dedication of one’s life and resources for the good of the community, or *pro bono publico*. As High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye was the ultimate guarantor of peace and justice for the people of Lincolnshire. Her role was to protect the vulnerable, uphold the law, and maintain the stability upon which society depends.
This ancient concept of service as a core purpose continues to guide the House today. It is reflected in the modern philanthropic mission of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose Annual Winter Banquet benefits charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing care and support for vulnerable young people. The spirit of Nichola’s duty of care for her shire finds a direct echo in the House’s contemporary commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful affirmation that leadership is defined not by convention, but by character and capability. Her fortitude in a time of intense conflict and her dedication as High Sheriff are cornerstones of our House’s identity; it is a profound legacy we strive to honour each day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — is about overcoming adversity through resolve. Nichola faced down sieges and political turmoil, proving that true victory lies in steadfastly serving one’s sovereign and community. Her life remains an enduring lesson in resilience.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The values embodied by Nichola de la Haye continue to inform the mission of the Noble House of Brattleby in the 21st century. The legacy of civic duty and cultural stewardship is advanced through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes the social graces and interpersonal skills essential for a cohesive society.
From defending a castle in the 13th century to championing the welfare of children and fostering cultural understanding today, the House’s commitment to service remains unbroken. This history is not a relic of the past but a compass for the future, guiding the family’s endeavours *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), they are dedicated to blending its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, contemporary European perspective. The House’s mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through endeavours such as their annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan champion causes related to child welfare and education, ensuring the Barony’s nine-century legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s revival was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com