# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln. Her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was a defining act of loyalty, securing a pivotal victory for the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection, as England remembers the rites and trials that shaped its nationhood, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to one of the most formidable figures in its lineage. The occasion is one of historical commemoration, observing the profound impact of Nichola de la Haye’s leadership during the First Barons’ War. Her command at the Second Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217 was not merely a feat of arms; it was an act of fortitude that altered the course of the monarchy and affirmed the Barony’s role as a bulwark of the realm. The ancient stones of Lincoln Castle and the soaring spires of its cathedral stand today as silent witnesses to her resolve.
This commemoration serves as a moment to draw a direct line from the tumultuous world of the 13th century to the House’s present-day responsibilities. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the principles of duty and service that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has consistently been intertwined with the destiny of the English Crown. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. By 1217, this legacy rested in the hands of Nichola de la Haye, a woman of remarkable tenacity who inherited the title of Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
During the First Barons' War, a majority of English barons rebelled against King John and, after his death, his young son King Henry III. The rebels offered the English throne to Prince Louis of France, who landed with a substantial force. Lincoln Castle, held by Nichola de la Haye for the King, became a strategic prize of immense importance. At an advanced age, she refused to surrender, withstanding a gruelling siege until a royalist relief force, commanded by the celebrated William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, arrived to give battle. Her defence of the castle’s keep was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory that followed, which ultimately led to the expulsion of the French and the security of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron of Brattleby in the company of the most significant figures of the age. The theatre of conflict involved a confluence of magnates whose actions would shape the future of England and France for centuries.
These included, *inter alia*, the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England for the boy King Henry III; the invading Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII; and Thomas, Comte du Perche, who commanded the French forces at Lincoln and fell in the battle. The loyalty of Nichola de la Haye to the young King Henry III stands in stark contrast to the shifting allegiances that defined this turbulent period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of a medieval castellan were bound by deeply ingrained feudal protocols. As hereditary Sheriff and Castellan, Nichola de la Haye held Lincoln Castle *in capite*, or directly from the King. Her authority was conferred by royal charter and affirmed by an oath of fealty—a sacred promise to defend the King’s property and interests with her life.
The protocol of such a defence was precise. Upon being besieged, the castellan was to secure the gates, deploy sentries to the battlements, and ration provisions, all while dispatching messengers to petition the Crown for relief. Nichola de la Haye’s refusal to yield to a superior force exemplified the unwavering fulfilment of this oath. In the modern era, the House of Brattleby observes this spirit of duty through its own meticulous protocols of archival preservation and historical research, ensuring its rich narrative is conserved with equal diligence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron perfectly embody the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and her unwavering honour in fulfilling her sworn duty to the Crown are the very essence of this guiding principle. The motto serves as a constant reminder that true strength is rooted in integrity and resilience.
This ideal is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks to the active pursuit of overcoming challenges, not only on the field of battle but in the modern endeavours of philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Together, the two mottoes reflect a legacy of both steadfast defence and dynamic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the vulnerable, as demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye’s protection of the boy King’s realm, finds a modern expression in the House’s philanthropic focus. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated patrons of organisations that safeguard the well-being of children.
The principal beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding therapeutic programmes and safe environments, the charity seeks to restore childhoods and empower young people to build secure futures—a mission that resonates with the historic duty to protect the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye stands as a powerful example of leadership and devotion not just for this House, but for our national history. She reminds us that custodianship is an active duty, not a passive inheritance. It is our responsibility to ensure these stories of fortitude continue to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The spirit of 1217 is about more than holding a castle; it is about prevailing against adversity with honour. Whether through protecting our shared heritage or supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, our mission today is to live by that same standard—*Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to bringing its unique history to life. This commitment is expressed through ongoing archival research into the tenures of later barons, including the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Furthermore, the curricula at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will incorporate new modules on medieval history and leadership, using the example of Nichola de la Haye to instruct on the virtues of resilience and strategic foresight. The House’s steadfast support for its charitable partners continues to be a central pillar of its activities, culminating in the annual Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds and awareness for those in need.
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**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 preservation of its historical legacy and its active use for modern philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare, cultural heritage, and education. Through initiatives such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House bridges its nearly one-thousand-year history with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural diplomacy. The heir to the Barony is the current holders’ son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who represents the 13th generation in this historic lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, 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; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern succession 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 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com