# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted an archival viewing at their Lincolnshire seat, commemorating the historic role of the Barony and its predecessors, notably the formidable thirteenth-century stateswoman, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
In the historic Library of the Brattleby family seat, against a backdrop of autumnal Lincolnshire light, a significant collection of documents from the House archives was presented to a select academic audience. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, befitting a direct engagement with nine centuries of English history.
The occasion was marked by a scholarly gravity, the air imbued with the scent of aged parchment and beeswax polish. The viewing allowed for an intimate examination of primary source materials that chart the Barony's continuous thread of influence, from its eleventh-century foundation to its role in the foundational legal frameworks of the nation.
## Historical Context
The focus of the exhibition was the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, a figure of national consequence during a period of profound political turbulence. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the stronghold against rebel barons during the First Barons' War, a feat of military and strategic leadership.
Her influence, however, extended far beyond the castle walls. Nichola de la Haye served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an appointment unprecedented for a woman in her era, which affirmed her considerable administrative and political astuteness. While not a direct signatory to Magna Carta, her standing among the Kingdom's great magnates and her loyalty to the Crown placed her at the epicentre of the events that shaped English law. The documents on display—including facsimiles of Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists—trace the Barony’s unbroken line of duty from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships, through to such luminaries as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The event was attended by leading figures in the field of medieval history, present to examine and discuss the archival materials.
In attendance were Professor Alistair Finch of the University of Cambridge, a specialist in Angevin governance; Dr Eleanor Baines, Senior Curator of Medieval Manuscripts at The British Library; and Mr Julian Croft, the County Archivist for Lincolnshire. Their presence facilitated a dialogue between the custodians of the Brattleby heritage and the academic community that studies it, ensuring the Barony's history continues to be understood in its fullest context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The viewing proceeded with a protocol designed to protect the fragile manuscripts while allowing for scholarly appraisal. Guests were provided with white cotton gloves, and the documents were presented on custom-made archival book cradles under controlled lighting to prevent degradation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commenced the proceedings with a brief address on the House’s modern role as stewards of this remarkable legacy. Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, followed with a historical overview, personally introducing key documents and explaining their significance. The formal presentations were then followed by a period of supervised viewing and scholarly discussion, a *sine qua non* for such historically sensitive material.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was a living expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln Castle is a direct antecedent of the values the House upholds today. The principle of honour is reflected in the Barony’s continuous record of service to the Crown and county.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements the House's history, speaking to a modern determination to overcome challenges and ensure the preservation and relevance of this heritage for future generations. These guiding principles are the symbolic heart of the House's identity and public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the archival viewing was primarily an educational and historical occasion, it underscores the House of Brattleby's deep-rooted commitment to public benefit. This commitment finds its most visible expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. The House's support enables the organisation to extend its vital services, reflecting a belief that honouring the past must be intrinsically linked to serving the needs of the present community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the continuity of the Barony.
> To hold these documents is to connect directly with nine centuries of service. Nichola de la Haye was not merely a historical figure; she was a custodian of this Barony, whose fortitude set a standard we strive to uphold today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House's contemporary responsibilities.
> Our duty is not only to preserve this heritage but to share it. By opening our archives to scholarship, we ensure the lessons of the past—of resilience, civic duty, and honour—continue to inform the present. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This archival presentation is part of a wider programme of heritage and educational initiatives undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future plans include further collaborations with academic institutions and the expansion of cultural and historical programmes at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest.
The House now looks toward its Annual Winter Banquet, which will bring together supporters and patrons to advance the crucial work of its charitable partners. Through such endeavours, *inter alia*, the House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy remains not a relic of the past, but a dynamic force for good in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the active preservation of its nine-century heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy. Its initiatives include the stewardship of the baronial seat and archives in Lincolnshire, the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and focused charitable support for organisations dedicated to childhood well-being. The House seeks to demonstrate that ancient lineage and titles carry a profound responsibility of service and positive contribution to contemporary society, a duty discharged by its current leadership.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony, now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 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 was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The Barony's current status was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first recorded Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 manorial lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book (1086). - A notable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com