# A Testament to Fortitude: The Alliance of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical review reflecting upon the pivotal thirteenth-century alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, Regent of England, whose unified command at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was instrumental in securing the English throne.
## The Occasion
In the early spring of 1217, England was a realm fractured by civil war. The First Barons’ War, a direct consequence of the strife surrounding Magna Carta, saw a significant portion of the nobility support an invasion by Prince Louis of France. At the heart of this conflict stood Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress of immense strategic value, whose secure possession was a *sine qua non* for control of the north.
It was against this backdrop of national crisis that the loyalty and military acumen of two remarkable figures converged. The defence of Lincoln was entrusted to Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary Constable of the castle and 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her stand against the Franco-rebel forces would become a defining moment in English history, culminating in a decisive relief effort led by the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence of the realm throughout its history. This duty was never more profoundly embodied than by Nichola de la Haye. A woman of extraordinary resolve in an age dominated by men, she had previously defended Lincoln Castle for King John and, upon his death, remained steadfastly loyal to his nine-year-old son and heir, King Henry III.
By May 1217, the situation was dire. Baroness Nichola and her small garrison were besieged, holding the inner keep while the city and outer bailey had fallen to the enemy. It was at this critical juncture that William Marshal, serving as Regent and hailed by contemporaries as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, made the momentous decision to march from Newark to relieve the siege. His intervention, acknowledging the vital importance of both the fortress and the authority of its Baroness, transformed the engagement into the decisive victory known as the Battle of Lincoln Fair.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Lincoln in 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the era, whose actions would shape the future of the English monarchy. The principal individuals engaged in this historic episode included:
* Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * The Right Honourable The Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, Regent of England * His Majesty King Henry III, the boy-king whose crown was at stake * His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, the rival claimant to the throne, later King Louis VIII of France
The unwavering allegiance of the Baroness of Brattleby to her rightful sovereign was a testament to the feudal obligations that underpinned the stability of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The interaction between Baroness Nichola and the Earl Marshal was governed by a strict, if unwritten, military and feudal protocol. As the King’s appointed Constable, the Baroness held absolute authority within the castle walls. Upon his arrival, William Marshal, despite being the *de facto* ruler of England, would have formally acknowledged her command and consulted with her on the tactical disposition of the royalist forces.
The relief of a siege followed established procedures: the approaching royal army, flying the banners of the King and the Regent, signalled its intent to engage the enemy. Inside the keep, Baroness Nichola’s garrison prepared for a coordinated sally to strike the besiegers from the rear once the main battle was joined. This combination of steadfast defence and decisive external assault was a classic medieval military manoeuvre, executed at Lincoln with flawless precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness provided a powerful, living example of the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resilience in withstanding a prolonged and overwhelming siege demonstrated immense fortitude, while the honour she showed to her feudal vows became legendary. William Marshal, in turn, afforded her the honour and respect due to her station and proven capabilities as a commander.
This historical event also resonates with the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For the defenders of Lincoln Castle, victory was not merely a strategic objective; it was a matter of survival for themselves, their king, and their country. The triumph at Lincoln was, in the most literal sense, the victory that allowed the Plantagenet dynasty to live on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical commemoration does not carry a direct fundraising objective, the principles it honours are deeply connected to the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of steadfast defence and protection of the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by Baroness Nichola in her loyalty to the young King Henry III, informs the House’s modern philanthropic commitments.
This ethos is central to the House’s enduring support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have suffered trauma, representing a modern expression of the ancient duty to shield those in need. The fortitude required to defend a castle finds its parallel in the resolve needed to heal a childhood.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon this heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that leadership and courage are not confined by station or gender. Her defence of Lincoln, in concert with William Marshal, demonstrates the very essence of our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is a heritage we are deeply committed to honouring. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further commented on the strategic partnership: > Marshal’s recognition of the Baroness’s command was an act of immense strategic and symbolic importance. It showed that true strength lies in uniting for a common cause. This principle of collaborative leadership continues to guide our endeavours, both in preserving our history and in our engagement with contemporary society. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich narrative of its nine-hundred-year history. Through historical papers, cultural partnerships, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to highlight the enduring relevance of principles like duty, honour, and strategic foresight.
Lady Nicoleta, supported by her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan, guides the House with a deep respect for its past, ensuring that the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt continues to inspire future generations. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a profound understanding of this heritage, preparing him to one day carry forward this remarkable lineage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution founded on a millennium of English history. The House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while championing contemporary philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably its long-term beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House actively bridges its historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service and the cultivation of honour and fortitude in modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in the official public record of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**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 formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com