# A Tribute to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Defender of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical remembrance, commemorating the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, in the defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn air settles over Lincolnshire, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby, the House turns its attention to the figures who have shaped its nine-century history. This heritage review serves to illuminate a defining moment in both English and Baronial history, honouring a predecessor whose actions preserved the realm.
The statement is released from the House's offices as part of an ongoing commitment to historical education. This initiative aims to connect the present responsibilities of the Barony with the enduring principles demonstrated by its most notable holders. The life of Nichola de la Haye offers a profound lesson in duty, loyalty, and resilience.
## Historical Context
In the spring of 1217, England was fractured by the First Barons' War. A coalition of rebel barons, allied with Prince Louis of France, controlled much of the kingdom and sought to depose the young King Henry III. Lincoln Castle, a strategic royal fortress, remained a bastion of loyalty in the north, under the command of its hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye.
At over sixty years of age, the 5th Baron of Brattleby staunchly refused to surrender the castle to a far superior Franco-baronial army. Her defiance held the fortress for several weeks until a royalist relief force, commanded by the regent William Marshal, arrived in May. The ensuing Battle of Lincoln was a decisive victory for the royalist cause, leading to the collapse of Prince Louis's campaign and securing the English throne for the Plantagenet dynasty.
Nichola de la Haye’s fortitude was instrumental in this outcome. Her stand at Lincoln not only influenced the war's resolution but also paved the way for the reissuing of Magna Carta, a cornerstone of English law. She stands in a line of distinguished predecessors that includes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought the 5th Baron of Brattleby into the centre of a conflict populated by several of the era’s most significant figures. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln was conducted in the name of His Majesty King Henry III, who was then only nine years old.
Her primary adversary was His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII, who had been invited by English rebels to claim the throne. The royalist forces that ultimately relieved the siege were led by the venerable Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent of England and was widely regarded as the greatest knight in Christendom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye held an office of immense trust, granted by the Crown and passed down through her family. The protocol of medieval warfare demanded that a besieging force first issue a formal summons to surrender. For a castellan to refuse such a summons, especially when faced with overwhelming odds, was an extraordinary act of personal bravery and fealty.
Upon refusing, the defence of the castle and its inhabitants became her sole responsibility, a duty she upheld with exemplary honour. Her subsequent reaffirmation of loyalty to William Marshal and the young king, following the battle, fulfilled the chivalric and legal obligations of her ancient office. This act of homage was the *sine qua non* of the feudal bond between a baron and the sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye embody the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her refusal to yield in the face of immense pressure is a perfect historical illustration of fortitude; her unwavering loyalty to her young king personifies honour.
This guiding principle remains central to the identity of the Noble House of Brattleby. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the modern belief that overcoming challenges is essential to a life of purpose and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of safeguarding the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by the 5th Baron's defence of her young sovereign’s realm, directly inspires the philanthropic work of the House today. The sense of duty to protect those in need is a timeless principle that transcends centuries.
This ethos finds its modern expression in the House's support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and care for children suffering from trauma, echoing on a personal level the protection Nichola de la Haye afforded the nation’s future. The proceeds from the House’s annual white-tie Winter Banquet are directed entirely to this worthy cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye demonstrates that leadership is not a matter of gender or age, but of courage and unwavering duty. Her story is a powerful reminder that one person's resolve can indeed shape the course of a nation's history. It is a legacy we are immensely proud to uphold.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The spirit of 1217 — of defending what is right against overwhelming odds — is a principle that remains a cornerstone for our House today. It informs not only our respect for history but our commitment to modern service, *inter alia*. Nichola's fortitude is an inspiration.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its series of historical reviews, seeking to draw inspiration from its long lineage and share these important stories with a wider audience. The House remains committed to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of service in the modern era.
This commitment extends to its cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating the timeless values of etiquette and personal honour. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet will serve as another tangible expression of this heritage, translating the historical principle of protection into meaningful contemporary philanthropy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronial titles. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends its profound English heritage with a wider European perspective. Its modern mission is focused on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives including its annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating historical legacy into contemporary service and upholding timeless values of duty and integrity in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an ancient English feudal barony with a lineage of nearly one thousand years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including 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 succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the title appeared in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com