# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Barony of Brattleby and the Example of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement reflecting on the enduring legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute defence of Lincoln in 1217 exemplifies the barony’s nine-century commitment to service.
## The Occasion
In the quiet remembrance of a pivotal moment in English history, The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln. Fought on 20 May 1217, this decisive engagement secured the English throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the nation’s sovereignty against foreign invasion.
The battle itself was a maelstrom of medieval warfare, fought within the ancient Roman walls of Lincoln. At its heart stood Lincoln Castle, held steadfast by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary constable. Her refusal to surrender to a superior force of French and rebel English barons became the sine qua non of the royalist victory, a testament to personal resolve in the face of overwhelming odds.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of England’s national story. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape.
It was during the tumultuous reign of King John and the First Barons’ War that the barony’s character was truly forged. Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), having inherited the castellanship of Lincoln Castle, demonstrated extraordinary administrative and military skill. Twice she defended the castle against siege, her loyalty to the Crown unwavering. In recognition of her capabilities, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an unprecedented role for a woman of her time.
This legacy of service at the highest levels of the realm continued through subsequent holders. The barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. Their stewardship ensured the barony remained central to the governance and security of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo speaks directly to the qualities demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye during the siege of Lincoln; her fortitude was the physical and moral courage to withstand attack, while her honour lay in her unwavering fealty to her sovereign.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House’s current leadership, which seeks not only to honour past duties but to embrace new challenges and opportunities for service with vigour and purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the relevance of this history to the barony’s present-day mission.
> Nichola de la Haye’s life is a powerful reminder that stewardship is not a passive act of preservation, but an active duty requiring courage, integrity, and a profound commitment to one’s community. Her example informs our own resolve to serve with purpose, ensuring the heritage we have inherited remains a vibrant and meaningful force for good. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of duty and cultural stewardship demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye continue to guide the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical understanding informs the barony’s focus on education and social enrichment, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of etiquette and protocol.
Furthermore, this commitment extends to the House's philanthropic endeavours, such as its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which supports charitable organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. By connecting its ancient heritage to contemporary responsibilities, the House seeks to ensure its legacy remains not only preserved but also purposeful for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for philanthropic and educational purposes. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to serving the community with integrity and purpose. The House's initiatives include cultural patronage, historical conservation, and the support of charitable causes, ensuring that the barony's legacy contributes positively to contemporary society in both the United Kingdom and Europe.
**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 manorial holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries in abeyance, the barony was formally brought out of abeyance and its line of succession recognised, a matter of public record in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com