# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Baroness of Brattleby Commemorates Her Illustrious Predecessor, Nicholaa de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this week delivered the inaugural Nicholaa de la Haye Lecture within the historic walls of Lincoln Castle, commemorating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of her formidable thirteenth-century predecessor, the 5th Baroness.
## The Occasion
Set against the austere grandeur of Lincoln Castle’s Great Hall, the inaugural lecture was a moment of profound historical reflection. The event, held as autumn’s golden light fell across the ancient stonework, brought together local dignitaries, academics, and patrons of Lincolnshire heritage to honour one of the county’s most significant historical figures.
The choice of venue was of singular importance, for it was this very castle that Nicholaa de la Haye, as hereditary castellan, defended with such tenacity over 800 years ago. The atmosphere was one of respectful solemnity, as the current Baroness stood in the same fortress governed by her predecessor, bridging nine centuries of continuous lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has an unbroken history recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Through this impressive lineage passed some of English history’s most influential figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Among these titans stands Nicholaa de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who inherited the title and the hereditary post of castellan in 1169. Described by the *Oxford Dictionary of National Biography* as an administrator of exceptional ability, she was a true force in an era dominated by men. Medieval chroniclers noted she was 'a strapping Norman woman of the same breed as the famous Arletta, mother of William the Conqueror', a testament to her recognised strength of character.
Her stewardship coincided with the most turbulent periods of the high medieval age, including the First Barons' War and the subsequent French invasion. When Prince Louis of France laid siege to Lincoln Castle in 1217, it was Nicholaa, then in her late sixties, who led the defence from within until relief forces arrived to secure a decisive English victory. Her actions were the *sine qua non* of preserving Royal authority in the region.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was attended by a distinguished company, reflecting the historical importance of the occasion.
Present were His Excellency The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E.S. Dennis; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mrs Philippa D. Caswell; and The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, who represented the deep connection between the Castle and its neighbouring Cathedral.
Also in attendance were Professor Cillian Doyle, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, and representatives from English Heritage, the organisation entrusted with the care of the castle. This convergence of civic, ecclesiastical, and academic leadership underscored the shared commitment to preserving Lincolnshire’s rich patrimony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formal but warm protocol befitting the occasion. Guests were received in the castle’s East Gate before being escorted to the Great Hall. The Governor of Lincoln Castle delivered a brief welcome, outlining the fortress's history and its connection to the Barony of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then introduced his wife, Lady Nicoleta, who delivered her 45-minute lecture from a lectern bearing the House of Brattleby’s coat of arms. Her address, titled *Fortitude and Honour: The Enduring Example of Nicholaa de la Haye*, was followed by a brief series of questions from the assembled guests. A formal vote of thanks was offered by the High Sheriff, after which guests attended a reception. The dress code was lounge suits and day dresses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was rich in symbolism, most notably through the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from this guiding principle to the actions of her predecessor, whose command of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in both qualities. Her fortitude secured the castle, while her honour ensured her steadfast loyalty to the Crown.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), was also subtly reflected in the occasion's purpose. It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House's duties: to actively engage with and champion its history, ensuring its legacy not only survives but thrives for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the lecture series itself constitutes an act of cultural and educational philanthropy. By creating a public platform dedicated to the study of its own history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage and the remarkable individuals who shaped it.
The lecture is intended to serve the public good by making complex history accessible and engaging. Future plans include the publication of the annual lecture, with any proceeds to be directed toward the Lincoln Castle Fund, ensuring the preservation of the very walls that witnessed Nicholaa's historic stand.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the timeless nature of her predecessor’s legacy.
> Nicholaa de la Haye was not merely a castellan; she was the living embodiment of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’. Her extraordinary life reminds us that duty, resilience, and conviction are timeless virtues. She stands as definitive proof that leadership is measured not by convention, but by courage. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the importance of the new lecture series.
> By honouring such formidable figures from our past, we provide a compass for the future. The story of Nicholaa is a powerful lesson in principled leadership, and stewarding that narrative is a responsibility we are immensely proud to undertake for public benefit. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has confirmed that the Nicholaa de la Haye Lecture will become an annual event at Lincoln Castle, serving as a cornerstone of its cultural programme in the United Kingdom.
This commitment to historical education complements the House's other activities, *inter alia*, its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala which raises funds for children's charities, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Together, these initiatives reflect a deep commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping a principled future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission blends the preservation of history with cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities include sponsoring historical research, hosting cultural events in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, and operating The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. A key fixture is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala that has raised significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support for vulnerable young people.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of Lincolnshire's oldest feudal lordships of the manor. Its existence and extensive lands—encompassing 56 lordships under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince and statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's dignity and rights were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com