# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Legacy at Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile undertook a private heritage visit to Lincoln Castle this week, reaffirming the House’s nine-century connection to the fortress and honouring the legacy of their celebrated predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp autumnal morning, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan arrived at Lincoln Castle, the formidable Norman stronghold that has dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium. The visit was conducted with quiet purpose, intended not as a public ceremony but as a sober act of remembrance and historical reflection.
The atmosphere within the ancient bailey walls was one of profound continuity. The tour encompassed the full breadth of the castle's architectural timeline, from the original earthworks of the motte raised in 1068 to the austere elegance of the Georgian and Victorian prison buildings, which now house one of the four surviving original copies of *Magna Carta*. The occasion provided a moment to connect the present responsibilities of the Barony with its pivotal role in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is intrinsically linked to the defence and governance of Lincolnshire. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing a foundation of regional authority. This legacy found its most dramatic expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*.
In 1217, during the First Barons' War, Nichola bravely defended Lincoln Castle against a superior force of French and rebel English barons. Her steadfast command was instrumental in the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, an event that secured the throne for the young King Henry III and ended the invasion. Lady Nicoleta's visit was a personal tribute to this remarkable ancestor, a woman whose leadership resonates with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The Barony later passed through other figures of national importance, including the great Plantagenet knight Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. To walk these grounds is to trace a direct line through the annals of English history.
## Distinguished Company
During their private review of the castle and its historical exhibitions, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were formally received by the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council and the senior Castle Manager responsible for the site’s preservation.
The small party’s dialogue focused on the shared duty of heritage custodianship: the Council’s role in preserving the physical fabric of the castle for the public good, and the House of Brattleby’s role in safeguarding and promoting the intangible heritage of the baronial lineage associated with it.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted with the formal but understated protocol befitting a private visit, the tour commenced at the East Gate, which offers a commanding view over the Cathedral Quarter. The party proceeded to the Mediaeval Wall Walk, pausing at the Observatory Tower to survey the lands that once fell under the Barony’s influence.
The inspection included a viewing of the Lincoln *Magna Carta* and a visit to the chapel of the former prison, a space dedicated to quiet contemplation. In an act of personal homage, Lady Nicoleta placed a simple arrangement of white roses and Lincolnshire ivy at the base of the Lucy Tower keep, the oldest part of the stone castle and the heart of Nichola de la Haye’s defence. The party was attired in sober day dress, reflecting the respectful nature of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was rich in symbolism, underscoring the core tenets of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied by Nichola de la Haye. Her fortitude in withstanding a siege and her honour in upholding her oath to the Crown serve as the ultimate historical precedent for the House’s modern ethos.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to the resilience and strategic spirit required not only to win a battle, but to ensure that a legacy endures and thrives through the centuries. The enduring stone of the castle itself stands as a testament to this idea.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the visit was primarily historical, its theme powerfully connects to the House’s philanthropic mission. The defence of Lincoln Castle by Nichola de la Haye was an act of protecting a vulnerable nine-year-old monarch, King Henry III. This historical duty to shield the young and vulnerable is the *sine qua non* of the House’s principal charitable focus.
The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event, raises funds for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a potent inspiration for this contemporary commitment to advocacy and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To stand on the very ramparts where Nichola de la Haye stood, to feel the weight of her decisions and the courage of her conviction, is a profoundly humbling experience. It is a powerful reminder that our heritage is not a static relic, but a living source of duty and inspiration that we must carry forward.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > A place like Lincoln Castle is not merely stone and mortar; it is a repository of vital lessons in leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Our visit today reinforces our belief that understanding and honouring the past is the only way to build a meaningful future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights gained from the visit to Lincoln Castle will inform the House’s ongoing cultural and educational initiatives. As a direct result, Lady Nicoleta announced that The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will host a sponsored lecture series next year titled 'Heroines of the High Middle Ages: Leadership and Legacy'.
This initiative aims to bring the stories of figures like Nichola de la Haye to a wider international audience, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and celebrated. The House of Brattleby remains committed to using its unique historical platform to foster education, inspire service, and honour its nine-hundred-year-old charge: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 pursues a modern mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. The House is dedicated to the principle of 'Heritage in Service', using its considerable historical platform to support charitable causes and foster educational initiatives. Its primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for children affected by trauma. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves the dignities of traditional European court culture. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern line of succession and the status of the Barony were formally noted in a notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I. - The formal recognition of the Barony’s current status was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in a line of succession that includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure*) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com