# A Statement on the Historical Significance of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire around 1216 affirmed the Barony’s integral role in English national life.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate the contributions of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The life of Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony in her own right, provides a compelling chapter in the nine-century history of the House and its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
Her story is not merely an archival footnote; it is a profound example of leadership and duty in a time of profound national crisis. This commentary serves to place her extraordinary achievements in their proper context, celebrating a legacy of resilience that continues to inform the ethos of the House today.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Nichola de la Haye as the 5th Baron coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in English history, the First Barons’ War (1215–1217). Following King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta, England was plunged into civil war, exacerbated by an invasion led by Prince Louis of France.
As hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress in a region of shifting loyalties, Nichola de la Haye demonstrated unwavering allegiance to the Crown. Her steadfast defence of the castle against rebel and French forces was pivotal. This culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, where her garrison held firm until relief forces arrived, securing a decisive victory for the young King Henry III and effectively ending the invasion. This act of fortitude preserved not only the Plantagenet dynasty but the very sovereignty of England.
## Distinguished Company
The events of this era placed Nichola de la Haye in the company of the most powerful figures of her time. Her service was rendered directly to two monarchs, His Majesty King John and his son, His Majesty King Henry III.
Her actions were conducted in concert with the celebrated Regent of England, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who commanded the royalist forces. The political landscape was further shaped by the influence of the Papal Legate, Cardinal Guala Bicchieri, who excommunicated the rebels. Against them stood His Highness Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambitions for the English throne were ultimately thwarted at Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In recognition of her loyalty and administrative acumen, Nichola de la Haye was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office under the Crown, a position of immense authority dating to Saxon times. The appointment, made directly by the sovereign, conferred responsibility for collecting revenues, executing royal writs, and presiding over justice within the county.
For a woman to hold such an office in her own right was exceptionally rare in the 13th century. It signified the complete trust of the Crown, superseding conventional gender roles. Her service as Sheriff, alongside her military command of Lincoln Castle, made her the de facto ruler of the county and a figure of national importance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage during the great siege exemplifies fortitude; her unwavering loyalty to her sworn sovereign demonstrates the highest standard of honour.
This guiding principle remains central to the House. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and purposeful spirit required to overcome modern challenges while upholding ancient traditions.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of protection, so vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, finds its modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principle of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails responsibility—is the cornerstone of the House’s charitable work.
This is most clearly expressed through the House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides critical therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. In serving the most vulnerable, the House continues the ancient baronial duty of safeguarding its community, translating historical responsibility into contemporary, compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this shared heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s life serves as a powerful testament to the fact that leadership is defined not by convention, but by courage and competence. Her stewardship of Lincolnshire in a time of national crisis demonstrates a profound commitment to duty, a principle that remains the *sine qua non* of our House’s purpose today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The continuity of this Barony for nearly a millennium is built upon the actions of individuals like Nichola. Her story inspires us to ensure our own contributions are worthy of the legacy we have inherited and the future we seek to build."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its history is not only preserved but also serves as a source of education and inspiration. The legacies of its key holders, *inter alia* Nichola de la Haye, the great diplomat Henry of Grosmont, and the royal patriarch John of Gaunt, are fundamental to this mission.
These historical accounts of leadership, duty, and resilience form an essential part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through its etiquette academy, the House aims to instil these timeless values in a new generation, ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural education. Its philanthropic activities are centred on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House further promotes the values of duty and social grace through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action, stewarding a nine-hundred-year-old legacy with relevance and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant 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 his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken line of succession and the rights of the current Barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, with her heir being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - The House's formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com