# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced the inauguration of a new historical programme honouring her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle, thereby reinforcing the House’s commitment to its nine-century heritage.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made within the Long Gallery of the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, an intimate setting befitting the historical gravity of the day. Against a backdrop of portraits depicting former holders of the barony, and with autumnal light filtering through the gallery’s tall mullioned windows, Lady Nicoleta outlined a new initiative designed to perpetuate the memory of one of England’s most remarkable medieval women.
The atmosphere was one of quiet solemnity and academic purpose. The gathering marked not a celebration of past glories, but a solemn pledge to draw inspiration from them, ensuring the lessons of history continue to inform the House’s contemporary responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours. It represented a deliberate act of remembrance, connecting the modern House directly to its most formative figures.
## Historical Context
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony of Brattleby in the late 12th century, is a cornerstone of the House’s identity. As the fifth holder of the title, she served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and, most famously, as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. During the First Barons' War, she steadfastly defended the castle against rebel forces, a feat of strategic and personal courage that proved instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause.
Her extraordinary career unfolded during the era of Magna Carta and the legendary William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. To have a woman command such authority in a martial and political sphere was exceptional. She stands in a long and distinguished line of Barons of Brattleby that began with Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, the great 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the private announcement were figures representing Lincolnshire’s civil, ecclesiastic, and academic life, whose presence underscored the regional and national importance of the barony’s heritage.
Present were, *inter alia*, The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln; The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral; and the Regius Professor of Medieval History from the University of Cambridge. Their participation signified a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the rich history of the county and the pivotal role the Barony of Brattleby has played within it for over 950 years.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings commenced at precisely eleven o’clock in the morning. Lady Nicoleta, wearing a brooch displaying the House’s heraldic insignia, delivered her remarks from a lectern positioned before a 17th-century tapestry depicting the arms of the barony. The address was characterised by the formal, declarative style traditional for such announcements.
Following her remarks, guests were invited to view a small, curated exhibition of archival documents. These included facsimiles of charters pertaining to Nichola de la Haye's shrievalty and chronicles describing her defence of Lincoln Castle. The protocol of the day was designed to be informative and reflective, prioritising historical substance over elaborate ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its quintessential expression in the life of the fifth baroness. Her unwavering resolve in the face of a siege and her honourable service to the Crown embody the very virtues the House seeks to champion. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that title and privilege are inseparable from duty and resilience.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the will to prevail not through force, but through purpose and determination — a spirit clearly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her long and consequential life. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of principled and resolute action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The centrepiece of the announcement was the establishment of The Nichola de la Haye Fellowship. This new educational grant will be awarded annually to a postgraduate scholar, affiliated with a British university, whose research is dedicated to the role of women in medieval governance, landholding, and warfare.
The Fellowship’s purpose is twofold: to advance historical scholarship in a field that is often overlooked, and to inspire a new generation by highlighting powerful historical examples of female leadership. The selection of the beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to education and the elevation of narratives that demonstrate strength and public service, a commitment also evident in its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the personal significance of her predecessor’s story.
> "Nichola de la Haye was not merely a custodian of this title; she was its defender in a time of profound national crisis. Her fortitude and honour are not abstract words from our motto, but a living example of leadership which remains a *sine qua non* for our own service today." > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile also commented on the enduring relevance of this historical commemoration.
> "Her story reminds us that true strength is found in service and resilience. It is a legacy we are privileged to uphold and a standard by which we measure our own responsibilities to the community." > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Fellowship represents a long-term commitment. The inaugural Fellow will be announced in the spring of 2025, with their research to be presented at a special lecture hosted by the House the following year. This initiative will run in parallel with the House’s other educational activities, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and classical diplomacy.
By formally honouring its past, the Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its dedication to a future in which history provides not just an identity, but a clear and constant inspiration for meaningful action. The legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues.
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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 a modern mission of historical preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to duty, resilience, and public service. Its principal charitable endeavours include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House actively seeks to bridge its profound historical legacy with contemporary responsibilities, ensuring its heritage remains a dynamic force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and early ownership of 56 lordships are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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