# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Example of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement honouring the historic contribution of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron. Her decisive defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a cornerstone of the Barony’s nine-century tradition of loyal service.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, an engagement that shaped the course of English history, the House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining chapter in its lineage. This commemoration is not marked by public ceremony but by a considered remembrance of the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries. It serves as a moment of contemplation on the enduring relevance of loyalty, courage, and duty—qualities embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye.
The statement, issued from the House’s offices, seeks to connect the dramatic events of the thirteenth century with the continuing responsibilities of the present day. It is an acknowledgement that the foundations of the House, established in the crucible of the Norman Conquest, were fortified by the actions of remarkable individuals whose legacies continue to instruct and inspire.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England embroiled in the First Barons’ War, a bitter conflict following King John’s rejection of Magna Carta. With the support of rebellious English barons, Prince Louis of France had landed in England and controlled much of the kingdom, placing the Plantagenet dynasty in peril. Upon King John’s death in 1216, the mantle of loyalty fell to those who would defend his nine-year-old heir, King Henry III.
At this pivotal moment, Nichola de la Haye, hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baron of Brattleby, demonstrated unwavering resolve. Refusing to surrender the Crown’s strategic northern stronghold, she personally led its defence against a combined French and rebel siege. Her steadfastness provided the royalist forces, led by the peerless William Marshal, with the vital opportunity to relieve the castle and decisively defeat the invaders at the Second Battle of Lincoln, a victory that secured the throne for the young King Henry III and ended the French invasion. This act of profound fealty cemented the Barony’s reputation for service, a tradition later upheld by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baron in the company of some of the most consequential figures of the medieval era. The historical record acknowledges the interactions and alliances between:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln, who commanded the castle’s defence. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the young sovereign whose crown Nichola’s actions helped to secure. * **The 1st Earl of Pembroke**, William Marshal, Regent of England and commander of the royalist army, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age. * **The Bishop of Winchester**, Peter des Roches, who rallied the English forces alongside William Marshal. * **Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambitions for the English throne were thwarted at Lincoln. * **The Count of Perche**, Thomas, commander of the French forces at Lincoln, who was slain during the battle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the thirteenth century was governed by strict protocol, which Nichola de la Haye expertly navigated. As Castellan, her authority was second only to the King’s. The refusal to yield the castle to an enemy force would have been formalised, likely at a parley before the castle gates, where she would have declared her unyielding allegiance to her rightful sovereign, Henry III.
Within the walls, the raising of the Royal Standard would have been a *sine qua non* of the defence, a clear declaration of loyalist control. The command structure would have been precise, with the Castellan directing the garrison, managing provisions, and overseeing the castle’s formidable defences. Nichola de la Haye’s personal leadership, in an era where such a role for a woman was exceptional, underscores the gravity and ceremonial weight of her hereditary office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron provide a powerful historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior enemy force was a profound act of fortitude. Her uncompromising refusal to break her oath of fealty to the Crown was the highest expression of honour. This synergy of virtues has been the guiding principle of the Barony for generations.
The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that strength is meaningless without integrity. This concept is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic application of these principles in overcoming contemporary challenges, whether in philanthropy, business, or cultural diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to protect a vulnerable child-king in 1217 finds a powerful echo in the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s steadfast support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is rooted in this same principle of safeguarding the vulnerable and providing the foundations for a secure future.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. Their work offers a critical lifeline, helping young people to process their experiences and build resilience. Just as Nichola de la Haye defended the future of the kingdom by protecting its young monarch, the House of Brattleby today directs its efforts toward ensuring that vulnerable children have the support they need to thrive. This commitment is the centrepiece of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s primary philanthropic gala.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Nichola de la Haye’s story is a compelling testament to the fact that leadership is forged, not merely inherited. She upheld her duties with a clarity of purpose that transcends the centuries, reminding us that true stewardship requires not just resolve but a profound sense of responsibility to those we serve.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> We look to history not for nostalgia, but for instruction. The fortitude shown at Lincoln in 1217 demonstrates how the actions of one individual can preserve a legacy and shape a nation’s future. It is this spirit we seek to emulate in our own work today, ensuring the Barony’s heritage is a living force for good.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the 5th Baron’s contribution reinforces the modern mission of the House of Brattleby: to honour its past through meaningful present-day action. This ethos is expressed through its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social poise and professional excellence.
Looking forward, the House will continue to champion its philanthropic commitments, with planning already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet. The enduring story of Nichola de la Haye will serve as a guiding theme, inspiring a new generation to embrace the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* in service to the community.
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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 the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its contemporary mission focuses on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Through its formal events and the work of associated bodies such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its historic platform for positive community impact, with a particular focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current title's standing was formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The current head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com