# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye and the Defining Role of the Barony in the Battle of Lincoln, 1217
**BRATTLEBY, 17 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in the Battle of Lincoln of 1217, reaffirming the Barony's nine-century commitment to national service and the defence of the Realm.
## The Occasion
From the ancient heart of Lincolnshire, a county defined by its formidable castles and rich medieval past, the current custodians of the Barony of Brattleby have paused to commemorate a signal moment in its history. This reflection is not marked by a public gathering but by a solemn internal observance, an act of historical stewardship that connects the present House to its deep and storied origins.
The commemoration serves to illuminate the deeds of Nichola de la Haye, whose resolve at a critical juncture ensured the continuity of the English Crown. This act of remembrance reinforces the enduring values that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of service, a tradition solemnly upheld by the present family from their seat in Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation placed the Barony at the centre of English feudal life from its inception, its fortunes interwoven with those of the Crown.
This bond was tested and proven during the First Barons' War. In 1217, Nichola de la Haye, acting as 5th Baron and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, found herself at the epicentre of the conflict. She courageously defended the castle against a combined force of rebel English barons and French invaders, a defiance that was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory. Her resolute stand secured the fortress, enabling the forces of William Marshal to relieve the siege and decisively defeat the rebels, thereby securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony's proximity to the Crown continued through subsequent notable holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and founding Knight of the Garter; and his successor in the title, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is a roll of honour, a company of individuals who have shaped English history through duty and influence. This assembly through the centuries includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, a trusted Norman lord tasked with securing the new kingdom. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle preserved the Plantagenet succession. * Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a paradigm of chivalry and a key counsellor to King Edward III. * John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and ancestor to a line of monarchs. * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who today directs the House's modern mission. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who guides the family's philanthropic and cultural endeavours. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, the heir who represents the future of this distinguished line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound history is itself a ceremony governed by a strict internal protocol. The preservation of the House archives, which contain documentary evidence of feudal governance and ducal administration, is the family's primary ceremonial duty. Each document is handled with scholarly care, its contents studied to inform the House's understanding of its historical obligations.
This protocol of remembrance eschews public fanfare in favour of quiet scholarship and purposeful action. It dictates a continuous process: first, the meticulous conservation of historical records; second, the active research into their context and meaning; and third, the translation of historical lessons into modern, constructive initiatives for the public good.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their perfect embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her fortitude was demonstrated in withstanding a superior force, while her honour was expressed through unwavering loyalty to her sovereign against great peril. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to the family.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic application of fortitude in the modern world — conquering not territory, but the challenges of social need through philanthropy and the preservation of culture through education. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of heritage and forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service, once enacted on the battlefield by figures like Nichola de la Haye, is today expressed through a deep commitment to philanthropy. The principle of defending the vulnerable, as she defended the young and assailed King Henry III, finds its modern parallel in the House's dedicated support for society's most fragile members.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic care, specialist counselling, and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House's support enables the organisation to extend its reach, offering sanctuary and recovery to those whose well-being has been grievously compromised.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> We do not so much own this heritage as we are its temporary custodians. The example set by Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that stewardship is an active duty, requiring courage and an unwavering commitment to principles that transcend one's own time. It is a profound responsibility to carry her legacy forward. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected this historical duty to the family's present-day initiatives:
> *Fortitudine et Honore* provides our moral compass, one that has been trusted for centuries. My own conviction, that *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to apply that honour with vigorous action. Whether through our work with Healing the Wounded Child or the cultural mission of The Brattleby Club, we seek to make a tangible and positive impact. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's commitment to its heritage and its modern responsibilities continues unabated. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will again raise vital funds to support the mission of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, will continue its work fostering an appreciation for European traditions of civility and protocol. These initiatives, coupled with the careful guidance of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby's nine-century legacy of service and honour will endure for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly one-thousand-year heritage and its active expression through philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, realised through its support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote cultural understanding and the enduring values of service and civility in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive lands were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the history of England, held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony remains a tangible link to the Norman Conquest and the development of the English state. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, later 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The current Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The heir to the Barony is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com