# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary reflecting on the pivotal role of the Barony during the First Barons’ War, particularly the actions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in her historic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217.
## The Occasion
From the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair to reflect upon a defining moment in its nine-century history. This statement serves not as a simple recollection of past events, but as a reaffirmation of the principles of duty, loyalty, and service that have defined the Barony since its inception. It is a moment for quiet scholarship and contemplation, connecting the historical record to the living responsibilities of the title today.
In issuing this commentary, The Noble House of Brattleby underscores its commitment to historical preservation and education. The narrative of the Barony is inextricably woven into the fabric of English history, and understanding its past is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling its role in the present. This reflection honours a formidable predecessor whose fortitude ensured the continuity of lawful governance in a time of national crisis.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in profound turmoil. Following the disputes over *Magna Carta*, the kingdom was fractured by the First Barons’ War, with rebel lords supporting an invasion by Prince Louis of France. With the death of King John in 1216, the Crown passed to his nine-year-old son, Henry III, whose claim was defended by the venerable William Marshal, acting as regent. Lincoln became a strategic nexus in this conflict.
It was in this crucible that Nichola de la Haye, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and the 5th to hold the Barony of Brattleby, demonstrated extraordinary resolve. A woman of advanced years, she refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces. Her defiance culminated in the Battle of Lincoln Fair on 20 May 1217, where a royalist relief force, led by William Marshal, decisively defeated the besieging army. This victory was instrumental in ending the war and securing the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty. Nichola de la Haye’s role demonstrated that the Barony was far more than a collection of lands; it was a vital node in the network of medieval power and a bastion of loyalty to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 unfolded amidst a cast of figures central to the destiny of the Kingdom, whose actions shaped the course of English history for centuries to come. The principal actors in this great drama included, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King Henry III**, the boy-king whose inheritance was secured by the courage of his loyal subjects. * **Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Lord Protector of England, a peerless knight and statesman who masterminded the royalist victory at Lincoln. * **His Highness Prince Louis of France**, later King Louis VIII, whose ambition to seize the English Crown was ultimately thwarted. * **The Right Reverend Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester**, a key commander of the King’s army and a powerful figure in the royal court.
These individuals, friends and foes alike, formed the historical tableau against which the 5th Baroness of Brattleby fulfilled her hereditary duty with such remarkable distinction.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye held two of the most significant offices of regional governance. The Constableship was a solemn, inherited duty, granting her command of the castle’s garrison and ultimate responsibility for its defence. This was not a symbolic appointment but a frontline military and administrative role, requiring unwavering personal courage.
The ancient office of High Sheriff, appointed by the sovereign, made her the Crown’s chief executive officer in the county. Her duties included collecting taxes, enforcing royal writs, and presiding over the shire court. In a time of civil war, her refusal to yield the castle was a direct execution of her sworn duty to the monarch. The protocol of her offices demanded allegiance, and her actions in 1217 represent one of history's most compelling examples of such protocol being honoured under extreme duress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 provide the quintessential illustration of this creed. She faced a superior force with unyielding courage (fortitude) while upholding her sworn oath to her rightful king (honour). Her legacy animates the very spirit of the House’s coat of arms.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, these mottoes articulate a philosophy of purposeful action: that true life is found not merely in existence, but in overcoming adversity with honour to achieve a greater good. The defence of Lincoln was, in its time, a victory essential for the life of the nation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in its focus, the legacy of service it describes finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same sense of responsibility that compelled the 5th Baroness to defend her community now inspires the work of the 12th Baroness and her husband.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary charitable endeavour. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of mending unseen wounds, viewing this vital work as a modern form of fortification—building resilience in the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a passage in a history book; it is a profound lesson in the nature of duty. It demonstrates that responsibility, when met with courage, can alter the course of history. Her example reminds us that our inheritance is not one of privilege, but of service—a charge we strive to honour in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “For centuries, the Barony of Brattleby has been more than land; it has been a sentinel of stability and a bastion of loyalty. Nichola de la Haye’s stand at Lincoln affirmed that its purpose was to serve the common good and uphold the rule of law. That same spirit of purposeful contribution guides our modern endeavours, whether in education or philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of fortitude and honour continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical reflection reaffirms a commitment to a legacy that extends beyond the past. The House’s work today carries forward the spirit of its most distinguished predecessors.
This is evident in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering the civility and mutual respect that are the foundations of a stable society. Furthermore, the House’s unwavering support for its philanthropic partners demonstrates a continued investment in the welfare of the community. In this manner, the nearly thousand-year-old story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, ever anchored by its founding duties of service and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a renewed commitment to public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the values of civility and social grace. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House honours its profound history by engaging with the challenges of the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony 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* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's premier philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com