# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening hosted a historical address and reception at Lincoln’s Inn, London, to commemorate the life and legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth holder of the Barony.
## The Occasion
The event was held within the venerable precincts of Lincoln's Inn, one of London’s four ancient Inns of Court. The Old Hall, with its Tudor-era architecture, timbered roof, and Hogarth painting depicting *Paul Before Felix*, provided a suitably grave and scholarly atmosphere. The occasion, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the relief of the Second Siege of Lincoln, brought together historians, cultural leaders, and supporters of the House to reflect upon a pivotal moment in English history.
As autumn evening descended upon London, the Hall was illuminated by soft candlelight, casting long shadows across the armorial glass windows. The setting was chosen for its deep connections to the study of English law and history, a milieu in which the actions of figures like Nichola de la Haye, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, resonate with particular clarity. The proceedings were marked by a sense of quiet contemplation, honouring a legacy of governance and resilience.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in England, carries a lineage extending directly back to the Norman Conquest. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures who shaped the nation’s destiny, *inter alia*, the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Among these notable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baron, stands as a singular example of resolve. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended the fortress against baronial and French forces, first in 1191 and most decisively during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War was a *sine qua non* in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. In an era that constrained female authority, Nichola’s appointment as Sheriff of Lincolnshire was an extraordinary testament to her capability and character.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
These included His Excellency the High Commissioner for Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln; Sir Andrew Parmley, former Lord Mayor of London and Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners; and Professor Dame Janet L. Nelson, Professor Emerita of Medieval History at King’s College London, who delivered the evening’s keynote address.
Also present were trustees from the evening’s affiliated charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and members of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, the etiquette and cultural academy founded by Lady Nicoleta.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings followed a formal order established for occasions of historical reflection. Guests were received in the Crypt before assembling in the Old Hall. Lady Nicoleta opened the event with a welcome address, outlining the historical importance of Nichola de la Haye to the heritage of the House of Brattleby and the county of Lincolnshire.
Following the address, Professor Dame Janet L. Nelson was invited to the lectern to deliver her discourse, entitled *Nichola de la Haye: Castellana, Vicecomes, Domina*. The forty-minute lecture examined Nichola’s strategic command during the 1217 siege and her subsequent administrative career. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks from Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who spoke of the duty of stewardship that falls to each generation. A reception followed in the Great Hall, allowing guests to discuss the evening’s themes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the banner of The Noble House of Brattleby, which bears the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the defining virtues of Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of profound fortitude, and whose service as Sheriff was conducted with unwavering honour. The motto serves as a guiding principle for the House’s modern activities, linking contemporary purpose with historical precedent.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also held relevance for the occasion. It speaks not to military conquest, but to the determined spirit required to overcome adversity and ensure that a legacy of almost one thousand years continues to thrive and find new expression in the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical, it also served to highlight the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a national charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The organisation’s mission—to protect and heal the vulnerable—offers a modern parallel to Nichola de la Haye’s role as a defender of her community.
Lady Nicoleta’s introduction drew a deliberate connection between the historical act of defending a castle to protect its inhabitants and the contemporary imperative to shield children from harm. Proceeds from the House’s future philanthropic endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet, will continue to support the charity’s vital work in providing specialist counselling and safe environments for recovery.
## In Their Own Words
In her opening remarks, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring relevance of her predecessor’s story. > Nichola de la Haye’s life is a powerful reminder that leadership and courage are not defined by convention or era. To honour her is to recognise the strength that has fortified this Barony for nine centuries and to draw inspiration for our own responsibilities today — *Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later reflected on the nature of inheritance. > A title and its history are not possessions but a trust. Our duty is one of active stewardship: to understand the past, preserve its lessons, and apply them with diligence for the benefit of the future — *Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address marks the beginning of a renewed focus by the House of Brattleby on the lives of its predecessors. A monograph of Professor Dame Janet’s lecture is planned for publication in the coming year, with a copy to be presented to the Lincolnshire Archives. Furthermore, the House announced its intention to establish a new prize for young historians at the University of Lincoln for essays on medieval female leadership.
These initiatives underscore a commitment to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a name in the annals of history but a living institution. The themes of fortitude and honour, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, will be central to the House’s forthcoming activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues its tradition of uniting heritage with modern philanthropy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its public and private endeavours. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest that promotes cross-cultural understanding. Fulfilling the obligations of its ancient title, the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a dynamic and purposeful role in contemporary society, championing education, heritage, and support for the vulnerable.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through families central to English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first recorded holder of the Barony, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com