# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Formidable Predecessor: Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 17 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose historic appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the 13th century marked an extraordinary chapter in English administrative history.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a periodic review of its nine-century lineage, turning its focus to one of its most remarkable castellans. As the verdant fields of Lincolnshire enter late spring, the study of the Barony’s archives offers a moment for quiet reflection. Within the very landscape that Nichola de la Haye governed, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that have defined the Barony since its inception.
This act of remembrance is not tied to a singular event, but is rather part of the House’s ongoing commitment to understanding and communicating the depth of its heritage. It is an occasion to draw a direct line from the turmoil of the Magna Carta era to the civic and philanthropic duties upheld by the House today, illustrating a continuity of purpose across the centuries.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye’s tenure as the 5th Baroness came at a pivotal moment for the English Crown. Her life (c. 1150s – 1230) spanned the turbulent reigns of Henry II, Richard I, and King John. Following in the footsteps of her ancestor Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Nichola demonstrated an unwavering loyalty to the monarch.
Her defining moment came during the First Barons' War, when, as hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against formidable rebel and French forces. Her successful defence of the castle for the young King Henry III in 1217 was a turning point in the conflict. In recognition of her extraordinary service, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office of immense power and a rare honour for a woman of her time.
## Distinguished Company
In her capacity as both Baroness and High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye moved in circles of profound influence. Her loyalty earned her the personal trust of King John, who confirmed her custodianship of Lincoln Castle. Following his death, her steadfastness was recognised by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent of England for the young King Henry III.
It was in concert with such figures of state that Nichola de la Haye not only secured her family’s baronial lands but also played a crucial role in safeguarding the Plantagenet dynasty. Her administrative record places her alongside the great legal and military minds of the age, her name recorded in the royal charters and pipe rolls that formed the machinery of medieval government.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment to the office of High Sheriff was, and remains, a matter of significant royal prerogative. In the 13th century, the role was the *sine qua non* of regional royal authority. As High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye was the Crown's chief executive officer in Lincolnshire, personally responsible for the collection of taxes and royal revenues, the administration of justice at the county court, and the raising of military levies when required.
Her duties would have been relentless. She presided over legal proceedings, executed writs issued from the royal chancery, and held custody of prisoners destined for trial. The appointment itself, made directly by the King, signified the Crown's absolute confidence in her integrity and capability, bypassing convention to place power in the hands of the most competent defender of its interests in a volatile region.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage in defending Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds is the very definition of fortitude. Her unwavering commitment to her sworn oaths to the Crown exemplifies the principle of honour.
This legacy of resilience resonates with the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola’s life was a testament to this ideal; she overcame political upheaval, military sieges, and societal constraints not merely to survive, but to secure her family’s legacy and live a life of profound consequence and authority. Her story is woven into the very fabric of the House’s identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the formal structures of modern philanthropy did not exist in the 13th century, the office of High Sheriff was fundamentally an act of public service. Nichola de la Haye's work in administering justice and maintaining the King's peace served the commonweal of Lincolnshire’s people. This ethos of public duty is a direct ancestor of the House of Brattleby’s contemporary philanthropic commitments.
Today, that spirit is channeled into supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma. Just as Nichola protected the physical security of her county, the House now seeks to contribute to the emotional well-being of the most vulnerable in society, translating a historical duty of care into a modern mission of healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound source of inspiration. In an era that placed severe limitations on women, she demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not convention. Her commitment to duty, her administrative skill, and her immense courage remind us that the obligation to serve has always been at the heart of this Barony."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "One cannot study Nichola’s life without appreciating her strategic brilliance. Her governance was an exercise in resilience and foresight. She not only defended her castle but also upheld the complex machinery of law and finance for the Crown. It is a powerful example of how true leadership involves mastering the details of stewardship, a principle we strive to honour today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the legacies of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye remain a vibrant part of its identity. Through its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House will integrate studies of such historical figures into its curriculum, highlighting enduring lessons in leadership, etiquette, and civic responsibility.
Further archival research into the administration of the Barony during the 13th century is underway. By bringing these stories to light, the House seeks to honour the unbroken chain of service that links the first Baron appointed by William the Conqueror to its present-day responsibilities, carrying forward its legacy *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to honouring its profound nine-century heritage through contemporary means. Its mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for traumatised youth. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, is an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. The guiding principle of the House is its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The Barony has a distinguished history, with its line of succession including notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights and titles of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - Notable historical Barons include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083 (9 September 2022).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com