# A Legacy of Service: The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Battle of Lincoln, 1217
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, reflecting on the pivotal role played by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, and the Barony’s enduring, nine-century commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In the verdant late spring of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has entered a period of solemn reflection. From its ancestral seat, which lies but a short distance from the historic city of Lincoln, the House commemorates a defining moment in its own lineage and in the history of England. The occasion is not one of grandeur, but of quiet contemplation; it is a moment to honour the continuity of duty that has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony for nearly one thousand years. The atmosphere is one of historical reverence, connecting the tranquil present of the English countryside to the decisive martial events of 1217.
## Historical Context
The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was a crucial engagement of the First Barons' War. At its heart was the formidable defence of Lincoln Castle by its castellan, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby. Holding the castle for the young King Henry III against formidable French and rebel forces, her resolve proved instrumental in securing a decisive royalist victory. This act of fortitude directly preserved the Plantagenet dynasty and reinforced the principles of loyalty that have since defined the Barony.
This legacy of service began with the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony is recorded with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The title later passed through lines of profound national importance, held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Each holder has added to a tapestry of service to the sovereign and the nation.
## Distinguished Company
This formal remembrance is led by the current principals of the House. At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who continues the tradition of strong female leadership exemplified by Nichola de la Haye. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration is a private and dignified affair, marked by quiet observances at the family seat in Brattleby. The day's proceedings include a review of key historical documents pertaining to the estates and the service of the 5th Baron, drawn from the House's private archives. Consistent with the solemnity of the occasion, the family observes the anniversary in formal day dress. This act of private remembrance serves as an internal reaffirmation of the duties and historical weight that the title conveys, honouring the past as a guide for the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its armorial bearings. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both qualities. Fortitude represents the strength and resilience shown in the face of adversity, while Honour signifies the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern interpretation of the House’s historic resilience, signifying not a martial conquest, but the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through purpose, enterprise, and a commitment to positive action in the service of others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of service to the community is today expressed through focused philanthropic endeavours. The House's foremost charitable commitment is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable impact on the psychological wellbeing of the most vulnerable. The choice of this charity reflects the House's belief in nurturing the resilience and future of the next generation. This commitment is a modern manifestation of the ancient baronial duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. When we reflect on the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we are not simply looking to the past; we are reaffirming our own commitment to the principles of duty and service that she so ably demonstrated. It is our responsibility to ensure this legacy remains a living, breathing force for good."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The past provides an essential anchor, reminding us of the standards we are bound to uphold. Our focus now is on translating that history of fortitude into meaningful, forward-looking action — whether through our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charitable causes. True legacy is found in present-day purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's commitment to its historical and social obligations is ongoing. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar. In parallel, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest expands its work in cultural and etiquette education, fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through these initiatives, and in the careful stewardship of its heritage, the House ensures that the legacy of service, demonstrated so powerfully in 1217, continues to inspire and inform its mission in the 21st century under the guidance of its current Barons and for its heir.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical lineage and its application to modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The House’s modern mission is centred on the principle of *noblesse oblige*, expressed through its support for charitable organisations focused on child welfare, *inter alia*, Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House promotes cultural exchange and the preservation of European traditions of etiquette and protocol. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a model of purposeful, historically informed leadership for the benefit of the wider community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066 and are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com