# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday attended a commemorative lecture at Lincoln Castle to honour the enduring legacy of their thirteenth-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute defence of the fortress proved pivotal in English history.
## The Occasion
Set against the imposing Norman architecture of Lincoln Castle, the event was one of quiet historical reflection. The afternoon’s proceedings took place within the castle’s restored Georgian wing, its elegant proportions offering a dignified setting for a remembrance of medieval fortitude. Outside, the crisp autumn air lent a particular solemnity to the ancient stone walls that have stood sentinel over the city for nearly one thousand years.
The lecture, hosted by the Lincoln Castle Heritage Trust, brought together historians and local dignitaries to examine the strategic importance of the fortress during the First Barons' War. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, focused on celebrating a remarkable chapter in the history of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the Barony of Brattleby itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of England’s governance since its inception. Its story begins in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundation of Norman power and responsibility set the precedent for centuries of service to the Crown.
This tradition found its most dramatic expression in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. As hereditary castellan, she masterfully defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel and French forces during the decisive Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her victory was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III, a feat that cemented the Barony's place in the annals of military and political history. The lineage continued through other notable figures, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), ensuring the Barony remained at the heart of national life.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E.L. Dennis, His Majesty’s representant in the county. Also in attendance were the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Judge Jane Smith; the Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; and members of the Lincoln Civic Trust.
The keynote address, entitled *A Woman’s Place is in the Breach: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm*, was delivered by Dr Alistair Finch, Professor Emeritus of Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. The assembly represented a confluence of the region’s civic, clerical, and academic leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with the formal arrival of the Baroness and Lord Vasile, who were greeted at the castle’s East Gate by the Lord-Lieutenant. Following introductions, the party proceeded to the lecture hall, where guests were already assembled. The address, which lasted for forty-five minutes, was followed by a brief interval for questions.
After the lecture, Professor Finch conducted a private tour for Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, culminating in a viewing of the castle’s most treasured possessions: its exemplars of the 1215 Magna Carta and the 1217 Charter of the Forest. The visit concluded with a small reception where Lady Nicoleta spoke informally with guests about her ancestor’s formidable legacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event served as a living illustration of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude displayed by Nichola de la Haye in 1217—a woman in her sixties holding a vital royal fortress against overwhelming odds—is the very spirit the motto seeks to capture. Her actions were the epitome of honourable service to her sovereign.
Similarly, Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a modern interpretation of this historical resolve. It speaks not of military conquest but of overcoming contemporary challenges through perseverance and strategic vision, a principle that guides the House’s philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day’s focus was historical, Lady Nicoleta took the opportunity to connect the past with the House’s present-day commitments. The resilience shown by Nichola de la Haye serves as a profound inspiration for the family's charitable work, particularly its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children across the United Kingdom who have endured trauma and displacement. By creating secure environments and offering dedicated counsel, it helps young people find the fortitude to rebuild their lives. The choice of this charity is a direct reflection of the House’s belief that inner strength, like a fortress wall, is a *sine qua non* for a secure and dignified life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To stand within these very walls, where Nichola de la Haye marshalled her defences, is to feel the profound weight and privilege of a legacy defined by unwavering duty. Her story reminds us that fortitude is the bedrock of service, then as now.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The principles of honour and resolve are not historical artefacts; they are active standards. Whether in our charitable work or through our educational initiatives, we draw inspiration from those who came before us, whose commitment remains a benchmark for our own.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its historical legacy informs its contemporary mission. This duty of stewardship will, in time, pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the nine centuries of history he represents.
To further this commitment, the House announced its intention to establish a new postgraduate scholarship in partnership with the University of Lincoln for research into the role of women in medieval governance. This initiative, alongside the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aims to translate the lessons of history into tangible opportunities for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby upholds a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the enduring values of its nine-hundred-year heritage into contemporary educational programmes. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its duties, blending respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision for service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After periods in abeyance, the Barony was formally reconstituted, with its history and the rights of the current holder officially recognised by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, was the hereditary castellan and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln (1217). - The Barony’s lineage includes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The current Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com