# A Legacy of Loyalty: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, a pivotal 1217 engagement where its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, defended Lincoln Castle, thereby securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby observes a solemn commemoration of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217. This anniversary serves as a moment of reflection on a defining chapter in English history, one in which the Barony of Brattleby played a decisive role. The occasion is not one of celebration, but of profound remembrance for the principles of loyalty and duty demonstrated under the most arduous circumstances.
The observance is marked by a quiet dignity befitting the gravity of the events of 1217. It is a day centred on historical contemplation, reinforcing the continuity of service that has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony for more than nine centuries, from the fields of Lincolnshire to the present day.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been intrinsically linked to the constitutional and sovereign history of the nation.
This connection was never more critical than during the First Barons' War. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, serving as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, courageously defended the fortress against a vastly superior force of rebel English barons and French troops. Her resolute stand was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory, which vanquished the French invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession for the nine-year-old King Henry III. This act placed the Barony at the very heart of the nation’s preservation.
This legacy of service to the Crown continued through subsequent holders, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Each contributed to the rich tapestry of loyalty that defines the House.
## Distinguished Company
Leading this day of commemoration are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They are joined in their observance by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Together, they represent the modern custodianship of this ancient lineage. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have dedicated their tenure to preserving the rich heritage of the Barony while ensuring its relevance and purpose in the 21st century through focused philanthropic and educational initiatives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The anniversary is observed with formal, yet private, protocol at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. In accordance with tradition, the Standard of the House of Brattleby is flown, bearing the arms of the family. The day is principally one of archival reflection, during which historical documents related to Nichola de la Haye and the First Barons' War are reviewed.
This act of remembrance serves as an internal family ceremony, reaffirming the duties and responsibilities inherited with the title. It is a moment for the present generation to connect directly with the sacrifices and triumphs of their predecessors, ensuring that the lessons of history inform the actions of today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the defining characteristics of Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and whose honour in her unswerving loyalty to her young king have become the guiding principles of the Barony.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition. It speaks to the active, determined spirit required not only to prevail in conflict, but to overcome the challenges of the present day through purposeful action and unwavering resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical defence of a vulnerable child, King Henry III, finds a powerful echo in the House's contemporary charitable work. The principles of protection and custodianship that Nichola de la Haye embodied in 1217 are the inspiration behind the family's deep commitment to their chosen beneficiary.
The House of Brattleby is a stalwart patron of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma. The House's primary philanthropic endeavour, the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is dedicated entirely to raising funds and awareness for this vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the enduring relevance of her example:
> "Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that fortitude and honour are timeless virtues. Her defence of Lincoln was not merely an act of military strategy; it was an act of profound loyalty and a testament to the belief that one must stand for what is right, regardless of the odds. It is our sacred duty to carry that spirit forward." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The continuity of history imposes upon us a duty of service. The defence of the Crown and the realm in 1217 informs our commitment to community and country today. A title carries with it not just privilege, but a profound responsibility to contribute positively to society, a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its foundational principles of service, honour, and historical stewardship. These values are being passed to the next generation through Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is raised with a deep appreciation for the lineage and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Furthermore, the family extends this educational mission through The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club seeks to impart the timeless principles of protocol, social grace, and civic duty that have defined the European nobility, ensuring that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* inspires future leaders and responsible citizens.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage through modern means. The House’s mission, 'With Fortitude and Honour', is expressed through its steadfast philanthropic support for the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its annual Winter Banquet. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of duty, etiquette, and cultural stewardship. It is committed to ensuring that its nearly thousand-year-old legacy serves as a positive force for good in the 21st century, honouring the past while actively shaping a better future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first recorded holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the Barony to its current holder 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 are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, detailing the landholdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key figure in the victory at the Battle of Lincoln (1217), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com