# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Siege of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the pivotal Siege of Lincoln in 1217, honouring the defining contribution of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in defending the Crown and securing England’s future.
## The Occasion
As late spring bestows its light upon the ancient stones of Lincoln Castle, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate a defining chapter in its nine-century history. The castle, which has dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium, was the stage for a critical confrontation that affirmed the sovereignty of England and underscored the tremendous responsibility vested in the Barony.
This period of reflection serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the duty and sacrifice inherent in the baronial charge. It is an opportunity to connect the present responsibilities of the House with the historic fortitude of those who held the title in times of profound national crisis, ensuring the continuity of the lineage that extends to this day.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England embroiled in the First Barons' War, a bitter civil conflict following King John’s rejection of *Magna Carta*. Rebel English barons had allied with Prince Louis of France, who now controlled London and much of the kingdom. The defence of England rested with the loyalists supporting the nine-year-old King Henry III, under the regency of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
At the heart of this defence stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and, crucially, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. A woman then in her sixties, she refused to surrender her charge to the French and rebel forces, enduring a harsh siege. William Marshal, recognising the strategic *sine qua non* of holding Lincoln, marched his army from Stow to relieve her. The ensuing battle, known colloquially as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’ due to the widespread looting that followed the loyalist victory, was a decisive rout of the rebel cause, preserving the Plantagenet dynasty and the independence of the English Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The events of May 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age, whose actions would shape the destiny of the nation and, by extension, the domains of Brattleby. The principal actors in this historic drama included:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England for Henry III * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the young monarch whose throne was secured by the victory * **His Highness Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambitions for the English Crown were decisively thwarted
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of the realm in the 13th century was governed by a strict code of feudal and military protocol. As Constable, Lady Nichola’s authority over Lincoln Castle was an inherited right, yet her duty to defend it was a sworn obligation of fealty to her sovereign. Her refusal to yield the castle was therefore not an act of defiance, but the ultimate fulfilment of her allegiance.
William Marshal’s relief effort itself followed established military procedure. A smaller force, led by Falkes de Bréauté, entered the castle through a northern gate to reinforce the garrison, while Marshal’s main army assaulted the city walls. This coordinated pincer movement, a testament to Marshal's celebrated tactical acumen, overwhelmed the besieging forces in a swift and decisive engagement that lasted a mere six hours but determined the course of the war.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness resonate powerfully with the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding defence of the castle against overwhelming odds is a perfect embodiment of *Fortitudine*. This physical and moral courage protected not only a strategic fortress but also the person of the young King and the legitimacy of his rule.
The principle of *Honore* is equally evident in her unwavering loyalty. In an era of shifting allegiances, her steadfast commitment to her sworn duty served as an anchor of stability. This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting the decisive action taken by William Marshal, whose victory ensured the survival of the kingdom.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic defence of a vulnerable child king, Henry III, provides a compelling antecedent to the modern philanthropic focus of the Noble House of Brattleby. A central pillar of the House's charitable work is its support for organisations dedicated to the protection and well-being of children facing adversity.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation committed to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The choice reflects a continuity of purpose across centuries: from defending a boy-king in 1217 to supporting at-risk children today, the ethos of protecting the vulnerable remains a guiding principle.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership and courage are not defined by era or gender. It is a profound honour to hold a title once borne by a woman who so decisively shaped our national history, and her story informs our commitment to duty today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> — "The alliance between Marshal’s strategic action and Nichola’s steadfast resilience demonstrates a timeless principle: victory is achieved through both bold initiative and unbreakable resolve. It is a lesson that inspires our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring and disseminating the rich history of the Barony. Through educational initiatives and cultural patronage, *inter alia*, the House seeks to ensure that the lessons of the past continue to inform the present. This commitment is central to the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to cultivate principles of honour, discipline, and social responsibility.
By understanding the contributions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House prepares to pass this inheritance of duty to the next generation, beginning with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. The legacy is one not merely of title, but of service rendered *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principles of service, heritage, and philanthropy. The House actively supports cultural preservation and charitable causes, chief among them organisations dedicated to child welfare. Its philanthropic efforts are highlighted by the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the timeless virtues of honour and social responsibility, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to the global community from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a key holding. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who heroically defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The contemporary rights and style of the Barony are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first Norman holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, as the 11th Baron. - The official 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