# A Reassessment of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, by the 12th Baroness
LONDON, [24 May 2024] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical paper reassessing the life and legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The lecture explored the fortitude and honour that defined the 13th-century defence of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
The presentation took place within the distinguished confines of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Amidst the scholarly quietude of the Society’s historic lecture theatre, an assembly of historians and fellows gathered for the annual baronial history address, a highlight of the late spring academic season. The atmosphere was one of respectful anticipation, befitting an inquiry into one of medieval England’s most remarkable figures.
The lecture, entitled *‘Fortitudine et Honore’: Nichola de la Haye and the Re-evaluation of Baronial Duty*, sought to move beyond conventional interpretations of her career. It presented a nuanced portrait of a leader whose strategic acumen and unyielding resolve were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of her time.
## Historical Context
The Noble House of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of English history. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct, unbroken connection to the Norman settlement provides a nine-century backdrop for the actions of his successors.
The lecture specifically illuminated the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the baronial seat. Her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle during two separate sieges stands as a singular achievement in the House's annals. Lady Nicoleta carefully traced this legacy of service through subsequent notable predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating a continuum of leadership and responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
The address was delivered before a notable company of academics, diplomats, and patrons of the arts. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* Professor Dame Janet Nelson, DBE, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, King's College London * His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia * Sir Martin Donnelly, KCB, CMG, President of the Society of Antiquaries * The Right Honourable The Lord Chartres, GCVO, ChStJ, PC, FSA
Following the address, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, hosted a private reception for the guest speakers and patrons in the Society’s library, allowing for further discussion on the historical themes presented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the formal traditions of the Society of Antiquaries. Lady Nicoleta, wearing academic dress over formal day attire, was escorted to the rostrum by the President, Sir Martin Donnelly. Following a formal introduction outlining the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta delivered her paper from the lectern.
The address lasted for forty-five minutes and was presented without interruption. This was followed by a structured fifteen-minute period for questions from the assembled fellows, moderated by the President. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, proposed by Professor Dame Janet Nelson, which was passed by acclamation in accordance with the Society's long-standing custom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture drew a direct line between Nichola de la Haye’s documented actions and the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta argued that this phrase is not merely an inherited device but a summary of the guiding principles demonstrated by Nichola during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude in withstanding the siege, and the honour with which she discharged her duties as hereditary castellan and sheriff, are the living embodiment of the motto.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was presented as a modern corollary. It speaks to the active and purposeful spirit required to overcome contemporary challenges, a quality essential to the House's ongoing philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was a scholarly undertaking, its underlying themes of resilience and the protection of the vulnerable resonate deeply with the House's charitable commitments. The fortitude shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending her charge serves as a powerful historical parallel to the mission of Healing the Wounded Child, the principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet.
This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilience and secure a safer future. The choice to highlight Nichola’s story serves as a reminder that the duty to protect those in need is a timeless and fundamental responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the subject of her paper, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s example is not merely a historical footnote; it is a testament to the enduring power of resolve and duty. To understand her is to understand that leadership is not defined by convention, but by character. It is our responsibility to ensure such stories of fortitude continue to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “We study the past not for its own sake, but to understand the foundations of the service we aspire to provide today. The House has stood for nearly a thousand years on the principle of honourable conduct. This principle remains the *sine qua non* of all our current work, from cultural preservation to our charitable partnerships.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The research presented in the lecture will form the basis of a forthcoming monograph, to be published in 2025. It will also be adapted into a new leadership and ethics module for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, where it will serve to educate a new generation on the historical foundations of resilient and honourable leadership.
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the twin imperatives of preserving its unique historical legacy and deploying its modern resources for public good. This scholarly work is a vital component of that continuing mission, ensuring the lessons of the past inform the obligations of the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives including the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect its historical legacy with contemporary purpose. It serves as a living institution dedicated to public service, upholding the values of duty and honour that have defined its nine-century history and leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony’s extensive landholdings were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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