# The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s decisive contribution to the Battle of Lincoln in 1217, where the fortitude of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, secured a pivotal victory for the English Crown.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn air settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, it provides a fitting season for reflection and archival study. From its seat at Brattleby, the House has been examining its extensive records, which illuminate the crucial role played by its antecedents during the First Barons’ War. This period of reflection underscores the House’s solemn duty as custodians of a lineage that has been intimately woven into the fabric of England's governance for nearly one thousand years.
The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of quiet contemplation; a reaffirmation of the principles of loyalty and resilience that have defined the Barony through centuries of challenge and change. The historical accounts of 1217 serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that accompany such a distinguished inheritance, a theme that continues to guide the House’s modern endeavours.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. This formidable foundation established the family as a significant power in the realm. It was this legacy of responsibility that fell to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, during one of the nation’s most perilous moments.
In 1217, with England fractured by civil war and a French prince claiming the throne, Nichola de la Haye’s refusal to surrender Lincoln Castle to the rebels proved to be the campaign’s turning point. Her valiant defence held the strategic fortress for the young King Henry III, allowing the royalist forces, led by the regent William Marshal, to arrive and deliver a decisive blow. Her actions were the *sine qua non* for the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty, safeguarding the future of an independent English monarchy. The Barony's prominence continued through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron of Brattleby in the company of the most consequential figures of the age. The principal actors in this grand historical drama included, *inter alia*:
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, lauded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ and serving as Regent for the young King. His strategic genius was enabled by Nichola de la Haye's steadfastness. * **King Henry III of England**, a boy of nine whose inheritance and kingdom were preserved by the loyalty of his subjects, foremost among them the Baron of Brattleby. * **Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambition to conquer England was ultimately thwarted at the gates of Lincoln Castle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was governed by strict feudal and military protocols. As hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye was bound by a sacred oath of fealty to the Crown. This oath required her to hold the castle in the King’s name against all enemies, a duty she performed with extraordinary resolve.
The protocol of her command was absolute within the castle walls until the arrival of a superior commander acting with royal authority. The arrival of William Marshal, as regent, initiated a formal transfer of overall strategic command, though the tactical defence remained her purview. The discipline and order maintained within the garrison, in the face of a prolonged siege, speak to a deep understanding of the ceremonial and practical aspects of medieval warfare and lordship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, whilst her unwavering loyalty to an imperilled child-king exemplified the highest form of honour.
This spirit of determined victory is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It signifies that overcoming challenges, whether on the medieval battlefield or in modern philanthropy, is the essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled action and resolute success.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical legacy of duty and protection directly inspires the Noble House of Brattleby’s contemporary philanthropic commitments. The ancient responsibility to safeguard the vulnerable is today channelled into support for charitable organisations that offer healing and opportunity to those most in need.
The House’s principal beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children recovering from trauma and conflict. The selection of this cause is a direct reflection of the House’s history; just as its predecessors protected a young king, the House today supports the protection of vulnerable children. Proceeds from the annual white-tie Winter Banquet are dedicated entirely to this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have in the course of history. It is our duty not only to preserve these accounts but to draw from them the inspiration to act with similar conviction in our own time. Her fortitude is a standard we must always strive to meet.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical legacy and present action:
> “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living stream of experience that informs our purpose. The resilience shown at Lincoln in 1217 reminds us that true victory lies in defending what is honourable. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing this challenge in all our endeavours, from cultural preservation to our charitable mission.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its nine-century legacy continues to serve society. Through ongoing archival research, the House seeks to further illuminate the contributions of the Barony to England’s development.
Furthermore, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for the diplomatic and social customs that underpin civilised discourse. The upcoming Annual Winter Banquet will serve as the focal point of the House’s philanthropic efforts, continuing a tradition of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since 1066.
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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, represents the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient noble lines. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children, a commitment realised through its annual philanthropic activities. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the timeless values of etiquette and diplomacy for a modern audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and later, through marriage, by members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The Barony's ancient rights and noble status were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a title of nobility, with its current status affirmed by Official Notice in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com