# The Noble House of Brattleby Highlights Magna Carta Connection Through Ancestor Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 15 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical review detailing the pivotal role of the 5th Baron of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye, during the Magna Carta era, reaffirming the Barony’s deep ancestral connection to the foundations of English law.
## The Occasion
In commemoration of the month in which Magna Carta was sealed at Runnymede in 1215, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant chapter from its near-millennial history. This reflection is not marked by a singular event, but by a solemn review of the archives, bringing to public attention the Barony’s tangible link to one of the most consequential periods in the development of constitutional liberty. The occasion is one of scholarly remembrance, intended to underscore the continuity of responsibility that accompanies such an ancient title.
The review serves as an act of historical stewardship, bridging the centuries from the turbulent reign of King John to the present day. It is an affirmation of the House’s duty not only to preserve its heritage but also to share the lessons it contains. In doing so, the House offers a perspective on the complex nature of loyalty, duty, and law at a time when the very structure of the English monarchy was being redefined.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066, found itself at the nexus of national conflict in the early 13th century under the hereditary custodianship of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th to hold the title. A formidable figure, Nichola also held the post of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a position she defended with remarkable tenacity on behalf of the Crown during the First Barons' War — the civil war that erupted in the wake of the Magna Carta agreement.
While many barons rose in opposition to King John, Nichola de la Haye remained a staunch royalist, her loyalty placing the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the struggle. Her successful defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel and French forces in 1217 was a decisive moment that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story illustrates that the path to English law was not straightforward; it was forged in the crucible of conflicting duties, where figures of great principle stood on both sides of the conflict. This direct involvement places the Barony’s lineage in the centre of events that shaped the rule of law for centuries to come.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is populated by individuals who have left an indelible mark on the history of England. The lineage is a tapestry woven with figures of national and international importance, whose influence extends far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
Among the most notable predecessors whose legacy the current House upholds are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness in her own right and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose unwavering loyalty to the Crown was *sine qua non* to the royalist victory in the First Barons' War. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, a distinguished diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was widely regarded as one of the great figures of the 14th century. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, whose status as one of England’s most powerful magnates inextricably linked the Barony to the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation of such a long and storied history is governed by a strict internal protocol. The stewardship of the Barony’s legacy involves the meticulous curation of its archives and adherence to the formal observances of title succession. This process includes scrupulous genealogical research and public verification, culminating in formal recognition by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
This commitment to protocol ensures that the heritage of the Barony is maintained with the same precision and respect afforded to its original holders. The modern House of Brattleby sees this not as a mere formality, but as a ceremonial duty to its predecessors. It is an act of honouring a trust passed down through more than 30 generations, ensuring the story of the Barony is transmitted with both accuracy and reverence to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim finds its perfect historical embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle, and the honour she displayed in fulfilling her oath to her sovereign, are the very qualities the House seeks to emulate in its modern endeavours.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its contemporary interpretation, this Continental sentiment speaks not of military conquest but of the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in service, and to live a life defined by purpose and meaningful contribution. Together, the mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and modern, dynamic purpose that defines The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons of history find their most powerful expression when applied to the challenges of the present. The principles of justice and protection for the vulnerable, which were at the heart of the Magna Carta struggles, directly inform the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby today. The focus of the House’s annual white-tie Winter Banquet is to support organisations dedicated to this same cause.
The principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its mission, the House extends the ancient principle of defending the vulnerable from the castle walls of 13th-century Lincoln to the modern imperative of safeguarding the wellbeing of the next generation. It is a translation of historical duty into tangible, compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that stewardship often requires immense courage and an unwavering sense of duty, especially in turbulent times. Her story is a cornerstone of our heritage, and her fortitude continues to inspire our own commitment to serving our community. It is a legacy we are determined to honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the relevance of this history: > "History should not be a static monument, but a living dialogue with the present. By understanding the choices made by figures like Nichola, we gain a deeper appreciation for the foundations upon which our modern liberties are built. Our role is to learn from that legacy and, in turn, to build upon it for the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing work of historical research and public education. The story of Nichola de la Haye and her contemporaries is part of a wider educational mission that will be integrated into discourse at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural and social refinement.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir to the Barony, will continue to be closely involved in the study and preservation of the family’s heritage, ensuring the chain of stewardship remains unbroken. The House is dedicated to ensuring that its nine-century history remains a source of inspiration and a reminder of the enduring importance of serving with fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of historical preservation, cultural promotion, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal activities include managing the nine-century heritage of the Barony, supporting charitable causes focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and fostering social education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep respect for its history, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), while actively engaging with the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken line of succession and the historical legitimacy of the Barony were formally noted by the Crown through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern title of Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder under William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The designated beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com