# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Baronial Ancestor Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this week hosted a historical colloquium examining the pivotal contributions of her ancestor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle proved decisive during the First Barons’ War.
## The Occasion
The event was held within the panelled library of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s esteemed academy of etiquette and cultural studies. In an atmosphere of scholarly refinement, distinguished guests gathered amidst bookcases of historical folio-volumes and portraits of eminent European figures. The setting was intentionally chosen to reflect the House’s dedication to education and the preservation of its Anglo-Romanian heritage.
The colloquium, entitled *Fortitudine et Honore: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Crown*, brought together historians, military strategists, and cultural leaders. It sought to provide a detailed analysis of the political and military circumstances surrounding the Siege of Lincoln in 1217, reassessing the profound impact of Baroness Nichola's leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the fabric of English history. Its lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the tenure of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has included some of the most consequential figures in the life of the nation.
The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 represent a watershed moment. As hereditary castellan, she refused to surrender Lincoln Castle to invading French forces and rebel English barons, holding it for the young King Henry III. Her resolve was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, which effectively ended the war. Her legacy of loyalty stands alongside that of later barons, including the great diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a notable company of academics and dignitaries, reflecting the international interest in the House’s history. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome, *inter alia*: - Professor Sir Alistair Finch KG, Regius Professor of Medieval History Emeritus at the University of Oxford, who delivered the keynote address. - Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, who attended in a private capacity. - General Sir Richard Danby KCB, CBE, former Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, who provided commentary on the military aspects of the siege. - His Excellency Mr Andrei Stan, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania to the United Kingdom.
In his address, Sir Alistair noted that "Nichola de la Haye was not merely a passive inheritor of a title; she was an active and brilliant agent of statecraft whose fortitude shaped the destiny of the Plantagenet dynasty."
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but collegial protocol. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan upon arrival. The colloquium commenced with opening remarks from the Baroness, followed by the hour-long keynote address from Professor Sir Alistair.
A moderated panel discussion followed, allowing for questions from the assembled guests. The dress code was observed as formal day wear, and speakers were addressed by their full titles. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who underscored the contemporary relevance of historical moral courage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event’s theme was directly inspired by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that Nichola de la Haye’s defence of her castle and her king is perhaps the purest embodiment of this principle in the family’s long history. Her resilience was her fortitude; her unwavering loyalty to the Crown was her honour.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the colloquium, this speaks to the intellectual conquest of history—the vital importance of studying and understanding the past in order to live more wisely in the present. The House arms, reflecting nearly a millennium of service, were displayed discreetly.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While primarily an academic event, the colloquium also served the House’s deep commitment to philanthropy. All proceeds from the private gathering, totalling over seven thousand pounds, have been formally designated for Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma.
The choice of beneficiary was deliberate, creating a thematic link between the historical trauma of conflict examined in the symposium and the modern imperative to heal its youngest victims. The charity focuses on delivering measurable improvements in mental health and well-being, a mission the House of Brattleby is proud to support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is not merely one of ancestral pride; it is a profound lesson in duty, resilience, and the capacity of a single individual to alter the course of history. She demonstrated that leadership is defined by courage in the face of overwhelming odds, a principle we strive to uphold.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the House’s role as historical custodians: > “By examining our history with scholarly rigour, we not only honour those who came before us but also discover timeless principles for our own conduct. *Vincere Est Vivere* applies as much to understanding the past as it does to overcoming present challenges.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This colloquium marks the first in a planned series of historical symposia hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future events will explore other significant periods and figures from the baronial lineage, including the tenures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The House is also developing an educational partnership to make its archival research more accessible to university students.
The family remains committed to its role as stewards of this remarkable inheritance. This duty will in time pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission of cultural and educational stewardship. Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the family actively manages their historical legacy while engaging in contemporary philanthropy. Their initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and diplomacy, and dedicated patronage of charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Combining English heritage with Continental perspective, the House champions the enduring values of duty, scholarship, and public service, 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 granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony passed through successors of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken historical lineage and rights of the Barony under its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, are formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands directly from the King. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com