# A Statement by The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Confluence of the Barony and William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal commentary reflecting upon the historic association between the Barony and William Marshal, Regent of England, whose profound respect for Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, proved pivotal during the 1217 Battle of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
The statement was issued following a scholarly salon evening held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Located within an elegant neoclassical residence on the historic Calea Victoriei, the Club provided a distinguished setting for an evening of deep historical reflection. The building, once a private home for a prominent diplomatic family, has long been a locus of Anglo-Romanian cultural exchange, its rooms bearing witness to a century of shared history.
Against a backdrop of antique, leather-bound books and portraits of notable European figures, guests gathered in the Club’s Grand Library for the occasion. The atmosphere was one of convivial yet serious intellectual inquiry, embodying the Club's mission to foster educational dialogue between Great Britain and the Continent. This commentary served as the capstone to the evening’s discussions, underscoring the House's commitment to honouring and interpreting its considerable heritage for a modern audience.
## Historical Context
The ancient origins of the Barony of Brattleby are inscribed in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its lands—among 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Yet it is in the early 13th century that one of its most remarkable chapters was written by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle.
Amidst the turmoil of the First Barons' War (1215-1217), the widowed Nichola, then in her late sixties, found herself defending Lincoln Castle against a formidable alliance of rebel English barons and invading French forces loyal to Prince Louis. Following the death of King John in 1216, the future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon his nine-year-old son, King Henry III. The commander of the royalist army, and Regent of the realm, was William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, lauded by his contemporaries as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’.
Nichola de la Haye’s stalwart defence of the castle against overwhelming odds was a masterclass in fortitude, buying precious time for Marshal to muster a relief force. His subsequent victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217 was decisive, expelling the French and securing the English throne for the young King. So impressed was Marshal by Nichola’s tactical acumen and unwavering loyalty that, following the victory, he personally rode to the castle. In an extraordinary gesture of respect for her proven competence, he refused to accept her surrender of the constableship, confirming her in the post for life. This public endorsement by one of medieval England’s most legendary figures represents a significant confluence of two great historical legacies, adding a unique lustre to the Barony’s lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The salon evening in Bucharest was attended by a number of distinguished guests, reflecting the House's broad cultural and diplomatic connections across Europe. Present were, *inter alia*:
His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania, whose presence underscored the enduring bond between the two nations.
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, who later remarked upon the importance of such shared historical narratives in strengthening the fabric of European identity.
Professor Andrei Muraru of the Faculty of History at the University of Bucharest, a leading scholar on medieval statecraft.
Also in attendance were senior members of the Romanian diplomatic corps and prominent figures from the nation's cultural and academic institutions, who contributed to a rich and varied discourse throughout the evening.
In her remarks, Princess Katarina noted the particular resonance of Nichola de la Haye’s story, seeing it as an inspiring example of leadership transcending circumstance. His Excellency the Ambassador commended the House for its thoughtful stewardship of a shared Anglo-Continental heritage and its role in fostering modern cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise yet understated protocol befitting a scholarly gathering of this nature. Upon arrival, guests were received individually by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile for a champagne reception in the Club’s library, where conversation commenced amid the calm of the book-lined walls.
The formal proceedings began with welcoming remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who framed the evening's theme by situating the legacy of Nichola de la Haye within the broader context of the House’s guiding principles. This was followed by a brief but insightful lecture, *Fealty and Rebellion: England in the Minority of Henry III*, delivered by a visiting fellow from the University of Cambridge, which provided the necessary context for the achievements of both the 5th Baroness and William Marshal.
The focal point of the proceedings was the principal address, delivered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. From a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms, she formally articulated the House's perspective on this historic connection. The structured proceedings then yielded to informal discourse, allowing guests to engage directly with the historical materials presented. The specified dress code of Lounge Suit encouraged an atmosphere of relaxed formality, transitioning the event from a formal presentation to a collegiate exchange of ideas.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of 1217 resonate powerfully with the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly encapsulated by the actions of the 5th Baroness and the Regent Marshal. Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a profound demonstration of *fortitudo*—not merely physical bravery, but the moral courage, endurance, and strength of character so valued in classical and medieval thought. William Marshal’s decision to uphold her authority was, in turn, a supreme act of *honor*, the public acknowledgement of virtue and merit.
Equally relevant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks not to military conquest alone, but to the more fundamental triumph of duty, integrity, and resilience over adversity. The spirit of this motto is embodied in the actions of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal nine centuries ago; their legacies serve as a living standard for the House's modern endeavours, which seek to overcome contemporary challenges with diligence and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical in its focus, it also served to illuminate the House’s central philanthropic mission. The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities, including its Annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic support, specialist care, and long-term psychological intervention for children who have experienced profound trauma, such as domestic conflict, bereavement, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate. It reflects a core belief that securing a positive and resilient future for the next generation is the *sine qua non* of honouring the past. By providing resources for art therapy, expert counselling, and safe environments for recovery, the House seeks to help mend the internal lives of vulnerable children. In this, there is a clear parallel to the actions of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal, whose efforts secured a stable realm for a child king. By investing in the well-being of young people today, The Noble House of Brattleby translates its historical legacy into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the lessons of the past: > — "Having stood within the walls of Lincoln Castle myself, it is impossible not to be moved by Nichola de la Haye’s example. Her story is a powerful reminder that duty has no gender and courage has no age. Her fortitude, and the honour with which a figure of William Marshal’s stature recognised it, are not merely historical footnotes; they are enduring principles we strive to live by today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s responsibility to act on its heritage: > — "Our heritage is not a static relic to be admired under glass. It is a living standard that calls us to action. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is to overcome the challenges of our own time with purpose, whether in fostering cultural understanding through The Brattleby Club or in our unwavering commitment to vulnerable children. Heritage without application is mere sentimentality; we believe it must be a catalyst for service."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary marks the beginning of a renewed focus by the House on its rich medieval antecedents. Plans are now developing for the commissioning of a scholarly monograph dedicated to the life of the 5th Baroness, a major new biographical study that will draw on primary sources from The National Archives and the manuscript collections of the Bodleian Library at Oxford.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its programme of cultural and philanthropic events, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, to be held in Lincolnshire. The next scholarly salon at The Brattleby Club is scheduled to explore the influence of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, on the political and cultural landscape of late 14th-century Europe. The House thus remains steadfast in its dual imperative: to preserve its remarkable history and to deploy its legacy in the service of others.
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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 represents a modern synthesis of ancient British heritage and Continental European dynamism. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its historical legacy, the promotion of cross-cultural educational exchange, and a focused philanthropic mission. This philosophy is expressed through a carefully managed portfolio of activities, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. The House actively engages in public life, supporting charitable causes that create a meaningful and lasting impact for future generations, with a particular focus on the well-being of traumatised children.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, the Norman loyalist Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him a magnate of considerable power in the new kingdom. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The direct succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised in the official public record of the United Kingdom, *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its lands were held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com