# New Research Programme to Illuminate the Pivotal Role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical research programme dedicated to the life of its 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. This scholarly initiative will explore her critical role as the 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
The announcement of this significant academic undertaking is made from Brattleby, the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. As the autumn colours settle upon the English countryside, the House’s historic archives are being prepared for a period of intensive study. The research programme represents a profound commitment to heritage and scholarship, seeking to bring fresh clarity to a formative period in the nation's history.
This endeavour is not a public ceremony but a quiet, determined marshalling of resources in service of historical truth. It brings together academic rigour and the unique archival records held by the House, creating a unique opportunity for discovery. The atmosphere is one of profound respect for the past and a sense of duty to illuminate the contributions of those who shaped the Barony.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of the fabric of England for nearly a millennium. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through centuries of service to the Crown, the family’s legacy is woven into the constitutional and military history of the kingdom.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, stands as a formidable figure in this long lineage. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story provides a direct link between the Barony and the era of Magna Carta and the great William Marshal. Later holders of the title, *inter alia*, included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing the House's place at the centre of national life.
## Distinguished Company
The research initiative will be led by a team of respected medieval historians, selected from leading British academic institutions. These scholars will work in close consultation with the archivist of the Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that external expertise is complemented by an intimate knowledge of the family’s private collections.
This collaboration between the House and the wider academic community is a *sine qua non* for the project's success. It ensures that the interpretation of historical documents meets the highest standards of peer review and intellectual rigour, thereby contributing credibly to the national historical record. Access to the archives will be formally managed, respecting the fragility and significance of the manuscripts.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for this research programme is one of meticulous academic discipline rather than courtly ceremony. Access to the Brattleby archives will be granted under strict, conservation-led conditions. Each manuscript and charter will be handled in accordance with best practices established by the world’s foremost archival institutions.
The order of proceedings for the research will involve three distinct phases: initial cataloguing and digitisation of key documents; cross-referencing of findings with public records held at The National Archives at Kew; and, finally, the synthesis of the material into a scholarly narrative. This structured process ensures that every detail is scrutinised and every conclusion is robustly evidenced.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her fortitude in holding Lincoln Castle against superior forces and the honour with which she discharged her duties as both Baroness and Constable are qualities that continue to inspire her successors.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of this research, it speaks to the will to overcome the obscuring effects of time, conquering historical anonymity to give life to the stories that have defined the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's primary philanthropic focus remains its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, this research programme fulfils a different but equally important purpose: educational and cultural philanthropy. The primary aim is to contribute a significant body of knowledge to the public domain, free from commercial consideration.
By illuminating the career of a powerful female leader in a period dominated by men, the project serves to enrich public understanding of medieval England. The findings will be made accessible through academic publications, public lectures in Lincolnshire, and the development of educational resources. This commitment ensures the research benefits not only scholars but also the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "As custodians of this ancient Barony, we have a profound duty to preserve its history. Nichola de la Haye was a formidable leader whose strategic importance is often underestimated. It is our responsibility to ensure her story is told with the accuracy and prominence it deserves, honouring her legacy through scholarship."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the project’s wider meaning: > "History is not merely a record of what was; it is a living guide for what can be. By investing in a deeper understanding of our predecessors, we honour the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. This research serves our past by enriching our future."
## A Continuing Legacy
This research programme is the first stage in a renewed commitment to historical preservation and education. The Noble House of Brattleby intends for the work to culminate in the publication of a definitive monograph on Nichola de la Haye's life and influence.
Furthermore, the historical insights gained will inform the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, connecting the House's English heritage with its contemporary European activities. Future plans include a series of lectures and a potential exhibition, ensuring the legacy of the 5th Baroness continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English heritage. The House’s modern mission is centred on combining this historical duty with contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable undertaking is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which supports organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of duty, etiquette, and historical awareness. The family’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless principles to the challenges of the 21st century.
**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* (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the formidable John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony 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* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com