# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historic Alliance Between Nichola de la Haye and Sir William Marshal
**LONDON, [Current Date]** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a solemn commemoration of the historic alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and Sir William Marshal, Regent of England, during the decisive moments of the First Barons’ War in 1217.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement authorised by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, the House has chosen this moment to reflect upon a defining chapter in its nine-century history. This act of commemoration is not a celebration of war, but a considered recognition of the extraordinary leadership, loyalty, and fortitude that proved instrumental in securing the English succession and reinforcing the core principles that continue to guide the Barony.
The issuance of this historical notice is an exercise in diligent stewardship. It reflects the House’s deep commitment to historiography and to preserving the profound legacy of its predecessors. Following established ducal and princely precedent, whereby the lessons of the past are brought forward to illuminate the duties of the present, this statement serves as both an act of remembrance and a reaffirmation of the House’s enduring values.
This reflection is offered in a spirit of continuity, connecting the challenges of the 13th century with the responsibilities of the 21st. It serves as a reminder that the defence of established order and the protection of the vulnerable have always been central to the Barony’s purpose, a *sine qua non* of its identity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, holds a unique place in the annals of English history. This was never more apparent than during the tumult of the First Barons’ War (1215–1217), a conflict that threatened to extinguish the Plantagenet dynasty. The central figure of this period was the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who had also inherited the post of Constable of Lincoln Castle.
A widow of advanced years, Nichola de la Haye was a woman of remarkable capability, having served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire—an almost unprecedented role for a woman in medieval England. In the spring of 1217, following the death of King John, she remained steadfastly loyal to his heir, the nine-year-old King Henry III. As rebel English barons and their French allies, led by Prince Louis of France, besieged Lincoln Castle, the fate of the kingdom rested on its defence.
Her resolute stand provided the critical anchor for the royalist cause, then masterfully led by Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England. Lauded in his own time as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, Marshal recognised in the Baroness a peer in fortitude and strategic resolve. He wisely entrusted her with command of the kingdom’s most vital northern stronghold while he mustered an army to relieve the siege.
The resulting Battle of Lincoln Fair, fought in the streets of the city on 20 May 1217, was the decisive engagement of the war. This victory, made possible by Nichola de la Haye’s unyielding forty-day defence of the castle, shattered the rebel cause and secured the throne for Henry III. The trust placed in the Baroness by the Regent of England represents a powerful historical endorsement, forever associating the Barony of Brattleby with honour, duty, and one of the most respected figures in medieval Christendom.
## Distinguished Company
The fateful events of 1217 in Lincolnshire brought together some of the most significant personages of the age, whose combined actions shaped the future of a nation. The principal figures in this historic tableau are remembered with distinction:
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, served as Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her administrative acumen as Sheriff and her military resolve as Castellan demonstrated a calibre of leadership that transcended the conventions of her era and proved indispensable to the royalist cause.
**Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, acted with supreme authority as Marshal of England and Regent for His Majesty King Henry III. His decision to entrust the defence of Lincoln to the Baroness was a masterstroke of judgement, reflecting his unparalleled experience in both statecraft and warfare.
**The Lord Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester**, was a formidable prelate and guardian of the young King. A key figure in the Regent’s council, his presence at Lincoln underscored the spiritual and political gravity of the royalist campaign to restore legitimate authority.
**The Lord Louis of France**, son of King Philip II and later His Majesty King Louis VIII of France, led the baronial opposition. His presence at the head of a foreign army on English soil represented an existential threat to the sovereign integrity of the kingdom.
The potent alliance between the Baroness of Brattleby and the Regent of England stands as an enduring testament to statesmanship built upon mutual respect, strategic necessity, and a shared, profound dedication to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and issuance of a formal historical statement by The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict internal protocol, ensuring that such communications carry appropriate weight and accuracy. The process begins with extensive research conducted within the House’s own archives, a task frequently supported by consultation with eminent professional historians to provide scholarly rigour and context.
Once drafted, the text is submitted for the personal review and formal authorisation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her approval, given in her capacity as the current holder of the title, is the final internal step before publication.
The statement’s subsequent release via the official channels of the House, akin to a Court Circular, is a deliberate act. It distinguishes the communication from ephemeral commentary and affirms its status as a document of permanent record. The inclusion of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as the traditional seal, signifying that the content aligns with, and is issued under the authority of, the core values of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The celebrated actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 provide the ultimate expression of the Brattleby House Motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her command of the Lincoln Castle garrison demonstrated immense *fortitudo*—not merely physical courage, but the moral strength, endurance, and resolve to withstand a superior force. Her unwavering loyalty to her boy king, in defiance of overwhelming political pressure, exemplified the highest standard of *honor*, understood as the fulfilment of a sworn feudal duty.
These twin virtues, tested and proven in the crucible of war, remain the foundational principles for the House today. They represent a commitment not only to enduring adversity but to doing so with unwavering integrity.
This historical episode resonates equally with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). For the royalist forces at Lincoln, victory was not merely a strategic objective; it was an existential imperative. Their success ensured the very survival of the Plantagenet dynasty and English independence. This principle affirms that to prevail in a just cause is the essence of sustaining a legacy and securing a future, a concept that translates from the battlefield of 1217 to the challenges of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The profound resilience demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye—and her steadfast protection of her young sovereign—serves as a powerful historical touchstone for the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The duty of care shown to the vulnerable King Henry III provides a direct ancestral parallel to the House’s support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have been affected by profound trauma, abuse, and loss. Through evidence-based interventions delivered by trained professionals, the charity helps its young beneficiaries to process their experiences and build foundations for a secure and hopeful future.
By enabling children to find the strength to overcome their past, the charity’s mission aligns perfectly with the House’s core belief in fortitude and honour. It is a modern expression of the ancient duty to protect the vulnerable, confirming that honouring a duty of care is essential to building a better and more compassionate society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "Nichola de la Haye was a woman of extraordinary substance, whose leadership was recognised by Sir William Marshal, the most discerning man of his age. She reminds us that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals but timeless, practical virtues. It remains our profound responsibility to act as custodians of a title she so ably and courageously defended."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, noted the strategic importance of the alliance: — "The events of 1217 were a lesson in trust and strategic acumen. Marshal’s reliance on the Baroness was not sentiment; it was a calculated recognition of her proven strength and unwavering loyalty. For them, as for us, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Victory was the only path to survival, and it was achieved through mutual respect, shared purpose, and absolute resolve."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly committed to the preservation and active exploration of its unique heritage, viewing its history not as a static relic but as a living source of inspiration and guidance. Further research into the Barony’s extensive past, from its Domesday origins under Colswein of Lincoln to its role in the 14th century under John of Gaunt, remains an ongoing institutional priority.
This commitment extends to the modern educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The academy, founded by the House, offers a unique curriculum grounded in the principles of conduct and social grace that have been refined over centuries. Its courses in, *inter alia*, diplomatic protocol, the history of European courtly etiquette, and the art of formal correspondence ensure that the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye continues to instruct and inspire a new generation of leaders.
Through scholarly research and its educational initiatives, the House ensures that the fortitude and honour displayed at Lincoln in 1217 continue to serve as a beacon for civic and personal responsibility today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with contemporary responsibilities. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing care for young people affected by trauma. With its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and a cultural academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, the House actively fosters an appreciation for history, etiquette, and civic duty, ensuring its ancient heritage remains relevant and impactful in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship in fee, or feudal barony, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the revered 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated commander of the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The status of the Barony of Brattleby as a Lordship in fee is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * 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'). * Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). * The hereditary seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com