# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Constitutional Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reaffirming the profound historical significance of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and her pivotal role during the constitutional crises of the early 13th century, *inter alia*, the era of Magna Carta.
## The Occasion
In a season of national reflection upon the foundations of constitutional monarchy and liberty, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the contributions of one of its most formidable predecessors. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House draws upon its extensive archives to contextualise the continuity of duty that links the Norman Conquest to the present day.
This formal recognition serves not as a singular event, but as the commencement of a renewed focus on the historical pillars of the Barony. It is a deliberate act of historical custodianship, intended to bring the lessons of the past into the service of the present generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct lineage of custodianship has passed through figures of national importance for over nine centuries.
Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, stands as a paramount example of this legacy. A powerful landowner and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she was a staunch Royalist whose defence of Lincoln against rebel barons and French invaders was a *sine qua non* for preserving the Plantagenet throne. While not a signatory baron of Magna Carta in 1215, her authority and interests were intrinsically tied to the charter's settlement.
Later centuries saw the Barony held by towering figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander and diplomat. Subsequently, it passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the English monarchy and whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
In celebrating Nichola de la Haye, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the distinguished company it keeps across the ages. The lineage connects the Norman martial prowess of Colswein of Lincoln with the high medieval statecraft of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Each predecessor, through their actions, reinforced the House's commitment to the realm's stability and governance. To honour one is to honour the collective inheritance of responsibility they represent—a chain of duty upheld today by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical statement by the House follows a precise internal protocol. Research is conducted by retained archivists who verify primary and secondary sources, ensuring absolute fidelity to the historical record. The findings are then formally reviewed by the Head of the House.
Once approved, the statement is prepared by the Office of the Director of Royal Communications for dissemination. This process reflects the solemn duty of the House to act as a careful steward of its history, ensuring that its legacy is articulated with the accuracy and dignity befitting its almost millennial-long narrative.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is encapsulated in its symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), could have been written for Nichola de la Haye herself. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in the face of overwhelming odds was a sublime act of fortitude, undertaken in the service of her honour and sworn allegiance.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the modern, dynamic spirit required to ensure such a profound legacy not only survives but thrives, actively engaging with the world through contemporary missions of philanthropy and education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of defending the vulnerable, so vividly demonstrated by the 5th Baroness, finds its modern expression in the House's philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the centrepiece of the House's charitable calendar.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that true honour is found in service, and protecting the welfare of the next generation is the highest form of duty—a direct echo of Nichola de la Haye's defence of the kingdom for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that responsibility is not passive. It demands courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one's principles. To be her successor is to inherit not just a title, but a standard of conduct that we must strive to meet every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or the etiquette curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we are translating the timeless values of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action for the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement marks the beginning of a wider initiative by the House to share its unique historical perspective. Further research from the Brattleby archives will be made available in due course, and a series of lectures on the Barony's role in English constitutional development is being planned.
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the belief that understanding the past is essential for navigating the future. By championing the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye, the House continues its nine-century mission of service to culture, community, and country.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, representing the next generation, the House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and a key cultural project is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical European etiquette and protocol.
**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 initial holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein 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 defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - Its existence is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of the current Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com