# On the Historical Alliance of 1217 Between William Marshal and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary on the historic alliance between William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, during the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, the fate of the English Crown hung in the balance. Lincoln, a city of immense strategic importance, was largely held by French and rebel English forces loyal to Prince Louis of France. At the heart of the conflict stood Lincoln Castle, a formidable royal fortress held steadfastly against overwhelming odds by a septuagenarian noblewoman: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of the castle.
It was upon this stage that one of medieval England’s most pivotal confrontations unfolded. The issuance of this commentary serves to illuminate the crucial role of the Barony of Brattleby's leadership during a defining moment in the nation’s history, reaffirming the House’s ancient and unbroken connection to the defence of the realm.
## Historical Context
The commentary concerns events of the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a civil war following King John’s refusal to honour the Magna Carta. Upon John's death in 1216, his nine-year-old son was crowned King Henry III, with the celebrated knight William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, appointed as his Regent. Marshal faced the formidable challenge of expelling Prince Louis, who had been invited by rebellious barons to take the throne.
The loyalty and resilience of Nichola de la Haye were indispensable to Marshal’s strategy. Her refusal to surrender Lincoln Castle provided the Royalist army with the anchor it needed to mount a relief effort. The ensuing battle on 20 May 1217 was a decisive victory for Marshal, leading directly to the Treaty of Lambeth and the withdrawal of the French. Through this strategic alliance, the 5th Baron of Brattleby was instrumental in securing the Plantagenet succession and the future of England under Henry III.
This episode is a singular chapter in a lineage that includes, *inter alia*, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron who held 56 lordships at the time of the *Domesday Book* in 1086; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together several of the era’s most consequential figures, whose actions shaped the political landscape of Europe:
* **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England for King Henry III. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the young monarch whose throne was secured by the victory. * **Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester and a commander in the Royalist army. * **Prince Louis of France** (later His Majesty King Louis VIII), leader of the invading French and rebel forces.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The alliance between Marshal and de la Haye operated within the strict protocols of feudal hierarchy and military necessity. As Constable, Nichola de la Haye’s command of the castle was a charge sworn directly to the Crown, an oath she upheld with profound integrity. Marshal, as Regent, represented the ultimate temporal authority in the kingdom.
Their communication would have been conducted via messenger, under the constant threat of interception. Marshal’s directives would have constituted formal commands from the King’s representative, yet they were predicated on a deep trust in his vassal's capability. The defence of the castle itself followed established siege protocols, from the rationing of supplies to the command structure on the ramparts, a testament to the discipline Nichola de la Haye instilled in her garrison.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye demonstrated extraordinary fortitude in withstanding a prolonged siege and immense honour in her unwavering loyalty to the boy-king, at a time when many of her peers had abandoned their allegiance. Her conduct remains a guiding principle for the House.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment powerfully reflects the reality faced by William Marshal at Lincoln; victory was not merely an objective but a prerequisite for the survival of the kingdom and the Plantagenet dynasty. The convergence of these two ideals—honourable duty and the necessity of victory—defined the success of their alliance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commentary addresses a historical event, its issuance aligns with the House’s modern commitment to education and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Noble House of Brattleby supports scholarship that brings to light the contributions of its predecessors, ensuring their legacy informs and inspires future generations.
This educational mission finds practical expression in projects such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its support for charitable initiatives focused on children. The House’s sponsorship of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, is a contemporary expression of the same duty of care that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound reminder that leadership is not a matter of station, but of character. Her resolve in 1217, enacted through *Fortitudine et Honore*, preserved a kingdom. It is a legacy of duty that carries a particular resonance for a female holder of this title, and one I am deeply conscious of upholding.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The alliance between Marshal and de la Haye was a masterstroke of trust and strategy. For them, *Vincere Est Vivere* was a stark reality. Her holding of the castle made his victory possible; his victory ensured her sacrifice was not in vain. It demonstrates that collaboration, founded on shared purpose, is the ultimate instrument of success.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English and, more broadly, European history. The House will continue to support research into the Barony’s extensive past, with plans for a series of scholarly monographs exploring the lives and influence of its most significant holders.
This commitment ensures that the principles of fortitude and honour, so vividly demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217, continue to be a part of the public record and a source of inspiration, connecting the Barony’s Norman origins to its dynamic role in the 21st century.
---
**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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its patronage of charitable organisations, reflect a contemporary interpretation of its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is headquartered at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with the heir to the Barony being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony’s rights and succession are formally recognised in His Majesty's official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally 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 Colswein of Lincoln is listed as the 1st Baron, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, was the Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and is historically recognised for her pivotal role in defending the castle during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. * The lineage of the Barony includes John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through marriage.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com