# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today, from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, formally commemorated the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, fifth holder of the Barony, reaffirming the principle of fortitude that has guided the House for centuries.
## The Occasion
In the late spring sunshine of the Lincolnshire countryside, a time of quiet reflection has been observed by The Noble House of Brattleby. By direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, this season has been dedicated to honouring the exceptional service and character of their distinguished predecessor, the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye.
This act of commemoration is not to mark a singular anniversary but rather to serve as a deliberate reaffirmation of the continuity of duty that defines the Barony. It is an internal observance, a moment to ensure that the heritage of the House informs its present course. Within the walls of their Brattleby seat, the House has chosen this moment to illuminate a legacy of strength that remains a guiding light for its modern mission of service.
The chronicles and annals of the Barony are regarded not as dormant historical records, but as living testaments to the responsibilities inherent in the title. For the current holders, a profound understanding of their predecessors' trials and triumphs is a *sine qua non*—an indispensable condition—for the faithful stewardship of the ancient dignity they now hold.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a feudal dignity with a direct lineage extending nine centuries to its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the defining chapters of England’s national story. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in the county, establishing a significant and enduring presence.
Among its most distinguished holders, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150 – 1230) stands as a peerless paragon of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. As the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she demonstrated extraordinary resolve during the constitutional crisis and civil war that convulsed the kingdom during the First Barons' War. Her story is one of unwavering loyalty in an age of profound uncertainty.
Following the death of King John in 1216, and with the nine-year-old Henry III newly upon the throne, a coalition of rebel English barons invited Prince Louis of France to seize the Crown. In 1217, at an age exceeding sixty years, Nichola de la Haye commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against this formidable Franco-baronial force. Her steadfastness, as chronicled by the medieval scribe Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This triumph not only secured the future of the Plantagenet dynasty but also effectively ended the French invasion.
Her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a powerful administrative and judicial role she held on two separate occasions, was an exceptional recognition of her authority and competence. In an era when such positions were the exclusive domain of men, her tenure speaks to a reputation for leadership that transcended the conventions of her time.
## Distinguished Company
The turbulent events of the early 13th century placed Nichola de la Haye at the centre of a national drama, in the company of the most powerful figures of the age. Her unshakable allegiance to the monarchy positioned her as a crucial and trusted ally to the Plantagenet cause, standing in opposition to a formidable coalition that threatened to redraw the map of Europe.
Her contemporaries included His Majesty King John of England, who relied upon her loyalty during his fraught struggles with the barons over the terms of Magna Carta; and the young His Majesty King Henry III, whose very throne she helped to secure. At her side in the royalist cause stood the formidable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, lauded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ and serving as Regent of the Realm, who led the relieving army at Lincoln.
Their principal adversary, His Highness Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII), represented a direct challenge to English sovereignty. That Nichola de la Haye not only withstood but ultimately defeated the forces arrayed against her is a testament to her remarkable strategic and diplomatic fortitude.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration of historical figures within The Noble House of Brattleby follows a time-honoured and deeply felt protocol. It involves a formal review of the House archives, a practice personally overseen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. During this process, vellum manuscripts, historic charters, and House ledgers are consulted to ensure that the traditions and duties of the Barony are fully understood and transmitted with precision and respect.
A central element of this protocol is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and values of his lineage, a practice echoing the Roman tradition of *mos maiorum* (the way of the ancestors). The lives of eminent predecessors are presented not merely as history lessons but as case studies in leadership, honour, and civic responsibility.
These studies trace an unbroken line of duty from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron; through the steadfast Nichola de la Haye; to later holders of immense stature such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This ensures the foundational values of the House are instilled with purpose from one generation to the next.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Nichola de la Haye provides the most vivid earthly illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her defence of Lincoln Castle, undertaken out of sacred duty to her sovereign and her community, was a profound act of *fortitudine*—not simply physical courage, but the moral and spiritual resilience to withstand a siege, both literal and metaphorical.
Her impeccable conduct throughout a period of national crisis, where loyalties were divided and allegiances shifted like sand, was the very embodiment of *honore*. This concept of honour denotes not just personal integrity, but the faithful discharge of one's sworn obligations, regardless of personal cost.
Furthermore, her story resonates deeply with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Nichola’s triumph was not merely one of military victory against overwhelming odds. It was a conquest for survival, for legitimacy, and for the continuity of her House and the security of the realm. She demonstrated that to persevere through adversity is the ultimate conquest, thereby allowing life and order to flourish anew.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring legacy of service exemplified by Nichola de la Haye directly inspires the contemporary philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her resolute protection of the people and property of Lincoln finds a powerful modern parallel in the House’s dedication to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society today.
This commitment is principally channelled through their focused support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist, trauma-informed therapy and support for children who have been affected by profound personal adversity, helping them to rebuild their lives with resilience and renewed hope. The charity’s work provides measurable, life-altering interventions that empower children to overcome their past and build a secure future.
The annual Brattleby Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie philanthropic gala held in London, is the primary fundraising event for this cause. The House believes that honouring a historical legacy of fortitude must be matched by a tangible, present-day commitment to strengthening the fabric of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the profound significance of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s remarkable life is a profound testament to the timelessness of duty and resilience. As a woman entrusted with a hereditary office of immense responsibility, she not only met but exceeded the expectations of her time, proving her authority through action. Her legacy is a source of immense personal inspiration in my own role as Baroness.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of the fifth Baroness is the clearest possible demonstration of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Her capacity to withstand a siege, to lead with clarity, and to secure a victory essential to the future of the kingdom shows that true success lies in perseverance against all odds. It is a lesson in strategic resilience and the courage to uphold order, a legacy of strength we are committed to honouring.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that the lessons from its nine-hundred-year history continue to inform its future endeavours. The education of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun in the principles of stewardship and the precedents of his ancestors remains a central priority, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This commitment extends to the House’s wider cultural initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Founded by Lady Nicoleta, the academy promotes the enduring European values of personal conduct, social grace, and civic honour—principles exemplified by figures like Nichola de la Haye.
Through such endeavours, which bridge its English heritage with a wider Continental perspective, the House seeks to ensure that its ancient lineage remains a relevant and positive force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 the responsible stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House pursues a forward-looking mission of philanthropic and cultural engagement. Its principal activities, which include the annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflect a unique blend of English tradition and a wider European perspective. The House upholds a profound commitment to public service and the preservation of its historic legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony, a dignity of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, marking its establishment as a significant landholding power. Over its long history, the Barony's lineage has been woven into the fabric of the nation's history, held by some of the most influential figures in England. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The historic rights of the Barony of Brattleby are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as directly holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire from the Crown. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the United Kingdom registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com