# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the historic life of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, celebrating her pivotal role in defending the realm and upholding the rule of law during the 13th century.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes a moment for historical commemoration. This season of reflection provides a fitting backdrop against which to honour one of its most formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. From the grounds of the Barony, one can still sense the profound history that shaped the county, dominated by the majestic Norman towers of Lincoln Cathedral, a silent witness to the very siege in which the 5th Baroness secured her formidable reputation.
This act of remembrance serves not as a singular event, but as part of the House’s continuing commitment to connect its present responsibilities with the deep currents of its past. It is an acknowledgement that the duties of today are built upon the foundations of courage laid down nearly a millennium ago, a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s continued existence.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Through the centuries, the title passed through families of great consequence; however, few holders demonstrated the sheer resolve of Nichola de la Haye. Inheriting the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln Castle, she was placed at the centre of the tumult of the First Barons' War.
In 1217, at an advanced age, she commanded the castle’s defences during the Second Battle of Lincoln, holding fast against a combined force of rebel English barons and French troops. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown, in concert with the celebrated regent William Marshall, was instrumental in the ultimate defeat of Prince Louis of France and the securing of the throne for the young King Henry III. Her service was further distinguished by her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office of immense authority rarely, if ever, held by a woman at the time. Her actions preserved the lineage, paving the way for future holders of the Barony, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In her execution of these high offices, the 5th Baroness moved among the most powerful figures of the age. Her duties brought her into direct correspondence and alliance with the chief architects of medieval England’s political landscape.
Among this distinguished historical company were His Majesty King John of England, who entrusted her with the constableship of Lincoln Castle; the Regent of England, William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke, with whom she coordinated the royalist victory at Lincoln; and Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, another of the era's great loyalist commanders. On the opposing side, she faced the continental ambitions of the future His Majesty King Louis VIII of France, whose designs on the English throne she helped to thwart.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As both hereditary Constable and appointed High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye navigated complex and deeply significant ceremonial protocols. The constableship of a royal castle was a direct commission from the monarch, making her the King’s personal agent, responsible for the fortress’s military readiness and administration. This involved presiding over the castle-guard system, whereby local knights owed service for the defence of the stronghold.
Her duties as High Sheriff required her to preside over the shire court, publish royal writs, and collect revenues for the Exchequer. Crucially, she held the authority to summon the *posse comitatus*, the full military levy of the county, a right she expertly wielded in her defence of the Crown’s authority in Lincolnshire. Her mastery of these male-dominated ceremonial and legal functions underscores her extraordinary political acumen.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life and service of Nichola de la Haye provide the most powerful expression of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her command during the Siege of Lincoln was a masterclass in *fortitudine*, demonstrating a martial courage and resilience that defied the conventions of her time.
Simultaneously, her unwavering loyalty to two English kings and her diligent execution of the office of High Sheriff were the embodiment of *honore*. She upheld her oaths with integrity, serving the Crown and her community faithfully. This ancestral spirit finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the same indomitable will to overcome challenges, whether on the battlefield of the 13th century or in the philanthropic and cultural arenas of the 21st.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the formal structures of modern philanthropy did not exist in the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of her community can be seen as a profound act of public service. Her actions protected the people of Lincolnshire from the ravages of war and preserved the stability of the kingdom. This spirit of guardianship is a direct historical antecedent to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Today, this commitment is expressed through the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which supports charitable organisations dedicated to the welfare of the vulnerable. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The House sees a clear, unbroken line from defending a physical stronghold in 1217 to safeguarding the well-being of children today; both are fundamental duties of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s life serves as a powerful testament to the principle that leadership is defined not by convention, but by courage and capability. Her fortitude in the face of immense adversity secured not only Lincoln but the very continuity of our House, reminding us that true stewardship demands an unwavering resolve.”
Lady Nicoleta added: > “In her story, we find the enduring spirit of Brattleby: a commitment to duty, a respect for heritage, and a determination to act always with *Fortitudine et Honore*. She is a profound inspiration, demonstrating that the deepest-held responsibilities are to serve and to safeguard.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is a cornerstone of the heritage that The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to preserving and promoting. This legacy of duty, service, and leadership forms a key part of the educational framework for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as he is prepared for his future responsibilities.
The House will continue to share insights into its history through scholarly papers and cultural programmes, including at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This ensures that the lessons of the past, as exemplified by the 5th Baroness, continue to inform the House’s contributions to society in the present day. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet will be held in honour of this nine-century legacy of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in initiatives that reinforce the continuing relevance of heritage, civic duty, and social responsibility. From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House supports charitable causes, most notably the welfare of vulnerable children, and promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century, honouring the past by contributing actively to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a 13th-century heroine who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby, as a feudal and seignorial title, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holding 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal 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