# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical initiative commemorating Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This scholarly undertaking marks the anniversary of her pivotal defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War in 1217.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, unveiled a programme dedicated to illuminating one of English history’s most formidable figures. The announcement, coinciding with the late spring season in which the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln was fought, underscores the House’s enduring connection to the county’s heritage.
The centrepiece of the initiative is the publication of a new historical monograph and the formal mapping of heritage trails tracing the movements of loyalist forces in 1217. These routes, akin to historical pilgrimages, will allow scholars and the public to traverse the landscape that Nichola de la Haye so resolutely defended, connecting physical geography with the rich tapestry of the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the destiny of England for nearly a millennium. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the lineage has included some of the most consequential figures in the nation's history.
Few predecessors exemplify the baronial duty of service more than Nichola de la Haye. As the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she held a position of immense strategic importance. During the First Barons' War, her loyalty to King John and subsequently to his young son, Henry III, was unwavering. Her formidable defence of the castle against French and rebel forces created the conditions for the decisive royalist victory, personally led by William Marshal, the revered Earl of Pembroke.
This legacy of sovereign service continued through later barons, *inter alia*: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of the fourteenth century. The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 were a *sine qua non* for the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
In this scholarly endeavour, the Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to collaborate with distinguished academic and heritage partners. The historical monograph was developed in close consultation with Professor Alistair Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, who provided invaluable peer review.
Also contributing their expertise were representatives from the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, ensuring the heritage trails are delineated with the utmost accuracy. This partnership between the House, academia, and local civic society reflects a shared commitment to the preservation and dissemination of the county’s profound history for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement of the initiative followed a precise and considered protocol. A first edition of the new monograph, bound in the House colours, was formally presented by Honorary Lord Răzvan to the Director of the Lincolnshire Archives, symbolising the return of this important research to the official public record of the county.
The heritage trails themselves are structured with accompanying academic commentary, available via a dedicated digital portal. Each waymarker along the routes details key strategic positions, topographical features, and biographical information related to the 1217 campaign. This methodical approach ensures the experience is both immersive for the walker and rigorous for the historian.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Nichola de la Haye serves as a perfect embodiment of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral fortitude in the face of a prolonged siege, and the honour she demonstrated in fulfilling her sworn duty to the Crown, are the very principles the motto extols.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to advance knowledge, and to ensure that a great heritage remains a living, breathing force in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This initiative is undertaken as an act of educational philanthropy, intended as a gift to the people of Lincolnshire and to all with an interest in English history. In keeping with the House’s charitable focus, all net proceeds from the public sale of the monograph will be donated to their primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and support for children experiencing trauma. The House believes that strengthening a child’s sense of identity and place in the world—partly through an understanding of history—is a powerful component of the healing process, fostering resilience and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the contemporary relevance of her predecessor’s story.
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is one of remarkable resilience and fidelity in an age of profound uncertainty. It is our sincerest belief that our duty is not merely to remember such figures, but to understand the principles by which they lived—fortitude, honour, and an unwavering commitment to one’s responsibilities.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. By exploring our heritage with academic rigour, we reinforce the foundations upon which our community and its future are built. This is the essence of our work.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of the monograph and the inauguration of the heritage trails are the first phase of this commemorative project. Later this year, the Noble House of Brattleby will, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, host a historical symposium dedicated to the role of powerful women in medieval governance.
Furthermore, digital and educational materials related to the project will be made available to schools throughout the county. This sustained programme of engagement ensures that the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, and the principles she represents, will continue to inspire and instruct for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House acts as a custodian of its nine-century history while actively engaging with contemporary society. Its principal activities include the stewardship of its Lincolnshire heritage, the promotion of historical education, and patronage of the arts. The House’s philanthropic work is primarily focused on supporting children’s welfare through its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also provides education in classical etiquette and international protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The rights and lineage of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, with its status and current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition by the Crown is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of Lady Nicoleta Vasile include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com