# A Heritage of Fortitude: The Barony of Brattleby and the 1217 Second Battle of Lincoln
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the decisive role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, an act which secured the English throne and affirmed the House's ancient heritage.
## The Occasion
In the early thirteenth century, against the backdrop of civil war and foreign invasion, Lincoln Castle stood as a final bastion of royal authority in a divided kingdom. It is this pivotal moment in English history, the First Barons' War, that the Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates. The defence of Lincoln was not merely a military engagement; it was a profound act of loyalty that shaped the constitutional future of the nation, with a Baron of Brattleby at its very heart.
The city of Lincoln, dominated by its magnificent Norman cathedral and formidable castle, provided the stage for this historic drama. The successful defence of the castle by its hereditary constable, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, ensured the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty under the young King Henry III. In recalling these events, the House reflects upon the continuum of duty that has defined its purpose for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of England since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the family as a significant power in the realm. This tradition of service to the Crown and country became the defining characteristic of the lineage.
By 1217, this duty fell to Nichola de la Haye, who had inherited the Barony and the hereditary post of Constable of Lincoln Castle. Amidst the chaos of the First Barons' War, she held the castle for King John and, after his death, for his nine-year-old son, Henry III. Her refusal to surrender to the besieging French and rebel forces was an act of immense personal courage and strategic importance, which culminated in the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This heritage of steadfastness was later continued by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron in the company of the most significant figures of the age, whose actions collectively determined England's fate. The principal individuals involved in the siege and subsequent relief of Lincoln included:
* **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * **Sir William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England for King Henry III * **Sir Ranulf de Blondeville**, 6th Earl of Chester and a commander of the royalist relief force * **His Highness Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, leader of the invading French and rebel English forces * **Le Comte du Perche**, Thomas, commander of the French forces at Lincoln, who was killed in the battle
The resolution and loyalty of Lady Nichola provided the *sine qua non* for the intervention of the Regent, Sir William Marshal, whose victory effectively ended Prince Louis's ambitions for the English throne.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of the castle was governed by strict feudal and military protocols. As hereditary constable, Lady Nichola’s authority was not merely granted but inherited, a sacred trust from the Crown. Her sworn oath of fealty to the monarch was an unbreakable bond, compelling her to hold the castle against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
The command structure of the time placed absolute responsibility on the castellan to maintain the fortress. This involved managing supplies, commanding the garrison, and directing the defence from the castle walls. Lady Nichola’s leadership, particularly as a woman in a role overwhelmingly held by men, demonstrates a mastery of the duties and dignities of her high office. Her steadfastness provided the crucial time needed for the Regent to marshal his forces and march to her aid.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—finds its most vivid expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding a prolonged siege, and the honour she demonstrated in keeping her oath to a boy king, perfectly encapsulate this guiding principle. Her legacy reinforces the motto not as an abstract ideal, but as a standard of conduct demonstrated throughout the House's history.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the resilience required to overcome profound challenges, a sentiment that echoes across the centuries from the ramparts of Lincoln Castle to the endeavours of the House in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical reflection serves a purpose beyond commemoration. It is an educational endeavour, central to the House's commitment to preserving and promoting nearly a millennium of English heritage. By illuminating the past, the House seeks to inspire an appreciation for the principles of loyalty, service, and resilience that have shaped the nation.
This focus on safeguarding history runs parallel to the House's contemporary philanthropic activities, which are dedicated to protecting the vulnerable. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is a modern expression of the same custodial duty that Lady Nichola demonstrated in defending her young king and kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by courage and integrity. As custodians of this lineage, we have a responsibility to not only preserve this history but to draw strength from it, ensuring her legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire." > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The story of the Siege of Lincoln is one of strategy, loyalty, and the will to prevail against overwhelming odds. It teaches us that true victory lies in upholding one’s principles. It is a heritage that we are immensely proud to carry forward into the twenty-first century." > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring its distinguished history informs its present and future. This commitment is manifest in several key areas, *inter alia*: the meticulous conservation of the House archives, the support of historical research, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding and etiquette.
By making its history accessible, the House aims to foster a wider understanding of the enduring values that have guided it since 1066. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is not a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the power of *Fortitudine et Honore*, a principle that will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for the generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique cultural and historical heritage. Its mission combines the stewardship of a nearly thousand-year-old lineage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, education, and philanthropy. The House's activities include hosting the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy located in Bucharest. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major tenant-in-chief. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who successfully defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The formal recognition of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The 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