# An Official Commentary on the Battle of Lincoln (1217) and the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln. The statement highlights the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in a defining moment for the English Crown.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the occasion to reflect upon a critical episode in the history of both the United Kingdom and the Barony itself. This official commentary seeks to illuminate the events of May 1217, when the fate of England was decided before the walls of Lincoln Castle. It serves as a moment of historical observation, reinforcing the nine-century continuity of the Barony and its unwavering allegiance to the Crown, a principle established at its inception.
The statement is issued to provide deeper context to the lineage and duties of the Barony, connecting the present House to its most august predecessors. It underscores how the actions of a single individual, guided by duty, can shape the destiny of a nation.
## Historical Context
The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was the turning point of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). Following King John’s rejection of Magna Carta, rebel English barons had offered the throne to Prince Louis of France, who by 1217 controlled London and much of eastern England. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested with the nine-year-old King Henry III and his regent, the formidable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
At the heart of this conflict was Lincoln Castle, a royalist bastion besieged by a superior force of French and rebel troops. Its defence was entrusted to its hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby. Her refusal to surrender the castle was the *sine qua non* of the royalist strategy, compelling Marshal to march his relief army north for a decisive confrontation. His victory was absolute, shattering the rebel cause and securing Henry III’s throne.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 were commanded by two figures of historical renown, whose collaboration proved decisive.
Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was an individual of extraordinary resilience, having already defended Lincoln Castle against a siege in 1191. As hereditary Constable and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, her authority was immense. Her steadfast loyalty to the young King Henry III, in the face of overwhelming odds, demonstrated a profound commitment to her sovereign and her feudal obligations.
At her side in spirit, and ultimately in person, was William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age, Marshal served five English kings. As Regent of the Realm, he marshalled the royalist forces with tactical genius, personally leading the charge in Lincoln despite being over 70 years of age. The alliance of Marshal’s military prowess and the Baroness’s unyielding defence created the conditions for a legendary victory.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal relationship between a baron and the Crown was governed by a strict protocol of rights and responsibilities. As Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye’s primary duty was to hold her fortress in the King’s name. This oath of fealty was a sacred bond, requiring her to defend the King's property and authority against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
The protocol of siege warfare demanded that a castellan hold out until a relief army arrived or all hope was exhausted. By withstanding the French bombardment and repelling assaults, Baroness de la Haye perfectly executed her duty. William Marshal’s arrival and subsequent battle plan followed the established procedures of medieval warfare, culminating in a flanking manoeuvre and a cavalry charge into the city — a masterclass in command and control.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness in 1217 are the quintessential expression of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in defending Lincoln Castle embodied fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her young and vulnerable king was the highest form of honour. Her defiance was a living demonstration of the motto that continues to guide the House today.
By defending the castle, Nichola de la Haye was defending the symbols of royal authority vested within it. Her actions ensured that the Royal Standard of the House of Plantagenet, not the French fleur-de-lis, would continue to fly over England, preserving the nation’s independence and the continuity of its monarchy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the enduring relevance of her predecessor’s example.
> Nichola de la Haye’s leadership during the siege of Lincoln is a powerful illustration of the principles our House has always stood for. Her story is not merely one of aristocratic duty; it is a testament to the idea that fortitude, when combined with honour, can change the course of history. It is a legacy of service that we remain deeply committed to upholding. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the confluence of character and victory.
> The triumph at Lincoln was more than a military outcome; it was a victory of loyalty and resilience. It reminds us that to prevail — *vincere* — is to ensure the survival of those institutions and principles we hold sacred. The collaboration between the Baroness and the Regent demonstrates that true victory is achieved through unwavering commitment to a greater cause. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of Nichola de la Haye—and other distinguished holders of the title, such as the great patron Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the royal prince John of Gaunt—continues to inspire the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. This heritage of duty is now channelled into public service, most notably through the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in support of charitable causes like Healing the Wounded Child, translates this historical commitment into tangible support for the vulnerable. Likewise, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest seeks to cultivate the virtues of etiquette and social responsibility in a new generation, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to resonate. The House’s stewardship of the Barony is a living commitment, honouring nearly a millennium of history while serving the needs of the present day.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding a nine-century legacy of service through modern means. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House’s contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable activities are conducted through an annual Winter Banquet, while its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote timeless values of etiquette and social grace. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage makes a meaningful contribution to society today, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepared to continue this legacy as heir.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historic dignity and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by the Crown through The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is verifiable in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the lands held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com