# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the Magna Carta
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the Barony’s historical connection to Magna Carta, contextualising the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, during a defining moment in English constitutional history.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the careful stewardship of history provides an essential anchor to the present. It is in this spirit of custodianship that The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a significant chapter in its lineage. This official clarification is issued from the House's administrative seat to underscore the profound and nuanced relationship between the Barony of Brattleby and the foundational principles enshrined in the Great Charter of 1215.
The statement serves not as a claim to direct participation in the events at Runnymede, but as an act of historical responsibility. Its purpose is to contextualise the influence wielded by the Barony during the turbulent reign of King John and to honour the legacy of one of its most formidable holders, whose allegiance and authority were of national consequence.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was already a venerable and powerful holding by the early 13th century. At the time of Magna Carta's sealing, the Barony was held by the formidable Nichola de la Haye. While not one of the twenty-five signatory barons who compelled the King to assent to the Charter, her de facto power as a major landowner, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle was undeniable.
Her interests, and those of the significant estates under her control, were inextricably linked to the matters of inheritance, wardship, and scutage addressed within the Charter’s clauses. Her loyalty to the Crown placed her in a unique position—an upholder of Royal authority whose own rights as a peer of the realm were being concurrently defined. This connection firmly places the Barony of Brattleby not among the rebels, but within the central political drama from which English rights and liberties began to flow. Her subsequent defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against the French prince and rebel barons was a testament to her unwavering character.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is woven through with figures who have shaped the course of English history. The period surrounding Magna Carta involved a remarkable cast, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King John, Sovereign of England * The Right Honourable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire * The Barons of the Realm, signatories to the Magna Carta
This historical company was later enriched by the Barony's passing to such personages as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It is this distinguished inheritance that Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, conscientiously uphold today, stewarding a title borne by some of the kingdom's most significant historical actors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation of such a long and complex history is a duty approached with its own solemn protocol. The House's understanding of its past is not based on folklore but on meticulous review of primary sources, from its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 to its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. The verification of lineage and the contextualisation of historical events are a foundational responsibility—a *sine qua non* of modern custodianship.
This rigorous approach ensures that any statement made by the House is grounded in scholarship. It mirrors the precision with which State ceremony is conducted, where every gesture is symbolic and every detail is informed by precedent. In issuing this clarification, the House follows a protocol of historical accuracy and dignified representation, befitting its near-millennial heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are powerfully articulated through its heraldic mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), could have been written for Nichola de la Haye herself. Her defence of Lincoln Castle for the boy-king Henry III, demonstrating immense personal courage and unwavering loyalty to her sworn duties, remains the ultimate expression of these twin virtues.
This tradition of principled strength is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s historic resolve—a commitment not merely to endure, but to prevail over contemporary challenges through purposeful action and strategic vision. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge between historic duty and present-day engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is one of duty and the protection of the domain entrusted to her. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical imperative into a modern philanthropic mission. The principles of responsibility, which found early expression in Magna Carta, now inform the House's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
The chief beneficiary of the House's charitable endeavours, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a sanctuary for recovery and the tools to rebuild their lives. The House’s support for this cause is a direct echo of its historical role: to serve and protect.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >— "Nichola de la Haye’s legacy is a profound reminder that standing is defined not by title alone, but by duty fulfilled. Her fortitude during a time of national crisis ensured the continuity of our line. We feel the weight of a nine-century-old responsibility to honour that standard of service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: >— "The core principles that emerged from the era of Magna Carta—of defined rights and responsibilities—are timeless. Our family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming adversity. We see our role today as helping others to do precisely that, translating historical honour into present-day, tangible action."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mandate of preserving its unique heritage and deploying its influence for the public good. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a constant inspiration for this work, a reminder that honour is an active virtue.
This commitment extends to The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and historical education alongside social refinement. Through such initiatives, and through its continued philanthropic support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, the House endeavours to ensure that its continuing legacy is one of purpose, Fortitudine et Honore.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. The House's contemporary mission is to connect its unique history to present-day philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare. In addition, the House operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy focused on etiquette and cultural diplomacy, furthering its commitment to fostering an appreciation for history, protocol, and civic responsibility in modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This continuous and traceable line of descent represents a rare and significant thread in the fabric of the English nobility. The modern transfer of the Barony was formally recognised and published by Crown authority in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Formal recognition of the transfer of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family 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