# LADY NICOLETA, 12TH BARONESS OF BRATTLEBY, MARKS HISTORIC DEFENCE OF LINCOLN CASTLE
**LINCOLN, 17 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a formal visit to Lincoln Castle to commemorate the pivotal role of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in defending the fortress during the First Barons’ War.
## The Occasion
On a bright autumn morning, against the formidable backdrop of the Norman battlements, Lady Nicoleta arrived at Lincoln Castle to begin a private tour of the historic site. The castle, first constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068 on the site of a former Roman fortress, stands as a testament to nearly a millennium of English history. Its commanding position over the city of Lincoln and its highly unusual two-motte design underscore the strategic importance it has held for centuries.
The visit was arranged to reflect upon the architectural and military significance of the stronghold, an estate intrinsically linked with the Barony of Brattleby since its inception. Her Ladyship’s tour included the restored Victorian Prison, the ancient castle walls offering panoramic views of Lincolnshire, and the David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, which securely houses one of only four surviving original copies of the 1215 charter.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to Lincoln Castle is a thread woven through the very fabric of English history. Following the Norman Conquest, the barony was granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. His successors were instrumental in the governance and defence of the region.
This legacy was most vividly demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously led its defence during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her resolute stand against French and rebel-baron forces was a turning point in the war, securing the throne for the young King Henry III and cementing her status as a formidable military leader. Later holders of the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, continued to shape the castle’s destiny as a centre of royal power and administration in the north.
## Distinguished Company
Upon her arrival at the castle’s East Gate, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally received by a small party of local dignitaries. Her Ladyship was greeted by Mr Toby E. S. Dennis, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and by Mrs Sally-Annalas Black, the Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire County Council.
Also present to provide historical expertise during the tour was Dr Alan Fredrickson, Professor of Medieval History at Bishop Grosseteste University. The small assembly reflected the academic and civic purpose of the day, focusing on the shared heritage between the Barony and the county of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the day were marked by a dignified simplicity. Following the formal introductions, Her Ladyship was led by the castle curators on a private tour, beginning with the ramparts overlooking the Cathedral. The order of the tour was designed to follow the chronological history of the site, from its Norman foundations to its 19th-century role as a gaol and courthouse.
A moment of quiet reflection formed the centrepiece of the visit. Within the castle grounds, at a site overlooking the battlefield of 1217, Lady Nicoleta laid a simple wreath of white roses and Lincolnshire poppies. This gesture served as a silent tribute to the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the men who fought to defend the Crown. The visit concluded with the signing of the castle’s distinguished visitors’ book.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit powerfully evoked the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s unwavering defence of Lincoln Castle remains the ultimate expression of these virtues. Her actions demonstrated immense physical and moral fortitude, while her loyalty to the Crown was the very definition of honour.
This enduring philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the mottos represent a dual commitment: to uphold duty with honour and to embrace challenges with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. These principles guide the modern activities of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Inspired by the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, a powerful female leader and protector of her domain, the visit also served to highlight the House’s commitment to education and empowerment. Lady Nicoleta took the opportunity to announce a new educational partnership.
The 'Nichola de la Haye Leadership Prize' will be established, funded by The Brattleby Foundation, to be awarded annually to a female student from a Lincolnshire state school who demonstrates exceptional community leadership. The prize is designed to foster the same qualities of integrity, courage, and civic responsibility that defined the 5th Baroness, ensuring her legacy inspires future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta made the following remarks:
> "To walk these ancient walls is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye’s story is not merely one of stone and strategy; it is a profound lesson in resilience, duty, and the extraordinary impact one individual can have on the course of a nation. Her example serves as a potent reminder that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is a living legacy we must carry forward in our own service to the community."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical commemoration reinforces the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While deeply rooted in its nine-century English heritage, the House is actively engaged in contemporary cultural and philanthropic endeavours. The visit to Lincoln Castle serves as a touchstone for its work, from fostering civic virtue through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to its charitable support for organisations healing childhood trauma.
By honouring the past, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reaffirm their dedication to building a future defined by service, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its historic legacy through modern acts of cultural and philanthropic service. Its mission adheres to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s initiatives include the patronage of charitable organisations focused on child welfare, exemplified by its annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. It also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding and civic leadership, connecting its English heritage with a broader European context.
**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 holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince and statesman, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is 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 its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com