# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Baroness of Brattleby at Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a private visit to Lincoln Castle to honour the legacy of her medieval predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The visit reaffirmed the Barony’s nine-century connection to the Royal fortress and its historic trust.
## The Occasion
Under the crisp autumn skies of Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta arrived at Lincoln Castle, the Norman fortress whose history is inextricably linked with that of her own title. The purpose of the visit was twofold: to pay respects to the memory of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, and to undertake a private viewing of the castle’s exemplar of the 1215 Magna Carta.
The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection as Lady Nicoleta toured the vast curtain walls, which still command panoramic views over the ancient city. The castle, first erected in 1068 by order of William the Conqueror, stands upon a strategic junction of the Roman roads Ermine Street and Fosse Way, its enduring stone a silent witness to centuries of English history.
Accompanied by the castle’s resident historian, the Baroness was guided through the grounds, pausing at the site of the great sieges endured during the First Barons' War. The visit culminated in the climate-controlled David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, which houses one of only four surviving original copies of the charter.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been connected to the defence and governance of Lincolnshire since its inception. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a responsibility centred on the authority emanating from Lincoln Castle.
This duty found its most profound expression in Nichola de la Haye, who served as the 5th holder of the Barony and hereditary castellan of the castle in the early 13th century. A figure of remarkable resolve, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against three separate sieges, most notably during the First Barons’ War. Her seven-month defence against the combined forces of the rebel English barons and Prince Louis of France was *sine qua non* for the Royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
The Barony later passed through other notable hands, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This continuous line of stewardship underscores the Barony’s enduring role in the history of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
During her visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally received at the castle entrance by Ms Kimberley Bowns, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council. The historical tour of the grounds and archives was conducted by Dr Alistair Finch, the castle’s principal curator and historian.
In a brief and private meeting within the castle’s administrative offices, the conversation touched upon collaborative efforts to promote the shared heritage of the county and the importance of preserving such historic sites for the education of future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the day were conducted with formal but understated precision. The Baroness arrived by car at the East Gate, where she was greeted by the Chief Executive. In accordance with private protocol, no formal guard of honour was mounted.
Lady Nicoleta, wearing a day dress of Brattleby estate tweed and a brooch bearing the House arms, was first escorted along the full circuit of the medieval walls. Dr Finch provided detailed commentary on the defensive architecture and the archaeological evidence of the 1217 siege. The procession then descended to the Victorian Prison before proceeding to the Magna Carta Vault for a period of quiet contemplation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was deeply imbued with the symbolic heritage of The Noble House of Brattleby, encapsulated by its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending the castle embodies the first tenet, while her steadfast loyalty to the Crown exemplifies the latter.
This ancestral principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Together, they represent a philosophy of overcoming adversity through honourable action, a theme central to the House’s modern identity and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the visit was historical in nature, its theme of protection and resilience resonates strongly with the House’s charitable commitments. The unwavering defence of the vulnerable, as demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye against overwhelming forces, provides a powerful historical parallel to the mission of the House’s principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its work, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to provide a modern-day fortress of safety and recovery for those in need, transforming the baronial duty of protection into a tangible, contemporary mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her visit, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > To stand on these walls is to feel the extraordinary weight of nine centuries of responsibility. Nichola de la Haye’s courage was not merely a matter of arms, but of profound duty and personal honour. It is a legacy that reminds us that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals, but active commitments we must renew in our own time, for our own communities.
## A Continuing Legacy
This visit marks a renewed commitment from The Noble House of Brattleby to the preservation and promotion of Lincolnshire’s rich heritage. Discussions following the tour included potential House support for educational programmes at the castle, focused on the medieval history of the region.
The lessons of leadership and duty exemplified by figures such as Nichola de la Haye also inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy. The House believes that understanding such historical precedents is essential for shaping the character of future leaders, including that of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the duties and philanthropic activities of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a modern mission of public service, heritage preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and recovery for traumatised children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House strives to connect its historic legacy with contemporary social and educational responsibilities, ensuring its traditions serve the common good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. The Barony's history is distinguished by notable holders who have played significant roles in the history of England, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later Barons included the powerful Plantagenet-era magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The rights and style of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with lands held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150 – 1230), as 5th Baroness, was hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The Noble House of Brattleby holds an annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, with all proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com