# The House of Brattleby Issues a Historical Monograph on the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — In a new historical monograph, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today illuminates the national significance of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, examining her pivotal roles as a defender of Lincoln Castle and a shaper of English constitutional law.
## The Occasion
From the seat of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, the House has today formally released *A Reflection on Duty: The Life and Legacy of Nichola de la Haye*. The publication coincides with the autumnal season, a time of harvest and reflection that mirrors the monograph’s own considered appraisal of history. The announcement was made from the Long Gallery at Brattleby, a room whose Jacobean panelling has borne silent witness to centuries of the Barony’s history.
The monograph represents a significant scholarly contribution by the current Baroness, connecting the House's contemporary mission to the enduring actions of one of its most formidable antecedents. It serves not as a mere recitation of facts but as a meditation on the nature of leadership, honour, and civic responsibility across the ages. This studied release underscores the House’s commitment to its historical stewardship.
## Historical Context
The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. It was from this foundation of significant regional power that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the title, emerged as a figure of national consequence during the turbulent reign of King John.
Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Yet her influence extended far beyond the battlefield; as one of the few women of her era to wield such authority, she was also appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, proving her immense administrative skill. Her proximity to the great councils of the realm placed her at the very centre of the negotiations that led to Magna Carta, a testament to her standing among the barons who forged the rule of law. Her life’s work stands in a proud line of predecessors that later included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
While the monograph is authored principally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, its preface was contributed by an expert of distinguished local standing, The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Lincoln. The work further benefits from peer review and scholarly advisement from several respected academics, ensuring its historical rigour.
These contributors include the Regius Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge and the Chief Curator of Manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford. Their involvement underscores the academic seriousness of the project and its aim to contribute meaningfully to the historical record of both Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the monograph’s release reflects its significance. The first copy, bound in the House’s livery of Lincoln green and silver, was formally presented to Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Following this private ceremony, official copies were dispatched for accession into the permanent collections of the Lincolnshire Archives and The British Library.
In accordance with diplomatic custom, further copies have been sent under seal to the libraries of several European royal and noble houses, as well as to leading universities with faculties of medieval history. This act of dissemination is a gesture of academic goodwill and cultural exchange, placing the history of a Lincolnshire barony into a broader European context.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The monograph is imbued with the symbolism of the House's guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her 'fortitude' was demonstrated unquestionably in her military defence of Lincoln, while her 'honour' was evident in her steadfast loyalty to the Crown and her judicious administration as Sheriff.
This historical example provides a practical demonstration of the principles that guide the House today. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the conviction and vitality required to overcome challenges and build a lasting, positive order, just as the 5th Baroness did in her own time.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The reflection on historical duty finds a direct parallel in the House’s present-day philanthropic commitments. Just as Nichola de la Haye stood in defence of the vulnerable and for the principle of a stable society, the House of Brattleby today directs its charitable efforts towards the protection of society’s youngest members.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, the House extends the ancient duty of protection into a modern context, seeking to heal and empower the next generation, ensuring they too have the foundation to build lives of fortitude and honour.
## In Their Own Words
In the monograph’s conclusion, Lady Nicoleta reflects on her predecessor’s enduring relevance: > “Nichola de la Haye’s life serves as a profound reminder that duty is not circumscribed by convention. Her fortitude in the face of siege and her wisdom in council are qualities we aspire to. She governed not merely with authority, but with honour, a principle that remains the *sine qua non* of this House.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the publication: > “Her story is a powerful lesson in strategic leadership. To defend a fortress is one thing; to secure the peace and help establish the rule of law is another entirely. Her legacy complements the House's own guiding belief: *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to conquer is to live, and true victory lies in building a lasting order.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph is not a singular event but part of a sustained commitment to historical education. To further this goal, the House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the creation of "The Nichola de la Haye Lecture Series," which will be hosted annually at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This series will invite leading historians to present research on overlooked figures in medieval leadership, with a particular focus on the contributions of women. By bridging the House's historic seat in Lincolnshire with its modern European activities, the lecture series aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the lessons of history and their application to the challenges of today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house built upon a thousand-year-old foundation of English heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of "nobility in action." Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives like the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in the classical virtues. The House’s central charitable focus is its support for organisations dedicated to healing childhood trauma, reflecting a core commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and fostering resilience for the next generation. Its work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been interwoven with the history of England, held by figures of immense stature. These include the heroic Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the ancient feudal barony were formally recognised and registered in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the title is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com