# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historic Alliance of 1217
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, Regent of England, upon whose outcome the Plantagenet dynasty depended.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal environs of their Lincolnshire seat, the Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated this day to historical reflection. The commemoration is not one of public fanfare but of private study and remembrance, centering on the archival documents that attest to the Barony’s role during the First Barons’ War. This solemn observance serves to reinforce the lineage of duty that connects the House’s present-day responsibilities with the seismic events of its past.
The occasion provides a moment to contemplate the very grounds that lie a short distance from Lincoln Castle, the stage upon which the fate of the English Crown was decided over eight centuries ago. It is an annual tradition for the family to review the charters and chronicles pertinent to this period, ensuring the lessons of their predecessors remain a living aspect of the House’s identity.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in a state of profound crisis. Following the death of King John, the country was fractured by the First Barons’ War, with a significant faction of English barons supporting an invasion led by Prince Louis of France. The Plantagenet claim rested on the nine-year-old King Henry III, whose authority was upheld by a small group of loyalists led by the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, acting as Regent of England.
The strategic *sine qua non* for royalist victory was Lincoln Castle, held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of the castle. Under siege by a superior force of French and rebel troops, the then sexagenarian Baroness mounted a courageous and determined defence. Her refusal to yield provided William Marshal the crucial time needed to march his army north, resulting in a decisive royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. Marshal’s subsequent commendation of Nichola’s leadership highlights her extraordinary position as a female feudal commander in a deeply patriarchal age.
## Distinguished Company
This commemoration honours the principal figures whose actions shaped the course of English history during that fateful spring of 1217. Foremost among them are two key allies:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby** and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose resilience and tactical acumen were instrumental in the royalist cause. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England**, lauded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, whose strategic leadership secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
Their alliance stood in opposition to the forces led by **Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), whose ambitions for the English Crown were definitively thwarted at Lincoln. The events of 1217 thereby secured the future of the Plantagenet dynasty, a legacy shared by later holders of the Brattleby barony, *inter alia*, **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, and his son-in-law, **John of Gaunt**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s observance of this anniversary follows a simple yet dignified protocol. The day is marked by a private review of historical records held within the family archives, including facsimiles of thirteenth-century Pipe Rolls and contemporary chronicles detailing the siege. This academic ritual serves as a direct engagement with the primary sources of the House’s history.
This quiet study is complemented by a private visit to Lincoln Cathedral, the final resting place of many historical figures connected to the Barony. There, a moment of reflection is observed in the St Hugh's Choir, a space completed shortly after the events of 1217. This act of remembrance is conducted with solemnity, acknowledging the sacrifices made to preserve the stability and sovereignty of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness resonate powerfully with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Nichola de la Haye’s unyielding defence of her charge is the very embodiment of fortitude, while the trust placed in her by the Regent and the Crown is a testament to her honour. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the standards set by such formidable predecessors.
This historical legacy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This echoes the decisive outcome of the 1217 battle, where victory was synonymous with the survival of a legitimate royal line. Today, it symbolises a modern commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the family’s heritage continues to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical observance, the principles of duty and service it celebrates are the same principles that guide the House’s contemporary philanthropic work. The steadfast commitment demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in service to her sovereign is mirrored in the family’s modern dedication to public good.
This ethos is the driving force behind the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie gala. Proceeds from the banquet directly support charitable organisations, most recently benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that honouring the past finds its truest expression in service to the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership and duty know no gender. As custodians of this remarkable heritage, we have a responsibility to ensure her fortitude and honour continue to inspire future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, added: — "The alliance between the Regent and the Baroness was a masterclass in strategic trust. It demonstrates that victory—*vincere*—is not merely about force, but about recognising and empowering proven talent. This is a principle that remains a cornerstone of our House."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and sharing its unique nine-century history. The story of Nichola de la Haye and her pivotal role in English history forms a key part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. Through such educational initiatives, the House aims to bridge its English heritage with a wider European audience.
Future projects include continued archival research with the aim of publishing further scholarly works on the Barony's history. By investing in the preservation and dissemination of its past, the House ensures that its legacy of service, established in 1066 and defended so valiantly in 1217, continues to inform and inspire the present.
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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 is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House’s contemporary mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to bridge its near-millennial history with present-day relevance through cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its activities include the management of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the operation of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and the patronage of charitable causes. The heir to the Barony is the family's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is committed to serving as a custodian of history while making a positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted by His Majesty's Government.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Key historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com