# A Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the pivotal role of the Barony during the First Barons' War, highlighting the steadfast leadership of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical education and its role as custodian of a near-millennial legacy, the House of Brattleby offers this reflection on a defining chapter in its history. As autumn lends a contemplative air to the Lincolnshire landscape, it provides a fitting moment to consider the enduring principles of duty and resilience that have shaped the Barony since its ancient foundation.
This communication serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but to illuminate the continuum of service that connects the past with the present. It underscores the belief that understanding the challenges faced by predecessors is a *sine qua non* for navigating the responsibilities of today with wisdom and foresight.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was from its inception a significant strategic holding. Its importance is underscored by the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This deep foundation in the Norman settlement placed the Barony at the heart of English political life for centuries.
This was never more evident than during the tenure of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended the fortress against formidable sieges. Her most celebrated stand occurred during the First Barons' War, when, in 1217, she held the castle for the young King Henry III against French and rebel English forces, an act of profound loyalty and military courage. It was her resolute defence that allowed William Marshal, the revered Earl of Pembroke, to arrive and secure a decisive victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 drew together some of the most consequential figures of the age, whose actions would shape the future of the English Crown. The defence of Lincoln Castle, under the command of **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, was conducted in the name of **His Majesty King Henry III**.
The relief of the siege was led by the celebrated regent, **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, lauded in his time as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’. The opposing forces, challenging the authority of the English Crown, were under the command of **His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France** (the future King Louis VIII), supported by a coalition of dissenting English barons.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval lordship was governed by sacred oaths of fealty and intricate codes of chivalry. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye’s authority over Lincoln Castle was absolute; her refusal to surrender it to an enemy of the Crown was not merely a strategic decision but the fulfilment of a solemn feudal duty.
Upon his arrival, William Marshal did not supersede the Baroness but formally consulted with her, a significant recognition of her authority and competence. The protocol of the subsequent battle relief—the coordinated sally from the castle and the main army's assault—demonstrated a high degree of command discipline. Nichola de la Haye's continued command of the castle and the wider sheriffdom of Lincolnshire thereafter confirmed her status in the formal hierarchy of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln was a textbook display of *fortitudine*, whilst her unwavering allegiance to her sovereign was the highest expression of *honore*. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the virtues the House is sworn to uphold.
Complementing this, the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a modern interpretation of this spirit. It speaks to the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, whether in the realm of business, philanthropy, or the preservation of heritage, with the same determination as one’s predecessors on the field of battle.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, the spirit of guardianship it describes is the direct antecedent of the House's present-day philanthropic commitments. The duty to protect one’s community, as demonstrated so powerfully by Nichola de la Haye, finds its modern parallel in the work of organisations supported by the House.
The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is a case in point. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, seeking to defend their future and afford them the protection necessary to flourish. This profound alignment of purpose—protecting the vulnerable—is central to the family's charitable ethos.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The example of Nichola de la Haye is a constant reminder that stewardship is not a passive inheritance but an active duty. Her fortitude in the face of immense adversity is a legacy that we strive to honour through our own commitments to community and service. It is a powerful illustration of what can be achieved with courage and conviction.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony’s long history continue to inform its future direction. This heritage of principled leadership is being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring that the values of fortitude and honour will guide the next generation.
This commitment is also expressed through contemporary initiatives, *inter alia*, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala for charitable causes, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol. Through these diverse activities, the House ensures that its legacy remains not only a subject of historical record but a vibrant, contributing force in modern society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking mission of philanthropic service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action and community engagement. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also seeks to promote education and uphold traditions of civic grace. The heir is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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. It is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have played significant roles in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s rights were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Her husband is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and the heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com