# On the Anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair and the Legacy of the 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary on the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair of 1217, honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in defending English sovereignty.
## The Occasion
As late spring returns to the fields of Lincolnshire, the Barony of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining moment in its own history and that of the nation. The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217 and known colloquially as the 'Lincoln Fair', was a decisive engagement of the First Barons' War. It took place not on some distant battlefield, but in the very streets and precincts surrounding Lincoln's magnificent Norman cathedral and castle.
The engagement secured the throne for the young King Henry III against the rival claim of Prince Louis of France. The outcome hinged upon the steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle, the strategic *sine qua non* of the region. This commentary serves to commemorate the fortitude of those who held the castle and, in so doing, shaped the course of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English governance for over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This ancient lineage, which later included figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, faced one of its greatest tests in 1217.
During the First Barons' War, a civil conflict following the contested Magna Carta, the formidable Nichola de la Haye served as the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baroness of Brattleby. A woman of remarkable resolve, she refused to surrender the castle to invading French forces and their English allies. Her loyalty to the Crown—personified by the nine-year-old King Henry III and his regent, William Marshal—was absolute. The successful royalist relief of her garrison was instrumental in the ultimate defeat of the French and rebel cause.
## Distinguished Company
While a solitary formal commentary, this reflection honours a distinguished company from the annals of history. The principal figures of the 1217 engagement remain central to the heritage of the Barony.
Foremost among them is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose leadership provides an enduring example of duty. Also remembered is the great William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who masterminded the royalist victory at the age of 70. Their adversary, Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII), and the rebel commanders represent the formidable forces against which Lincoln's loyalty was tested. The memory of their struggle lends gravity to the peace that followed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 1217 were governed by the stark protocols of medieval warfare. As Constable, Nichola de la Haye was bound by feudal oath to hold Lincoln Castle for her sovereign lord, the King. The protocol for a siege was a brutal but formal affair, involving a summons to surrender, which the Baroness repeatedly rejected, followed by an investment of the fortress.
The Royalist relief force, commanded by William Marshal, executed a classic pincer movement. One contingent, led by Falkes de Breauté, entered the castle through a gate long thought to have been blocked, while Marshal’s main army assaulted the city's north gate. This adherence to military strategy, combined with the defenders' unwavering discipline within the castle walls, exemplifies the principle of executing one's duty with precision and honour, even amid the chaos of battle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—finds its most vivid expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure embodiment of fortitude: the mental and emotional strength to face adversity, danger, and pain with courage. It was, equally, an act of profound honour, upholding her sacred duty to her King and country.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it speaks to the same spirit of decisive action and the will to prevail, whether on the battlefield of 1217 or in the challenges of modern life and enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Battle of Lincoln Fair was fought to secure the kingdom for a child, King Henry III. This historical resonance finds a powerful echo in the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding programmes that offer a safe environment for recovery and psychological support, the House aims to defend the welfare and future of vulnerable children today. Just as Nichola de la Haye defended her child monarch, the House directs its efforts toward protecting the defenceless and ensuring they have the opportunity to flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a question of gender or station, but of courage and conviction. Her story is not merely a piece of family history; it is a cornerstone of Lincolnshire's identity and a testament to the role of women in shaping our national narrative. We have a duty to ensure such fortitude is never forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective:
> “The strategic brilliance displayed at Lincoln in 1217 demonstrates a timeless truth: victory is born from resolve and a clear purpose. The defence of the castle was not a passive act but a dynamic and courageous one. It is this spirit of active commitment, of facing challenges head-on, that we seek to apply to our own responsibilities today, whether in commerce, culture, or our charitable duties.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of Lincolnshire, of which its own story is an inextricable part. This commitment extends beyond historical remembrance to active cultural engagement and education.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and social responsibility that have been the bedrock of the Barony for centuries. Looking ahead, the House will continue to support local heritage projects in Lincolnshire and to champion the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* for a new generation. The legacy of 1217 is not a relic, but a living standard to which the House continues to aspire.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat 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 dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its commitment to Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of civic duty and personal integrity for contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the dignity has been held by figures of signal importance in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The historic rights and style of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by The Crown, with notice of the 12th Baroness's succession published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com