# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Precedent of the Fifth Baroness, Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound legacy of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, whose historic appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1216 stands as a testament to exceptional female leadership in medieval England.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, it provides a fitting moment for reflection upon the enduring cycles of history and duty. From the baronial seat in Brattleby, surrounded by records that chronicle over nine centuries of service to the Crown, the current House honours the memory of one of its most formidable predecessors. This is not to mark a single anniversary, but rather to reaffirm a foundational principle of the Barony: that leadership is a matter of character, not convention.
The story of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, remains a cornerstone of the family’s heritage. Her life and achievements serve as a powerful historical precedent that continues to inform the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby, particularly its commitment to steadfast service and the protection of the vulnerable.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230) inherited the Barony of Brattleby and with it, the hereditary role of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her tenure coincided with one of England’s most turbulent periods, the First Barons' War (1215–1217). Following King John’s death in 1216, the security of the realm rested upon the shoulders of the Regent, The Lord William Marshall, who acted for the nine-year-old King Henry III.
At this critical juncture, with rebel barons and their French allies controlling much of eastern England, the aged but resolute Nichola de la Haye twice defended Lincoln Castle from prolonged siege. Her unwavering loyalty was the *sine qua non* of royal control in a vital region. In recognition of her military command and administrative prowess, William Marshall took the extraordinary step of appointing her High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office of immense power typically reserved for men. This appointment placed the county’s entire legal and military administration in her hands.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1216–1217 placed the 5th Baroness at the centre of a national drama, in the company of the most powerful figures of the age. These included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King John of England, who had previously confirmed her authority over Lincoln Castle. * The Lord William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England, who entrusted her with the shrievalty of the county. * His Majesty the infant King Henry III, whose throne she helped to secure through her defence of Lincoln. * His Highness Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII), whose forces she successfully repelled during the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of High Sheriff in the 13th century was the chief executive of the Crown in the county. Upon her appointment, Nichola de la Haye would have sworn a solemn oath of fealty, pledging to uphold the law, collect royal revenues, and command the *posse comitatus*, or county levy, in the King’s name.
Her authority was not merely symbolic; it was absolute within the shire. She presided over the shire court, executed writs from the royal chancery, and was responsible for the custody of prisoners. For a woman to wield such comprehensive authority was virtually unprecedented, challenging the entire social and political order of the period and marking her as a figure of unique distinction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. With fortitude, she held a strategic fortress against overwhelming odds for her young king; with honour, she executed the duties of a great office of state, ensuring justice and order in a time of chaos.
This spirit of prevailing against adversity is also echoed in the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola de la Haye’s life was a testament to this principle, demonstrating that to overcome challenges in the service of a higher cause is the truest way to live a life of meaning and consequence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of the realm for a vulnerable child monarch creates a powerful historical parallel to the modern philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is dedicated to providing specialist support and therapy for children who have suffered trauma, neglect, or loss.
Just as the 5th Baroness stood firm to protect the future of her young sovereign, the House today directs its efforts towards safeguarding the futures of vulnerable children. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this support, raising vital funds to ensure the charity can continue its essential work in providing sanctuary and recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The example of Nichola de la Haye serves as a constant and powerful reminder that duty and capability are not defined by the conventions of an era. Her fortitude during a national crisis, and the trust placed in her by the Regency, continue to inspire our own commitment to service. She demonstrated that true leadership is about honouring one’s responsibilities, regardless of the obstacles.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of duty, honour, and effective leadership exemplified by Nichola de la Haye are not merely historical footnotes; they are active components of the House’s continuing mission. At The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House, these historical precedents form a key part of the curriculum.
Students learn that protocol and social grace are outward expressions of an inner commitment to order, respect, and civic responsibility. By studying the lives of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, members of the academy are connected to a nine-hundred-year tradition of European leadership, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony continues to resonate in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The modern House is dedicated to the stewardship of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and trauma recovery, principally the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable endeavours in the United Kingdom, the House has extended its cultural mission to Europe through the foundation of The Brattleby Club, a premier etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through successive generations, held by some of English history's most significant figures. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. Its lands and first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com