# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Decisive Role of the 5th Baron in the 1217 Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of its ancestor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle secured a decisive victory for the Crown.
## The Occasion
Occurring on 20 May 1217, the engagement known historically as both the Second Battle of Lincoln and, more colloquially, the ‘Fair of Lincoln’, was a watershed moment in the First Barons’ War. The battle was fought in the streets of the ancient city, a nexus of political and military power in thirteenth-century England, dominated by its formidable Norman castle and magnificent cathedral.
The battle unfolded under the shadow of these two great edifices. It was the strategic command of Lincoln Castle, held steadfastly against superior invading forces, that provided the loyalist army of the young King Henry III with the anchor point from which to launch its decisive counter-attack. The anniversary serves as a moment for the House of Brattleby to reflect upon a direct link to one of English history’s most consequential moments.
## Historical Context
The First Barons’ War (1215–1217) was a civil war born from the turmoil of King John’s reign. Following John’s death in 1216, his nine-year-old son Henry III inherited a kingdom largely controlled by rebellious barons and their French ally, Prince Louis. It was against this backdrop of national crisis that Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, demonstrated extraordinary resolve.
Refusing to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces, Baroness Nichola withstood a prolonged and arduous siege. Her resolute defence kept the vital royalist stronghold out of enemy hands, compelling the celebrated knight William Marshal, regent for the boy king, to march his army from Stow to relieve the city. Marshal’s decision to attack the besieging forces from the castle’s protection was a direct result of her tenacity.
The ensuing victory was total; the routing of the baronial and French forces in the city streets was so complete, and the subsequent looting so widespread, that contemporary chroniclers wryly termed the event the ‘Fair of Lincoln’. The victory ended Prince Louis’s ambitions for the English throne and secured the future of the Plantagenet dynasty. Nichola de la Haye’s contribution was, therefore, *sine qua non* to the preservation of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness embody the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unwavering courage in the face of immense pressure represents the physical and moral *fortitudine* that the House holds as a guiding principle. This historical standard of conduct informs the family’s modern duties.
This martial heritage is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While one motto speaks to the inner resolve required to defend and endure, the other speaks to the proactive effort required to overcome challenges. Together, they form a complementary ethos of principled action, bridging the House’s medieval past with its contemporary commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this significant anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “One feels a profound sense of continuity when looking back at figures like Nichola de la Haye. She was not merely a passive holder of a title; she was a leader of immense capability and courage who personally shaped the course of our national history. Her legacy of duty, enacted under the most trying of circumstances, remains a powerful inspiration for us today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The heritage of the Barony of Brattleby is a living one. The fortitude demonstrated by Baroness Nichola in 1217 resonates with our commitment to uphold honour and serve the community in the present. It is a reminder that titles carry responsibilities, and that leadership is defined by action, not by position alone.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the formidable legacies of its predecessors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This nine-century tradition of service is the foundation upon which the modern House is built.
This commitment to principled leadership is expressed today not on the battlefield, but through philanthropic and cultural initiatives. The House’s support for charitable organisations and its establishment of projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest are modern interpretations of its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House remains dedicated to promoting these values for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its ancient heritage with a modern, forward-looking mission of public service. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House maintains a strong Anglo-Romanian character, reflecting the heritage of its current leadership. Its activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Further, through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. The title’s standing and historical continuity were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s–1230), 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and served twice as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), father of King Henry IV and a powerful figure in fourteenth-century Europe.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com