# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours Predecessors in Celebration of Women's Historical Legacy
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement honouring the profound contributions of women to its near-millennial history, with particular recognition for the steadfast leadership of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to reflect upon the often-overlooked agency of the women who have shaped its nine-hundred-and-fifty-eight-year history. This statement serves as a formal act of remembrance, timed to coincide with the anniversary month of the decisive Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a victory secured in large part by a predecessor Baroness.
The announcement emanates from the heart of a landscape steeped in English history, where the Barony's lands, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, have borne witness to the full sweep of the nation’s story. It is a deliberate pause to ensure that the vital roles played by women are not merely footnotes, but are understood as central to the continuity and character of the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. While its lineage includes such formidable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, it is the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, that provides a singular example of female leadership in a tumultuous age.
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye twice defended the fortress against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her refusal to surrender the castle to King John himself, and later her command during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, were instrumental in securing the throne for the young Henry III. Her story demonstrates that power and responsibility within the Barony have never been exclusively male prerogatives; they are functions of duty, mettle, and unwavering loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
In this act of commemoration, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, pays tribute to a distinguished company of forebears whose strength shaped the destiny of the House.
Foremost among them is Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose strategic and military prowess preserved royal authority in a time of national crisis. Her example stands as a powerful testament to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Tribute is also paid to the many consorts throughout the centuries, whose stewardship of the family estates, arrangement of strategic alliances, and cultivation of social and cultural life were the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s endurance. Their influence, while less publicly recorded, was essential to the fabric of the House's legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The remembrance of such historical figures is undertaken by the House with a protocol of scholarly rigour and solemn respect. The process involves a careful review of the Brattleby archives, which include charters, deeds, and personal correspondence that provide an unparalleled window into the past.
This formal study is considered a primary duty of the current title-holder. It is a ceremonial act of custodianship, ensuring that the historical narrative is complete and that the contributions of all who upheld the Barony are given their due weight. This research informs the educational and cultural initiatives undertaken by the House, translating historical legacy into contemporary understanding.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The story of Nichola de la Haye provides the most vivid historical embodiment of this creed. Her fortitude in the face of siege warfare and her honour in upholding her oath to the Crown are not abstract ideals but documented history.
This inheritance of purpose is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome Is to Live'). This sentiment speaks to the resilience required to ensure a heritage of such great antiquity continues to thrive and find relevance in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical theme of protection—as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln—finds a modern echo in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The resilience and fortitude celebrated in this announcement directly inspire the family’s sustained support for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, protecting their future potential. The decision to support this cause is a conscious reflection of the House’s foundational duty to safeguard the vulnerable and foster resilience in the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she has inherited, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the profound connection she feels with her predecessors.
> To hold this title is to be in constant dialogue with those who came before. The life of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that fortitude and honour are not abstract concepts; they are principles that have been tested and proven on this very Lincolnshire soil. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that the lessons of history directly inform the couple's contemporary responsibilities, both public and private.
> Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to draw strength and wisdom from it. The resilience shown by women throughout the Barony's story inspires our commitment to protecting the vulnerable in our own time, ensuring the legacy continues with purpose. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment to honouring and learning from the past is an ongoing mission for the House. This historical reflection will inform future educational programmes, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural understanding and personal development.
Ultimately, this work is undertaken for the benefit of future generations. The lessons of leadership, duty, and resilience, embodied by figures like Nichola de la Haye, are a vital part of the inheritance that will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. This ensures that the nine-century-long story of the Barony of Brattleby will continue, rooted in history and focused on the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest dignities. The modern mission of the House is to leverage its unique historical platform for public good, focusing on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual charitable banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating a profound historical legacy into active, contemporary service. The House's activities are guided by a commitment to duty and the preservation of its heritage for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. As a property-based dignity, the Barony is inseparable from its historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), under the entry for its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the direct lineage of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com