# Commemorating Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a historical commemoration of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This notice reflects upon her pivotal defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 and her enduring place in the annals of English history.
## The Occasion
From the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to honour one of its most formidable predecessors. In the quiet continuity of an estate that has witnessed nearly a millennium of English history, the life of Nichola de la Haye serves as a profound touchstone for the present. This commemoration is an act of historical reflection, intended to illuminate a legacy of duty and resilience that continues to inform the House’s purpose.
The narrative of the 5th Baroness is not merely an artefact of the past; it is a living part of the heritage that the 12th Baroness and her family are entrusted to preserve. This moment of remembrance reinforces the unbroken chain of stewardship, connecting the Norman Conquest to the present day through the remarkable lives of those who have held the title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, was forged in an era of profound political change. It is against this backdrop that the actions of Nichola de la Haye, some 150 years later, assume their full significance. Inheriting the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln Castle, she found herself at the epicentre of the First Barons' War, a civil conflict that threatened to tear England apart.
In the spring of 1217, with the French Prince Louis claiming the English throne and holding London, the security of the realm rested with loyalists to the boy-king, Henry III. At an advanced age, Baroness Nichola held Lincoln Castle, a key strategic fortress, in the King’s name. Her refusal to surrender to a superior French and rebel force was an act of extraordinary defiance. The ensuing battle, known as the 'Fair of Lincoln', resulted in a decisive victory for the Royalist forces led by the Regent, William Marshal, a victory made possible by her fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
In recalling these momentous events, it is proper to acknowledge the historical figures whose destinies were interwoven with that of the 5th Baroness. Her story unfolds amidst a cast of the most powerful individuals of the 13th century, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King John of England, who had personally confirmed Nichola de la Haye's right to the constableship. * His Majesty King Henry III of England, the young sovereign in whose name she held the castle. * The Most Illustrious William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, whose army relieved the siege. * His Highness Prince Louis of France, the rival claimant to the throne, whose ambitions were thwarted at Lincoln.
The steadfastness of the Baroness in the face of such pressures places her among the most consequential figures of her time.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The authority wielded by Nichola de la Haye was not informal but was governed by the strict feudal and ceremonial protocols of the age. As hereditary Constable of a Royal Castle, her duties were a matter of sworn oath and written charter. Upon the death of her husband, she travelled to Normandy to have King John formally recognise her right to the post—a *sine qua non* for exercising such power.
During the siege of 1217, her command was absolute within the castle walls. Protocol would have dictated the raising of the Royal Standard, the securing of the gates, the marshalling of the garrison, and the despatch of messengers to the Regent. Her subsequent appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role unprecedented for a woman at the time, was a formal recognition by the Crown of her service and administrative acumen, underscoring the legitimacy of her authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding the siege, coupled with the honour she demonstrated in upholding her fealty to the Crown, are the very embodiment of this guiding principle.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the resilience and determination fundamental not only to prevailing in conflict, but to navigating the challenges of any era. Together, the mottos symbolise a legacy of principled strength, linking medieval defence with the imperatives of modern leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the actions of Nichola de la Haye were of a military nature, they were fundamentally about protection—of her castle, her community, and her sovereign. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby channels this protective instinct into its philanthropic work, most notably through its support for the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the principal vehicle for this support. In this, the ancient duty to defend the vulnerable is translated into a modern commitment to healing and strengthening the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a question of gender or age, but of courage and conviction. To hold this title is to be the custodian of her story and many others, a responsibility I take to heart in our duties today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an abstract concept; it is a standard set by figures like the 5th Baroness. Her story teaches what we strive to impart through endeavours like The Brattleby Club: that true honour is found in service and steadfastness."
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is a cornerstone of the identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her legacy informs the House’s educational mission, its commitment to historical preservation, and its dedication to purposeful philanthropy. The House remains committed to sharing the accounts of its notable predecessors, ensuring that their contributions to the rich tapestry of British history are understood and remembered.
This commemoration serves as a reaffirmation of the timeless values—fortitude, honour, and service—that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for more than 950 years. These principles will continue to guide the House in all its future undertakings, honouring the past while serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, *Healing the Wounded Child*, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House seeks to uphold the dignity of its ancient heritage while making a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Having passed through lines of historic English families, the ancient dignity and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors connected to the Royal Family include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com