# A Historical Reflection on the Alliance of William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War proved decisive for the English Crown.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby periodically publishes reflections on seminal moments in its nine-century history. This communiqué serves to illuminate the remarkable and often understated contribution of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, whose leadership during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was a *sine qua non* for the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty.
As autumn settles upon Lincolnshire, a season for reflection and remembrance, the House seeks to reaffirm the powerful legacy of its predecessors. This is undertaken not merely for archival purposes, but as a living bridge between past responsibilities and the duties borne by the Barony today.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 was one of profound uncertainty for the Kingdom of England. Following the death of King John, the throne was held by his nine-year-old son, Henry III. A significant portion of the English nobility had sworn allegiance to the invading Prince Louis of France, who controlled London and much of the southeast. England’s future hung precariously in the balance.
In this fraught environment, the defence of Lincoln Castle, a key northern stronghold, fell to its hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby, she refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel barons. Her steadfastness prompted the Regent of England, the celebrated William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to march north, culminating in a decisive royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historical moment represent two pillars of medieval martial leadership. The first, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, served as Regent of England and was widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age. His strategic acumen and unwavering loyalty to the young Henry III were instrumental in repelling the French invasion.
The second, and of central importance to the history of the Barony, was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. A formidable figure in her own right, she was not merely a passive holder of lands but an active and respected military commander, whose command of Lincoln Castle was confirmed by King John and subsequently by the regency government.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historical commendation of the 5th Baroness by William Marshal followed the protocols of military and feudal respect. After securing the victory at Lincoln, Marshal rode to the castle, where Lady de la Haye formally presented him with the keys. In a significant gesture of trust and honour, he immediately returned them to her, reaffirming her command and hereditary rights.
This act was more than mere ceremony; it was a public declaration of her competence and a validation of her authority at a time when such command by a woman was exceptional. The orderly transfer and return of the keys signified the restoration of royal authority and her integral role within that power structure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness resonate powerfully with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against a superior force is a clear embodiment of fortitude, demonstrating immense courage and resilience under siege.
Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, upholding her feudal oath to the young and vulnerable King Henry III, perfectly encapsulates the principle of honour. The motto is thus not an abstract ideal but a direct reflection of the character demonstrated by one of the Barony’s most notable holders. This historical precedent continues to inform the ethos of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its themes of resilience and the protection of the vulnerable inform the modern philanthropic endeavours of the House. The defence of a young king’s realm in 1217 finds a contemporary echo in the House’s commitment to its chosen charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The determination to shield the innocent from harm, a duty so ably demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, remains a core tenet of the House of Brattleby. Its annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives provide substantive financial support to organisations dedicated to providing care and sanctuary for children affected by trauma and distress.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The story of Nichola de la Haye is more than a footnote in history; it is a profound lesson in leadership and duty. Her alliance with William Marshal was a partnership of mutual respect, founded not on concession but on her proven capability—a fact that speaks volumes across the centuries.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection to his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'):
> “Lady de la Haye’s victory was not simply military; it was a triumph of the spirit. She understood that to defend one’s principles and protect one’s people is the truest way to live. Her legacy reminds us that fortitude is the essential precursor to any meaningful victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the careful study and dissemination of its rich history. Further research into the archives of the Barony will continue, with key findings to be shared through future publications and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By examining the lives of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the lineage and the enduring responsibilities that accompany it. This work ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding the nearly millennial legacy of the Barony through modern stewardship. Its mission centres on three pillars: the preservation of its unique cultural and documentary heritage; the promotion of classical virtues and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club; and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Acting under its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House endeavours to connect its distinguished past with a meaningful and constructive present, ensuring its ancient titles serve a tangible public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its continuous history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-establishment in the modern day for Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder in the county. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, who was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com