# A Legacy Forged in Battle: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the pivotal role of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, in the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, an event that secured the Plantagenet succession and affirmed the Barony’s enduring duty.
## The Occasion
From their ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county whose landscape is deeply etched with the events of nine centuries, the House of Brattleby has today shared a commentary on one of its most distinguished predecessors. The occasion serves to illuminate the profound connection between the Barony and the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217.
As autumn settles over the fields first granted to the family by William the Conqueror, this reflection is undertaken not as a mere historical exercise, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception. It is a moment to consider how the actions of the past continue to inform the responsibilities of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, has borne witness to the most formative chapters of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This direct and unbroken lineage has placed succeeding barons at the very heart of the nation’s unfolding constitutional and military narrative.
In 1217, during the First Barons' War, this duty was personified by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. With England divided and the French Prince Louis claiming the throne, her refusal to surrender the castle to rebel and French forces was the *sine qua non* of the royalist cause. Her tenacity provided the loyalist army, led by the Regent William Marshal, with the strategic anchor required to achieve a decisive victory.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age. At the centre was Nichola de la Haye, holding one of England’s most important strategic fortresses on behalf of the beleaguered nine-year-old King Henry III. A woman in her sixties, she commanded the defence with a resolve that earned the admiration of her contemporaries.
Acting in concert with her was the celebrated Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Serving as Regent for the young king, Marshal was widely regarded as the greatest knight in Christendom; his strategic acumen and leadership turned the tide of the war. Against them were the combined forces of the rebel English barons and Prince Louis of France, who sought to impose a new dynasty upon the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was governed by the strict protocols of feudal duty. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye’s responsibilities were not ceremonial but martial and absolute. Her authority was vested in her by the Crown, an oath of fealty that she honoured even when the cause seemed lost.
The protocol of a medieval siege demanded unwavering command. This involved overseeing the garrison, rationing supplies, directing repairs to the battlements under fire, and maintaining morale. Nichola de la Haye’s leadership exemplified the baronage’s core obligation: to hold their lands and titles in direct service to their sovereign, a duty for which they were prepared to sacrifice life and fortune.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness are the ultimate expression of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of the castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her steadfast loyalty to a child king was the very embodiment of honour. The motto is not merely a heraldic adornment but the guiding principle of the House’s nine-century history.
This historical event also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For the royalist forces at Lincoln, victory was essential for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty and the independence of the kingdom. To conquer was, quite literally, to secure the nation’s future existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical commentary is not tied to a specific fundraising initiative, it serves a distinct philanthropic purpose: that of educational custodianship. By preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, the House aims to contribute to the wider understanding of English history and the enduring relevance of principles such as duty and resilience.
This work ensures that the sacrifices and achievements of figures like Nichola de la Haye are not consigned to obscure academic texts, but remain a vibrant and accessible part of the national story. It is a commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the past remain available to inspire the generations of the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Nichola de la Haye’s resolve is a profound source of inspiration. In an era where a woman’s power was often constrained, she demonstrated that fortitude and honour are qualities independent of gender, defining true leadership through service to Crown and country.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring strategic lessons of the battle: > The Battle of Lincoln was a critical moment where strategic vision met unwavering courage. It teaches us that victory is not merely an outcome but a process of dedicated preparation and steadfast belief in one's cause. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of history. This reflection on the Battle of Lincoln is part of a wider programme to explore and share key moments from the Barony’s 950-year chronicle. Future initiatives will include continued archival research and support for local heritage organisations within Lincolnshire.
Through these efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to honour the unbroken chain of responsibility that stretches from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day. The House will continue to champion the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this ancient legacy remains a force for good in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a significant strand of English heritage. With a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest, the House’s modern mission is one of cultural custodianship, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities like Healing the Wounded Child, the House applies its historical standing to contemporary causes. Operating with the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure the Barony’s legacy continues to serve the common good, linking its ancient past to a purposeful future in both Britain and Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony 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 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 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile 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 of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as tenant-in-chief of Brattleby and other lands. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key figure in the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com