# An Official Commentary on the Legacy of the de la Haye Family
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary reflecting upon the pivotal role of the de la Haye family, particularly the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in securing the Barony of Brattleby's consequence during the 12th and 13th centuries.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its duty as custodian of a near-millennium of English history, the House of Brattleby periodically publishes reflections upon the figures and events that have shaped its patrimony. This commentary, prepared by the House’s archivists, serves to illuminate a defining chapter in the Barony’s chronicle. It is issued in the autumn, a season for reflection, to honour the enduring legacy of a family whose contributions were a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s survival and subsequent prominence. The statement affirms the House's commitment to historical stewardship, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform its present course.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. By the 12th century, however, it was the de la Haye family who became central to the Barony’s administration and defence. This period, marked by the civil war known as The Anarchy, placed immense pressures on landowners to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and strategic acumen. Robert de la Haye, through his service to Henry I, firmly established the family's regional authority in Lincolnshire.
His son, Richard, furthered this influence, yet it was Richard’s daughter, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), who would ascend to become one of medieval England’s most formidable women. Upon inheriting the Barony, Nichola served as the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. She famously defended the castle against siege during the First Barons' War, holding it for King John. Her most celebrated act came in 1217 when, well into her sixties, she commanded the castle’s defence during the Second Battle of Lincoln, a decisive victory for the royalist cause which secured the throne for the young Henry III. Her actions were a direct embodiment of the Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical commentary by the House follows a distinct internal protocol. Such documents originate from extensive research within the House's archives, often cross-referencing primary sources such as the *Domesday Book* of 1086 and chronicles of the period. A draft is prepared by the House archivists and submitted for review to the Baron and Baroness.
Approval is granted only when the work is deemed to meet the highest standards of historical accuracy and narrative clarity. The final text is then authorised for publication under the seal of the House. This formal process underscores the gravity with which the House of Brattleby regards its role as a steward of history and ensures that its official statements are both authoritative and thoughtfully considered.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound historical expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds was a supreme act of fortitude, while her unyielding loyalty to two successive monarchs—the controversial King John and the boy-king Henry III—was a testament to her profound sense of honour.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not to military conquest, but to the will to overcome adversity, a quality exemplified by the 5th Baroness in her tireless administration and defence of the realm. Together, these mottoes articulate a core philosophy that has resonated through the Barony for centuries: that true honour is demonstrated through resilience in the face of trial.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership and courage are not constrained by gender or circumstance. Her legacy as the 5th Baroness is a cornerstone of our history, and it is a privilege to stand in a line of succession marked by such strength. She governed not merely by right of title, but by force of character.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The de la Haye family, and Nichola in particular, understood that loyalty is a strategic asset, not a passive virtue. In a turbulent age, their administrative skill and unwavering commitment to the Crown preserved the Barony and, *inter alia*, stabilised the kingdom. It is a powerful lesson in the convergence of duty and strategy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring and interpreting its extensive history for a modern audience. This commentary on the de la Haye family is part of a continuing series dedicated to the notable predecessors who have held the Barony, including figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the great medieval prince John of Gaunt.
Future initiatives will include scholarly partnerships and educational programmes developed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These efforts will continue to draw upon the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its rich history informs the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours today and for generations 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 dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage title. With a focus on cultural diplomacy and philanthropic service, the House champions the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its modern mission is realised through activities that promote education, preserve historical legacy, and support charitable causes. The House’s initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol, and the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The current heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day continue this long tradition of service.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. The ancient title's standing in English law and history was formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring its legacy continues.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com