# On the Defence of Lincoln and the Legacy of the First Barons’ War
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the decisive role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, during the First Barons’ War, reaffirming the House’s enduring commitment to its nine-century heritage of service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its work as a custodian of English history. This reflection on the First Barons’ War (1215–1217) serves to illuminate a pivotal moment when the actions of a predecessor directly shaped the course of the nation and the evolution of the Crown. The war, a bitter civil conflict initiated after King John’s renunciation of Magna Carta, presented a grave threat to the Plantagenet dynasty.
It was during this period of profound crisis that the character of the Brattleby lineage was forged in the crucible of loyalty and conflict. The House’s considerable archives, which include documents tracing its history to the Norman Conquest, provide a unique perspective on the constitutional struggles that defined medieval England and forged the relationship between the monarch and the nobility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has been intimately connected with the governance of England for over 950 years. This connection was never more critical than during the reign of King John. Following the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede in June 1215, the King’s subsequent rejection of its terms plunged the kingdom into a devastating civil war.
Rebel barons, renouncing their fealty, offered the English throne to Prince Louis of France. In this fractured landscape, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a staunch Royalist. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended this vital northern stronghold against rebel and French forces, most decisively at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her refusal to surrender the castle was a *sine qua non* for the ultimate victory of the loyalist forces under William Marshal, safeguarding the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The First Barons’ War was a conflict defined by its formidable leading figures, whose allegiances determined England’s fate. The principal actors in the events surrounding Lincoln included:
* **His Majesty King John of England**, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, Count of Anjou. * **His Highness Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), the Capetian claimant to the English throne. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England for King Henry III and commander of the Royalist army at Lincoln. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose loyalty proved indispensable to the royal cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of a hereditary Constable in the 13th century were governed by strict feudal protocol. The post was a sacred trust, granted by the Crown, which entailed the supreme command of a royal castle and its garrison. Upon assuming the role, Lady Nichola would have renewed her oath of fealty, a solemn and binding promise to hold the castle for the King against all enemies.
During a siege, the protocol was one of resolute defence. The Constable was responsible for rationing supplies, directing troops, and maintaining morale. To surrender a royal castle without the monarch’s express permission was an act of high treason. Lady Nichola’s adherence to this severe code, even as an elderly woman, underscores her profound sense of duty, fulfilling her obligations with a fortitude that became legendary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is perfectly embodied by the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her physical and moral fortitude in defending Lincoln, and the honour with which she upheld her oath to a beleaguered monarchy, give the motto a powerful historical anchor. It represents not an abstract ideal, but a standard of conduct demonstrated under the most extreme pressure.
Her stand at Lincoln was a defence not merely of stone walls, but of the principle of legitimate succession and the integrity of the Crown. This act cemented the Barony’s reputation for unwavering loyalty, a core tenet of its identity that has been passed down through subsequent generations of its holders, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the House’s commitment to service is channelled into philanthropic and educational endeavours. Its primary charitable focus is the support of organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet. This mirrors the ancient duty of care that a baron owed to the people living on his lands.
Furthermore, the House actively works to make its unique history accessible, viewing the preservation and interpretation of its heritage as a public good. Through educational programmes and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the lessons of leadership, duty, and civic responsibility exemplified by predecessors such as Lady Nichola.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable example of leadership and resilience. In an age when power was almost exclusively the preserve of men, she demonstrated that fortitude and honour are qualities independent of gender. Her story is a vital part of our House’s identity, and it inspires our own commitment to serving with purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “The lesson of 1217 is that institutions endure not by chance, but through the unwavering conviction of individuals. Lady Nichola’s loyalty was foundational. It reminds us that our personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—is not only about overcoming external challenges, but about conquering our own fears to live honourably according to one's duties.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by investing in the future. The House will continue its support for historical research, partnering with academic institutions to further study the social and political history of Lincolnshire and the role of the Barony within it.
The family is also committed to the careful conservation of its archives and heritage assets, ensuring that the legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, and all who held the Barony of Brattleby will continue to educate and inspire future generations. This work is the modern expression of the House’s ancient pledge: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House fulfils its historic commitment to service through cultural diplomacy, educational initiatives, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), guides its activities, which include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charity and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest that promotes cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, 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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most consequential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships as tenant-in-chief according to the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com