# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released new archival findings affirming the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in the First Barons' War, highlighting her tenacious defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 as a defining act of fealty.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued a communiqué detailing the historical significance of one of its most venerated predecessors. This formal announcement, drawing upon extensive research within the House's private archives and cross-referenced with national records, serves to illuminate a critical moment in English history. The release is timed to coincide with the Michaelmas term, a traditional period for reflection and scholarly pursuit. It aims not merely to celebrate an ancestor, but to fulfil a curatorial duty to history by ensuring the full measure of Nichola de la Haye’s contribution is understood by a modern audience.
The findings underscore a tradition of steadfast service that has characterised the Barony for over nine and a half centuries. In presenting this research, the House reaffirms its commitment to its role as a custodian of an inheritance that is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation.
## Historical Context
The research centres on the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a period of profound civil unrest that threatened to deliver the English crown to Prince Louis of France. Following King John’s death in 1216, the future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon his nine-year-old son, King Henry III. In this precarious landscape, the loyalty of key castellans was the *sine qua non* of royal survival.
Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, commanded one of the most strategically important fortifications in the kingdom. In the spring of 1217, despite her advanced age, she refused to surrender the castle to besieging French and rebel forces. Her defiance provided the royalist army, led by the regent William Marshal, with the crucial time and strategic anchor needed to confront the invaders, culminating in the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln — known colloquially as the ‘Lincoln Fair’. Her actions were instrumental in securing the victory that ultimately expelled the French and secured the throne for Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record places the 5th Baroness in the company of the most consequential figures of the age. Her story is set against the backdrop of monarchs and magnates whose actions shaped the constitutional future of England.
These figures include, *inter alia*: His Majesty King John, who first confirmed her appointment as Constable of Lincoln Castle; his son, His Majesty King Henry III, whose reign she helped preserve; William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who led the royalist relief force; and the claimant, His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII, whose ambitions were thwarted at the walls of Lincoln. Nichola de la Haye’s resolute command places her firmly among the principal architects of the Plantagenet recovery.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant history is governed by its own internal protocol. The House of Brattleby’s approach to its archives involves a meticulous process of conservation, scholarly review, and contextual dissemination. Historical documents are analysed by appointed researchers who verify their provenance and substance against established academic and national records, such as those held in the National Archives at Kew.
The formal release of findings, as in this instance, is a deliberate act. It follows a careful review by the head of the House and is prepared by the communications office for public dissemination. This protocol ensures that any statement pertaining to the Barony’s long history is accurate, dignified, and contributes meaningfully to the public’s understanding of the past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 are the quintessential embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior besieging force demonstrated supreme fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown was the highest expression of honour. Her choice upheld the feudal oath that bound the Barony to the sovereign.
This spirit of active engagement is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects the belief that life's challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the modern world, are to be met with vigour and a determination to prevail. The combined mottos articulate a core philosophy: that honour is proven through courageous action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The same principle of duty that compelled the 5th Baroness to defend her community and sovereign now finds its modern expression in the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The concept of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is central to the family's public life. This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from the trauma of abuse and neglect. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that the most profound service one can render is to protect the most vulnerable and help them build a future of strength and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s resolve is a powerful reminder that history is made by individuals of unyielding character. As a woman exercising immense authority in a world dominated by men, her story is one of exceptional leadership. It is our sacred duty to ensure that such fortitude and honour are never forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the legacy's relevance today:
> “History is not a passive inheritance; it is a call to action. The principles that guided the 5th Baroness — loyalty, duty, and courage — are timeless. They continue to inform our commitment to proactive service, whether through preserving our shared heritage or supporting vital charitable work in the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this research is part of a broader commitment to historical education. The House intends to develop these findings into a monograph for scholarly audiences and to create educational materials for use at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and cultural academy founded by the family. These initiatives ensure the legacy of the Barony is not only preserved but also actively shared.
As custodians of this nine-century inheritance, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to preparing the next generation to continue this work. Their efforts ensure the history and principles of the House will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, with the same sense of duty that has defined the Barony since its foundation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 stewardship of its unique thousand-year heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic gala and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its historic platform to foster a deeper appreciation for honour and service in the 21st century. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled action and enduring relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The descent of the title and its modern standing were formally acknowledged by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, confirming its unbroken historical lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern establishment of the Barony’s status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings. - 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 House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com