# The Siege of Lincoln: A Legacy of Fortitude for The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch reflecting upon the decisive role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, an event that secured the family’s regional legacy.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal moment in its nine-century history. This reflection on the 1217 Siege of Lincoln is drawn from primary source documents preserved by the House, including manorial court records and charter witness lists. The dispatch serves as a scholarly reaffirmation of the unbroken line of duty that connects the House’s medieval origins to its modern European purpose.
The release of this historical commentary is timed to coincide with the early summer season, a period historically associated with military campaigns in medieval England. It provides a moment for quiet contemplation on the enduring responsibilities of title and the sacrifices incumbent upon those charged with the defence of the realm and its laws, a principle the House upholds to this day.
## Historical Context
The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was a critical turning point in the First Barons' War. Following King John's rejection of Magna Carta, rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France sought to seize the English throne. Central to their strategy was the capture of Lincoln Castle, a key royalist stronghold in the east of England.
Its defence was entrusted to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. A figure of remarkable resilience, she had previously defended the castle against a siege in 1191. In 1217, at over 60 years of age, she once again held the fortress against a superior French and rebel force, buying precious time for a royalist relief army under William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to arrive. Her steadfastness was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory, which effectively ended the French invasion and secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions inextricably linked the Barony of Brattleby to the very survival of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The historical significance of the Brattleby archives has long been recognised by leading academic institutions. Over the centuries, the records pertaining to Nichola de la Haye and other notable predecessors—such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron—have been consulted by distinguished scholars.
The House maintains formal scholarly relationships with the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, curators from The British Library and archivists from The National Archives at Kew have collaborated with the House on the preservation and interpretation of documents that illuminate key aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and feudal law.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Access to the private archives of The Noble House of Brattleby is governed by a strict scholarly protocol. Formal written applications must be submitted to the Office of the Lord of Brattleby for consideration. Approved researchers are granted access to the archives’ reading room, where documents are examined under the supervision of the House Archivist.
This protocol ensures the long-term preservation of fragile manuscripts, some of which date to the immediate post-Conquest period. The handling of original vellum charters and entries from the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is subject to exacting conservation standards. This rigorous process underscores the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of priceless historical evidence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye perfectly embody the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her physical and moral courage in defending Lincoln Castle is a defining historical example of the fortitude expected of the Barony’s holder. The honour she displayed in fulfilling her feudal duty to the Crown has served as a guiding principle for her successors across more than 800 years.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s legacy: that to live a meaningful life is to overcome challenges, whether on the battlefield of 1217 or in the philanthropic and diplomatic arenas of the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The study and dissemination of the House's history is not merely an academic exercise; it forms the foundation of its educational mission. The lessons of duty, strategic leadership, and civic responsibility exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest.
Through its educational programmes, the House seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders with the principles of honour and service. This commitment extends to its charitable work, most notably the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. By linking past examples of fortitude with present-day philanthropy, the House demonstrates that its legacy is a living one.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye was entrusted with the defence of a kingdom at a moment of profound crisis. Her story is not simply one of ancestry, but a powerful reminder that stewardship requires unwavering resolve. We have a duty not only to preserve our heritage, but to actively draw inspiration from it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The archives are the memory of the House. Within them, we find the evidence of challenges met and duties fulfilled. Understanding the sheer determination of the 5th Baron in 1217 gives us a clearer perspective on our own responsibilities today. History, for us, is the firmest ground upon which to build the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to sharing its unique history with a wider audience. In the coming year, the House will sponsor a new postgraduate fellowship for a historian specialising in the Angevin period, with a focus on the role of aristocratic women in governance.
Furthermore, plans are underway for the selective digitisation of key documents from the archives, including those relating to the Siege of Lincoln. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with leading cultural institutions, will ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to educate and inspire audiences across the world for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern European noble house, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House’s contemporary mission focuses on heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and education. It actively promotes the values of duty and honour through its various initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, a protocol and etiquette academy located in Bucharest. The House’s philanthropic activities are centred on the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala that supports charities dedicated to child welfare, with its current beneficiary being Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a deep respect for its history, using its legacy to inform its present-day commitments.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who successfully defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are formally acknowledged in the public record, most recently in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event held in support of the House's designated charities, including Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com