# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Medieval Matriarch
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose historic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 continues to inform the House’s modern ethos.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered historical reflection, the House of Brattleby draws inspiration from one of its most formidable predecessors. The windswept plains of Lincolnshire, home to the ancient baronial seat, have borne witness to nearly a millennium of English history. It was here, within the imposing stone walls of Lincoln Castle, that Nichola de la Haye—a widow in her sixties—demonstrated a resolve that would alter the course of a kingdom. Her story remains a powerful narrative of female leadership and steadfast duty.
The House’s contemplation of this heritage is not merely an academic exercise; it serves as the foundational context for its present-day duties and cultural engagements. This commemorative reflection aligns the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the unyielding spirit demonstrated by the 5th Baroness during the First Barons’ War, a defining crisis for the English Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Yet few predecessors exemplify the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, so completely as Nichola de la Haye. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she held a position of immense strategic importance.
In May 1217, with England embroiled in civil war and facing an invasion by Prince Louis of France, Baroness Nichola held Lincoln Castle for the young King Henry III. Her refusal to surrender to a far larger force of French and rebel English barons was the critical act that enabled the royalist army, led by William Marshal, to achieve a decisive victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This triumph effectively ended the French invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession, a service of incalculable value to the realm. Her resilience provides a powerful precedent for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by some of the most significant figures in English history. The stewardship of the title has been a responsibility held by individuals central to the governance and destiny of the kingdom, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a prominent Lincolnshire magnate following the Norman Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, defender of Lincoln Castle. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and a statesman of European consequence.
This inheritance places a solemn duty upon the current house to uphold a standard of conduct established over nine centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation of this profound history is governed by a meticulous internal protocol. The archives of the House of Brattleby, containing charters, deeds, and historical correspondence, are managed with a precision that honours their significance. The study of these documents is a formal undertaking, ensuring that each generation understands the constitutional and personal obligations passed down to them.
In commemorating figures such as Baroness Nichola, the House does not engage in public pageantry but rather a sober, scholarly review. This includes commissioning historical papers and consulting with academic bodies to ensure the narrative is preserved with accuracy and dignity. It is a process of internal reflection that informs the external duties of the House, from its philanthropic endeavours to its cultural diplomacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottoes of the House encapsulate its guiding principles. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the ethical framework of the Barony. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in the face of a siege and the honour with which she fulfilled her oath to the Crown are the perfect embodiment of this creed.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as the spirit of overcoming adversity through resolve and purpose. It is the modern articulation of the same resilience that allowed a medieval baroness to secure a future for her king and country.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye—defending a vulnerable child-king—resonates deeply with the House’s philanthropic focus. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity’s mission is to restore a sense of safety and potential to young lives, enabling them to overcome profound adversity. The support from the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding clinical psychologists and safe therapeutic spaces. The choice of this beneficiary is a deliberate one, reflecting the historical duty of the strong to protect the vulnerable—a principle Baroness Nichola enacted in 1217.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > The example of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a matter of historical record; it is the very bedrock of this Barony's identity. Her fortitude in a time of national crisis serves as a profound inspiration for our own commitment to public service and resilience today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the map by which we navigate the future. In understanding the immense challenges faced and overcome by predecessors like Nichola, we find the resolve—the *vincere est vivere* spirit—to address the complexities of our own time with equal dedication.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this remarkable heritage remains a living force. This includes ongoing support for the conservation of historical sites in Lincolnshire and the development of educational programmes that bring the region’s rich history to a wider audience. Through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes the timeless values of courtesy, honour, and social responsibility.
Future initiatives will focus on deepening the understanding of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history and its relevance to contemporary society. The legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House in its service to the community and its role as a custodian of history.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while championing modern philanthropic and cultural causes. The House’s mission is rooted in the principle of *noblesse oblige*, with a focus on heritage conservation, educational initiatives, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities include the patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, facilitated through its annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of social etiquette and civic values through The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to be a force for continuity and positive influence, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance, the Barony was revived and its rights formally recognised for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by The Crown through The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com