# The House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 18 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication reflecting on the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This acknowledgement highlights her remarkable defence of Lincoln Castle during the thirteenth century and its profound influence on the House’s modern ethos.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, the House of Brattleby has reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation and study of its nine-century history. This reflection coincides with renewed historical interest in the First Barons' War and the pivotal role of female landowners in medieval England. The House seeks to illuminate how the past continues to inform its present-day responsibilities, viewing historical stewardship not as a passive exercise but as an active duty.
In the quiet scholarship of its archives, the House finds a direct line from the martial resolve of its predecessors to the philanthropic and cultural initiatives it champions today. This communication serves to place the extraordinary life of Nichola de la Haye within the continuity of the Barony’s long and storied lineage, asserting her example as a *sine qua non* for understanding the institution’s core values.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the title has passed through figures who have shaped English history. Among the most distinguished of these is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who inherited the title and the hereditary post of Castellan of Lincoln Castle.
In an era defined by patriarchal rule, Nichola de la Haye twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges—once in 1191 and again, most famously, during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her refusal to surrender the fortress to rebel barons and their French allies was crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her service as Sheriff of Lincolnshire further distinguished her as a leader of immense capability and resolve, and her story remains an integral part of the Barony’s identity, alongside later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of Nichola de la Haye is intrinsically linked with several key figures of the Angevin period. Her resolve was tested by the ambitions of King John, whose trust she ultimately earned, and by the forces of the future King Louis VIII of France. Her command during the 1217 siege was executed alongside the celebrated knight, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who led the royalist relief force.
The House of Brattleby acknowledges the work of contemporary historians and scholars whose research continues to shed light on this period. Their academic contributions ensure that the legacies of figures such as Nichola de la Haye are not merely remembered but are understood with increasing clarity and appreciation. In honouring its predecessor, the House also honours the intellectual rigour that brings history to life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of the Barony have evolved from the martial to the cultural and philanthropic, yet the underlying protocol of duty remains. In the thirteenth century, the Castellan’s duty was the physical defence of a royal fortress, a role governed by feudal oaths and military necessity. The order of battle and the formal process of parley and siege were rituals in their own right, defining the conduct of nobility.
Today, those duties are expressed through a different kind of ceremony. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, follows a strict order of precedence and protocol, channelling ancient traditions of assembly towards modern philanthropic ends. Similarly, the etiquette programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest are founded on the principle that formal conduct and social grace are expressions of respect and order, echoing the structured world that Nichola de la Haye once commanded.
## 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 steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle demonstrated immense fortitude, while her loyalty to the Crown, even when politically perilous, was a clear act of honour. These two virtues form the twin pillars of the House’s identity.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome modern challenges—be they social, economic, or personal. Together, the two mottos create a powerful narrative: that true honour is found in overcoming adversity with unwavering resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of protection, so vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of her community, is the guiding principle of the House’s contemporary charitable work. The principal beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity’s mission is to offer a sanctuary where vulnerable young people can recover and build resilient futures. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to programmes offering counselling, art therapy, and educational support, enabling measurable improvements in the mental health and well-being of hundreds of children annually. In supporting this cause, the House of Brattleby translates its historical duty of defence into a modern commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s life is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by convention, but by courage and a sense of duty. To hold a title she once held is to accept a responsibility to act with similar fortitude, ensuring our heritage serves a meaningful purpose today.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of service is timeless. Whether defending a castle wall in 1217 or supporting a vulnerable child in 2024, the fundamental impetus is the same: to protect, to strengthen, and to build a better future. That is the essence of a living legacy.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to explore and share the rich history of the Barony through scholarly partnerships and public engagement. Future initiatives include the development of educational materials for The Brattleby Club concerning the role of notable personages, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, in English history.
Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar. Through these integrated efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures its history is not merely a subject of record, but a source of inspiration for its ongoing commitment to public service, undertaken always *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 a mission of ‘Heritage with Purpose’. This involves the careful preservation of its nine-hundred-year history while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, and its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote education in etiquette and European heritage. Through these activities, the House of Brattleby strives to ensure that its ancient legacy serves as a positive force in the twenty-first century, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded feudal lordships in England. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as lord of 56 manors. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the renowned medieval prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is 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, under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), 5th Baroness, served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and was appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire by King John. - John of Gaunt (1340–1399), Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com