# A Message from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, on the Legacy of Magna Carta
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the intersection of Magna Carta with the Barony’s history, highlighting the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in upholding order during a time of national trial.
## The Occasion
In the quiet study of history, the great charters of liberty and the lives of those who upheld them offer perennial guidance. As the custodians of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, The Noble House of Brattleby considers it a solemn duty to reflect upon the actions of its predecessors, particularly when their lives illuminate the enduring principles that continue to guide the family today.
This reflection is prompted not by a single anniversary, but by the timeless relevance of duty in the face of civil discord. The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked with the history of England, and few moments are more formative than the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215 and the turbulent years that followed.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a legacy of service to the Crown and stewardship of the region that would be profoundly tested over the ensuing centuries.
By the early 13th century, this responsibility fell to Nichola de la Haye. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and, through her husband, connected to the 5th Barony, she was a figure of immense regional importance during the reign of King John. While not among the barons who confronted the King at Runnymede, her role in the charter's aftermath was arguably more critical.
Magna Carta was not a peace treaty but the beginning of a prolonged civil war. In this, the First Barons' War, Nichola de la Haye’s loyalty was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the north. She steadfastly defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and their French allies, ensuring a vital royalist stronghold remained in the heart of a divided England. Her actions were not those of a mere functionary but of a leader demonstrating profound personal courage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of a hereditary Constable in the 13th century were governed by a strict protocol rooted in personal fealty. This was an unbreakable oath sworn directly to the sovereign, a commitment that transcended political allegiance and personal danger. The custody of a royal fortress like Lincoln Castle was the ultimate expression of trust.
To hold the keys was to hold the physical manifestation of the King's justice and authority. The ceremonial and practical reality of this position meant that Nichola de la Haye was responsible for securing the castle, administering the shire, and presiding over the local courts. Her steadfastness in fulfilling these duties, amidst a rebellion questioning the very nature of royal authority, underscores the profound importance of protocol and sworn honour in maintaining the fabric of the state.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most salient historical illustration of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to two monarchs, King John and the young Henry III, was a testament to her honour.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the belief that overcoming challenges, as Nichola de la Haye so admirably did, is the essence of a worthy and vital existence. The two mottos together encapsulate a family philosophy of honourable resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on this unique ancestral connection:
> "Nichola de la Haye is a figure of remarkable substance, a woman who navigated a world of violent political upheaval with pragmatism and an unshakeable sense of duty. She reminds us that history is made not only by those who write charters, but also by those who have the courage to enforce the rule of law on the ground." > > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Her Ladyship further commented on the contemporary lessons drawn from this history:
> "Her example serves as a constant reminder that leadership is not found in grand pronouncements but in quiet, daily resolve. The principles of Magna Carta could only be realised through the fortitude of individuals like her, who stood firm for order and justice when it was most difficult. This is the standard we aspire to in our own service." > > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons from this period of English history continue to inform the work of The Noble House of Brattleby today. Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are committed to instilling these values of duty, honour, and resilience in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting.
This ethos extends to the House’s public-facing initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating an understanding of social responsibilities and personal conduct. By examining the actions of figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the House continues to draw inspiration for its modern mission: to serve the community with the same fortitude and honour that has defined the Barony for more than nine and a half centuries.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient landed titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary acts of service and philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on cultural preservation, education, and charitable support for vulnerable children. The House’s official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, reflecting the family's Anglo-Romanian heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of nobility in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the Crown. The Barony’s history is woven into the fabric of the nation, with its lineage including some of English history’s most significant figures. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony 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, with Colswein of Lincoln as the first holder. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable holders of the Barony have included Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com