# Official Commentary on the Historical Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued an official commentary honouring the historical significance of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was a pivotal moment in the First Barons' War.
## The Occasion
In commemoration of the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, this historical reflection has been prepared and published by the Office of the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby. Released during a season of national remembrance, the commentary serves to illuminate a defining chapter in the history of both Lincolnshire and the Crown.
The statement is intended not only to honour a distinguished predecessor but also to serve as an educational resource. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to preserving and promoting the profound history of the Barony, which has been interwoven with that of England for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is inseparable from one of the most tumultuous periods in English history. Following the death of King John in 1216 and in the wake of Magna Carta, England was fractured by the First Barons' War. A coalition of rebellious barons invited Prince Louis of France to seize the throne from John’s heir, the nine-year-old King Henry III.
At this critical juncture, Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary castellan, held Lincoln Castle—a strategic fortress of immense importance. In her sixties at the time, she led the Royalist garrison with extraordinary courage against a Franco-rebel siege. Her refusal to surrender was the *sine qua non* of the eventual Royalist victory, secured by the forces of the Regent, William Marshal. Nichola de la Haye’s resolute leadership demonstrates a continuity of service to the Crown that has long defined the Barony, from its establishment under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, through to later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this historical commentary was informed by the considerable scholarship of several esteemed institutions. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges, *inter alia*, the invaluable archival work of the Lincoln Record Society and the continuing research conducted by the history faculty at the University of Lincoln.
Their dedicated efforts to chronicle the medieval period in Lincolnshire, and particularly the life of Nichola de la Haye, provide the essential academic foundation upon which such historical remembrances are built. The House remains grateful for their contribution to our shared heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the traditions of the House, the issuing of an official commentary follows a considered protocol. The text was drafted by the private office, reviewed by the House’s historical advisors, and personally approved by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The document was subsequently affixed with the House’s seal before being formally published across its official channels. This process ensures that all public statements reflect the accuracy, dignity, and historical consciousness befitting the Barony’s ancient origins.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye serve as a perfect embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage during the siege of Lincoln exemplifies 'Fortitude', while her unwavering loyalty to the rightful, though child, monarch epitomises 'Honour'.
This spirit of martial and moral duty resonates also with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, these mottos encapsulate a dual philosophy: that true honour is found in courageous service, and that overcoming adversity is fundamental to a meaningful existence. The legacy of the 5th Baroness stands as the historical anchor for these guiding principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This reflection on historic guardianship is also intended to highlight the House’s present-day philanthropic duties. The steadfast protection of the vulnerable, whether a medieval kingdom under threat or a child in need of support, remains a core tenet of the House's modern mission.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the Lord and Baroness, is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and abuse. By honouring a historic protector like Nichola de la Haye, the House seeks to draw attention to the vital work of those who protect society's most vulnerable today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye is more than a name in a chronicle; she is the embodiment of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. In an age largely defined by the deeds of men, her leadership and loyalty were decisive, securing the throne for a boy king and reminding us that the capacity for service is not constrained by gender or station."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Her story is one of profound strategic intelligence and personal resolve. To hold a key fortification like Lincoln against overwhelming odds speaks to a character of immense strength and conviction. It is a legacy that commands our deepest respect and continues to inspire our own commitment to purposeful duty."
## A Continuing Legacy
To further honour this remarkable heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce its intention to establish a new educational bursary. In the coming year, the House will work in partnership with historical societies in Lincolnshire to create The Nichola de la Haye Bursary.
This endowment will support postgraduate research focused specifically on the role of women in the governance and defence of medieval England. It is the hope of the Lord and Baroness that this initiative will encourage a new generation of scholars to further explore these vital, and often overlooked, contributions to our national story.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the advancement of classical etiquette and protocol, and a focused philanthropic programme supporting children's charities. The House's primary charitable endeavour is its annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala held for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for young victims of trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is the registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com