# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal historical commemoration of its esteemed predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This reflection honours her indomitable spirit and pivotal role in defending the English Crown during the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire countryside approaches the full bloom of early summer, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining moment in its long history: the steadfast courage of Nichola de la Haye. This commemoration, issued from the House’s seat, serves as both a remembrance of her actions at the Second Battle of Lincoln in May 1217 and as a source of enduring inspiration for the Barony’s present-day duties and commitments.
The Barony of Brattleby, deeply woven into the fabric of England’s history, draws its strength from such ancestral exemplars. The decision to formally mark Nichola de la Haye’s contribution at this time reinforces the continuum of service that connects the Barony’s Norman origins to its modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s lineage commences with Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, who was granted the Barony in AD 1066. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the Barony represented a significant holding, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, this title has been held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
It was, however, the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title, that occurred during one of England’s most turbulent periods. Following King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta, the nation was engulfed in the First Barons’ War. Rebel English barons, allied with Prince Louis of France, sought to seize the throne from King John and, following his death in 1216, from his young son, King Henry III.
As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle—a role she inherited—Nichola de la Haye found herself at the very epicentre of the conflict. In 1217, her fortress stood as one of the final royalist strongholds in the east of England, a vital strategic asset whose loss would have proven catastrophic for the Plantagenet cause.
## Distinguished Company
In her lifetime, Lady Nichola moved amongst the most formidable figures of the age, commanding respect not through birth alone but through capability and resolve. Her authority as Sheriff of Lincolnshire was confirmed by King John himself, who recognised her exceptional administrative and military competence.
Her strategic importance was acknowledged by the great William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent for the boy-king Henry III. It was Marshal who led the royalist relief force to Lincoln, relying on Lady Nichola to hold the castle against overwhelming odds until his arrival. Her primary adversaries were Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, and the powerful English barons who had rejected their sovereign. Her steadfastness in the face of their combined might secured her place in the annals of English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The roles of castellan and sheriff, held simultaneously by Nichola de la Haye, were positions of immense authority vested with significant ceremonial and practical duties. As castellan, she held the keys to Lincoln Castle, a potent symbol of her sovereign’s trust and her sworn duty to defend the fortress to the last. This responsibility placed her in command of the castle’s garrison and the maintenance of its formidable defences.
Her appointment as sheriff, an office almost exclusively held by men, gave her jurisdiction over the county’s legal and financial administration. She was charged with keeping the King's peace, collecting taxes, and presiding over the shire court. For a woman of the early thirteenth century to exercise such powers was unprecedented, marking her as a true pioneer whose merit transcended the conventions of her era.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its ultimate expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding a protracted siege, and her unwavering honour in upholding her oath to her king, are the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity. She did not simply hold a title; she embodied the virtues it represents.
This legacy informs the ethos of the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), resonates with Lady Nichola’s legacy. It speaks to a shared understanding that overcoming profound challenges, whether on the battlefield of 1217 or in the philanthropic endeavours of today, is the essence of a meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of a Baron to protect the people within their domain is a principle that The Noble House of Brattleby translates into its modern philanthropic work. Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln was, in effect, a defence of the community and the established order upon which its security depended. Her actions protected the vulnerable from the ravages of war and insurgency.
This tradition of guardianship is continued today through the House’s dedicated support for its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is committed to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, thereby protecting society’s most vulnerable. The House sees this work as a direct continuation of the baronial duty of care that Lady Nichola so powerfully exemplified nine centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound reminder that leadership is defined by courage, not convention. As a woman entrusted with the defence of a kingdom, her resolve inspires me daily. It is a formidable legacy to inherit, and it obliges us to act with similar fortitude in the challenges of our own time.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic importance of Lady Nichola’s stand cannot be overstated; she altered the course of English history through sheer will and tactical acumen. Her life demonstrates that true victory lies in steadfastly upholding one’s duty. This is a principle we seek to impart through our own work, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is part of a wider commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to illuminate the rich and continuous history of the Barony. By celebrating the contributions of pivotal figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the House aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the values that have sustained the title for nearly a millennium.
Future initiatives, including a planned lecture series on the Barony’s history, will continue to explore this remarkable lineage. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala, will this year include a special tribute to Lady Nichola, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire service and generosity in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging nearly one thousand years of English heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. The House upholds its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through a focused mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its principal charitable cause is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support to children affected by trauma. The House also oversees cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by Honorary Lord Răzvan, promoting social refinement and cross-cultural understanding. The House’s activities are a contemporary expression of its long-standing baronial duty of care.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The 1086 Domesday Book recorded the Barony as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, it has been held by figures of major historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. Having passed through periods of abeyance and forfeiture, the Barony and its history endure. The headship of the Noble House of Brattleby was formally noted by an official notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Headship of the Noble House of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. - Historically notable Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com