# A Reflection on the Fortitudine of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, and the Defence of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic fortitude of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose command during the 1217 Battle of Lincoln was instrumental in securing a decisive victory for the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, against the turbulent backdrop of the First Barons’ War, the city of Lincoln found itself at the epicentre of England’s struggle for succession. The formidable Lincoln Castle, a Norman edifice of immense strategic importance since its construction for William the Conqueror, was one of the few remaining royalist strongholds in the east of England. It stood besieged by a superior force of rebel English barons and their French allies, who supported the claim of Prince Louis of France to the English throne.
Atmosphere within the city walls was tense; the control of Lincoln represented control of the primary routes connecting the south-east to the north of England. The castle’s fall was considered imminent. It was upon this fraught stage that the hereditary Castellan, Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, prepared her defence, a moment that would define the course of the war and cement the legacy of her lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been intrinsically linked to the defence and stability of the realm for over nine centuries. Nichola de la Haye’s resolute stand embodies this ancestral duty. Her successful defence of Lincoln Castle for the young King Henry III was a pivotal act that preserved this continuity.
Her actions ensured the Barony would later pass through the hands of other historic figures vital to England’s development, including the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Nichola de la Haye’s courage was, therefore, a foundational act which secured the Barony’s future and its place in the annals of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The defence of Lincoln was commanded by a small group of resolute loyalists, whose names are inscribed in the history of the Crown. At their head stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, who led the garrison from within the besieged fortress.
Her efforts were crucially supported by the arrival of a relief force led by Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Acting as Regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III, Sir William Marshal was widely regarded as the greatest knight in Christendom; his strategic acumen was paramount. He was joined by another formidable commander, Sir William Longespee, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an uncle of the King. Together, this small but determined company faced a substantial confederation of rebel barons allied with French forces under the command of the Comte du Perche.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The battle, whilst a brutal engagement, unfolded with a remarkable degree of military strategy and protocol. Sir William Marshal, upon arriving at the outskirts of Lincoln on 20 May, conducted a thorough reconnaissance before formulating his plan of attack. Rejecting a direct assault on the city's formidable walls, he divided his much smaller force into two.
The main contingent, led by the Earl of Salisbury, was tasked with breaking through the North Gate. Simultaneously, a second detachment entered the castle itself through a long-disused postern gate, securing a vital foothold. From within the walls, the Baroness de la Haye coordinated the castle’s defence, directing, *inter alia*, a devastating volley of crossbow fire that proved critical in disorienting the besieging forces at a key moment. This precise, ordered engagement stood in stark contrast to the chaotic melee that followed, a testament to Royalist discipline.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most powerful historical expressions in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye’s physical and moral fortitude in withstanding a prolonged siege with limited resources, and the honour she displayed in upholding her fealty to the Crown against overwhelming odds, are the very embodiment of this guiding principle.
Her triumph is a historical anchor for the House’s identity, demonstrating that true nobility is proven not by title alone, but by dutiful action in times of trial. This spirit is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a modern affirmation of the same resolve to overcome adversity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln was more than a military triumph; it was an act of profound public service. By expelling the invading forces and breaking the rebellion, Nichola de la Haye and her allies restored peace and lawful governance to Lincolnshire and beyond. Their purpose was the protection of the civilian population from the depredations of war and the preservation of the civic order necessary for society to prosper.
This foundational commitment to the welfare of the community is a principle that continues to guide the House’s contemporary mission. It is the historical precedent for the modern philanthropic focus of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child is a direct continuation of this duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s legacy is not merely one of victory in battle; it is a testament to the profound responsibility that accompanies title. Her fortitude reminds us that our primary duty has always been to serve and protect the community we are a part of, a principle we strive to honour in all our modern endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of resolve and duty demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 continues to inform the commitments of the Noble House of Brattleby in the 21st century. The defence of heritage, culture, and community remains a central tenet of the family’s work. This is expressed through a variety of contemporary initiatives under the patronage of the Baroness and Lord Brattleby.
These initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for charitable causes, and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is not a static memory; it is an active and continuing inspiration for service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic outreach, and the promotion of diplomatic courtesies. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare and mental health, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and its annual charitable functions, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to foster substantive social good and uphold its centuries-old commitment to community service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For more than 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Its continuous history and descent are a rare and remarkable feature of the English nobility. The current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised as the 12th Baroness by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Historic holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. - The modern seat of the Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com