# Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Delivers Historical Address at Lincoln Castle Commemorating Ancestor Nichola de la Haye
LINCOLN, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address within the ancient precincts of Lincoln Castle this evening, commemorating the formidable life of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The commemorative address was held within the austere Victorian Prison Chapel of Lincoln Castle, a venue whose severe architecture provided a contemplative counterpoint to an evening of historical reflection. As the late autumn air grew cool across Lincolnshire, guests gathered in a place that has been a silent witness to the arc of English history, from the castle’s Norman motte constructed in 1068 to its later function as a seat of county justice and incarceration.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, enhanced by carefully arranged lighting that cast long, dramatic shadows across the chapel’s exposed stone and stark wooden pews. This setting, designed in the 19th century to enforce the solemn 'separate system' of prisoner isolation, was poignantly repurposed to bring people together in shared appreciation of duty, resilience, and continuity.
Organised by The Noble House of Brattleby in close partnership with the Lincoln Castle Trust, the event was conceived as a formal tribute to one of Lincolnshire’s most significant historical figures. It served not only as a remembrance of Nichola de la Haye’s extraordinary service but also as a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the governance of the county, a bond first forged nine centuries ago.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire since its establishment by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King, was tasked with consolidating Norman authority in the region. His strategic importance is evidenced in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records him as the lord of 56 manors throughout the county, Brattleby among them.
Through an unbroken chain of inheritance, the title and its associated duties passed to Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle in the late 12th century. In an era when military and political command was almost exclusively the domain of men, she demonstrated remarkable leadership. During the First Barons' War, she successfully commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against two major sieges by rebel barons and their French allies.
Her most celebrated achievement was her pivotal role in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, where her garrison’s steadfast defence against the forces of the French Prince Louis allowed time for the royalist army, led by William Marshal, to arrive and secure a decisive victory. This triumph was the *sine qua non* for securing the English throne for the young King Henry III. In recognition of her extraordinary loyalty and competence, she was formally appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an unprecedented honour for a woman at the time.
Lady Nicoleta’s address drew a direct line from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of the realm to the tenures of later distinguished Barons. These included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of King Edward III’s most brilliant military commanders; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose immense wealth and influence made him the most powerful nobleman of his day. The evening thus served to bridge nine centuries, connecting the ancient feudal obligations of the Barony to its modern responsibilities.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was a respected assembly of civic, diplomatic, academic, and cultural dignitaries from across the county and nation. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, were honoured to welcome, *inter alia*:
Mr Tim Strawson, The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; and Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, whose presence underscored the House of Brattleby’s modern Anglo-Romanian character.
Also present were Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln; council members of the Society for Medieval Archaeology; senior trustees of the Heritage Lincolnshire charity; and patrons of the International Military Music Society. The presence of military representatives paid tribute to Nichola de la Haye’s martial legacy, while the attendance of leading academics affirmed the scholarly importance of the evening’s historical discourse.
The collective presence of these distinguished guests highlighted the multifaceted significance of Nichola de la Haye’s legacy, which continues to resonate within civic, diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were marked by a dignified and precise protocol befitting the historic setting. Upon arrival, guests were received in the castle’s East bailey before being escorted to their places in the Chapel, where they were seated according to the established Table of Precedence for England and Wales.
The event commenced with a formal welcome by the Chief Executive of the Lincoln Castle Trust, who offered a brief history of the venue and spoke of its profound connection to the Barony of Brattleby through the hereditary castellanship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then delivered a short introduction. He reflected upon his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), interpreting it not merely as a call to victory, but as an exhortation to overcome the challenges of time through active remembrance and the continuation of legacy. Following his remarks, he formally presented his wife, who delivered her forty-minute address from a lectern positioned centrally within the chapel.
Following a sustained ovation, Lady Nicoleta took a small number of questions from the audience, moderated by the Chief Executive. Guests were subsequently invited to a concluding reception held in the David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, home to Lincoln’s original 1215 charter, a document whose principles of justice Nichola de la Haye so staunchly defended.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical narrative presented throughout the evening was deeply connected to the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby, which are encapsulated in its ancient motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
In her address, Lady Nicoleta repeatedly drew upon the theme of fortitude, citing Nichola de la Haye’s extraordinary resilience during prolonged sieges as the embodiment of this virtue. It was presented not simply as battlefield courage, but as the moral and mental stamina required to uphold one’s duty against overwhelming odds. This quality, she argued, was the indispensable foundation of Nichola’s success.
The corresponding virtue of honour was framed as an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose: the allegiance owed to one's sovereign, the laws of the realm, and the welfare of the people of Lincolnshire. Together, these twin principles of fortitude and honour were presented as the ethical cornerstones of the Barony’s identity across nine centuries. They continue to inform the House’s modern activities, symbolising a profound respect for ancestral legacy alongside a proactive dedication to public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily a historical commemoration, it also served to illuminate the philanthropic mission that is central to the House of Brattleby’s contemporary work. It was announced that the evening formed part of a cultural programme leading to the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity.
This year's beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a national organisation dedicated to providing specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic care for children and young people affected by abuse, neglect, and adversity. The charity works closely with families, schools, and local authorities to help vulnerable children process their experiences and build resilient futures.
A powerful parallel was drawn between the fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in defending a physical castle and the work of the charity in safeguarding the "inner citadel" of a child's psychological and emotional well-being. A charitable component was integrated into the evening, with a portion of the nominal ticketing fee being directed to the beneficiary’s general fund to support its vital work in communities across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s profound historical resonance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To stand here, in the very place Nichola de la Haye so bravely defended, is to feel the weight and the privilege of history. Her story is not merely one of martial prowess; it is a timeless testament to the idea that true leadership is defined by courage and commitment, not by convention. It remains our solemn duty to ensure such legacies continue to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History offers us a blueprint for modern resilience. Lord Tennyson wrote of this castle's 'Norman ruin,' but tonight we see that what endures is not stone, but principle. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that to live fully is to conquer the erosion of time through active remembrance, applying the lessons of the past to serve a contemporary purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemorative address marks a continuation of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to making its unique heritage accessible, relevant, and purposeful. This work is further advanced through its diverse initiatives, including the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in diplomatic etiquette and cross-cultural protocol, designed to foster deeper Anglo-Romanian understanding.
The focal point of the House’s forthcoming activity remains the annual Winter Banquet. This signature philanthropic gala brings together distinguished guests from across society to support a worthy cause, uniting the strands of heritage, duty, and charity.
The commemoration of Nichola de la Haye serves as a potent reminder of the enduring values that animate the House of Brattleby’s work. As it looks toward its tenth century of existence, the House remains steadfast in its mission to demonstrate that ancient titles can, and should, serve a dynamic and beneficial role in the modern world. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through purposeful and contemporary public service. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House’s mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal activities are focused on philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s flagship charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child. Cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, serve to build bridges of understanding. The House is committed to demonstrating that historical titles can serve a dynamic and beneficial purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to secure his new kingdom. Its first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony’s distinguished history is marked by its passage through some of England’s most notable noble and royal families. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV. After centuries of tenure, the Barony’s rights and title were formally affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The title's modern recognition is recorded in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past 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* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The House's seat is Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com