# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy Forged in the First Barons’ War
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its nine-century history, marking the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln and the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, during the First Barons’ War.
## The Occasion
As England remembers the decisive Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to consider the enduring legacy of its forebears. It was on this day that Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces, an act which proved instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. This historic milestone serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the continuity of duty that has defined the Barony since its inception. The statement today is not a celebration of conflict, but a sober acknowledgement of the fortitude required to preserve order and legitimacy through periods of national crisis.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, was founded on principles of loyalty to the Crown. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing the family's role as a key pillar of the Norman settlement. Centuries later, during the turbulent reign of King John, this foundational loyalty was tested. It was the steadfastness of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, that ensured the Barony’s survival and prestige. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a remarkable feat, displaying a strategic acumen and resolve that brought her great renown at a time when such authority for a woman was exceedingly rare.
This tradition of service at the highest levels of the realm continued through successive generations. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a distinguished soldier and diplomat. Subsequently, it was held by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England. The thread of duty, woven from the Conquest through the Plantagenet dynasty, remains unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The historical records of the House, *inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls and manorial court documents, have long been a subject of scholarly interest. The Brattleby archives have been instrumental to the work of leading medievalists seeking to understand the governance of the realm. The House has historically collaborated with, and made its archives accessible to, distinguished academics, including Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, and Dr. Julian Finch, Head of Western Manuscripts at The British Library. Their research has drawn upon the Brattleby collection to illuminate aspects of feudal law and baronial administration that would otherwise remain obscure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a nine-century archive is a solemn responsibility, governed by its own protocol. All charters, rolls, and manuscripts are housed in a dedicated, climate-controlled muniment room at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Access for scholarly research is granted by formal application to the Lord of Brattleby, ensuring the preservation of these invaluable documents for future generations. This careful curation is considered a *sine qua non* of the House's duty to history—a ceremonial charge as important as any ancient rite. It is a process rooted in the understanding that these documents are not mere possessions, but a tangible link to the continuity of English history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are codified in its heraldic achievements. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose actions exemplified the courage and integrity the words commend. It serves as a constant directive for the present and future holders of the title. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This latter motto reflects the dynamic, forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House's ancient legacy continues to thrive and find relevance in the modern world through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that historical reflection must be paired with present-day contribution. The spirit of protection and service, demonstrated so powerfully by the 5th Baron in 1217, finds its modern expression in the family’s philanthropic endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the principal fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapy and support for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and secure a safer future. The choice of beneficiary is a deliberate one, translating the historical duty to defend the vulnerable into a tangible, contemporary mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look back at figures like Nichola de la Haye, we are not simply observing history. We are reminded that fortitude and honour are timeless requirements of service. It is our duty to carry that same sense of resolve forward in all that we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is not something one merely inherits; it is something one must actively build upon and give new purpose. Our history provides the foundation, but our present actions—whether in education, conservation, or philanthropy—are what give it life and meaning for tomorrow.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and sharing its unique heritage. Plans are currently being developed for a digital initiative to make facsimiles of key documents from the archive accessible to a wider global audience of scholars and students. Furthermore, the House continues to develop the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural communication. Through these efforts, and under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House seeks to ensure its legacy, and the lessons it holds, are passed to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby’s ancient legacy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as the etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater understanding and promote the timeless values of courtesy and civic duty in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 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 modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror, AD 1066. - The Barony's modern standing is confirmed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable historical Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The philanthropic beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com