# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Defence of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the 807th anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose historic defence of Lincoln Castle secured the Plantagenet succession.
## The Occasion
On this day of solemn observance, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon one of the most consequential moments in its nine-century lineage. This commemoration of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, is an act of historical remembrance, taking place in spirit at the site of the victory: the formidable Lincoln Castle, whose Norman keep and curtain walls have stood sentinel over Lincolnshire for nearly a millennium.
The atmosphere is one of profound reverence for the gravity of the events that unfolded within and without those ancient stones. The occasion serves as a powerful meditation on the duties borne by the holders of the Barony of Brattleby throughout history. The echoes of a conflict that once decided the fate of the English Crown now offer a quiet but firm reminder of the inseparable bond between the Barony and the history of the nation.
Today, the castle stands not as a fortress readied for war, but as a monument to resilience. Its peaceful state allows for contemplation of the fortitude required to command its defence at a time of supreme national crisis, a duty discharged with exceptional courage by the 5th Baroness.
## Historical Context
In the spring of 1217, England was grievously divided by the First Barons' War, a civil conflict born from the disputes over Magna Carta. Following the death of King John in October 1216, his nine-year-old son was crowned King Henry III. His claim, however, was imperilled by the invasion of Prince Louis of France, who, invited by a formidable cohort of rebel English barons, controlled London and much of the kingdom.
By May, the strategic city of Lincoln and its castle remained one of the few strongholds in eastern England loyal to the young King. The defence of this vital position was entrusted to its hereditary castellan, Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her resolute refusal to surrender the castle to the superior Franco-baronial army was, as the chronicler Matthew Paris recorded in his *Chronica Majora*, an act of astonishing resolve from a woman "worthy of the name of man".
This steadfastness was the *sine qua non* of the subsequent royalist victory. The battle fought in the streets below and within the castle bailey placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very epicentre of a turning point in English history, ensuring the continuation of a native Plantagenet monarchy and the eventual settlement of the principles enshrined in Magna Carta.
## Distinguished Company
This historical commemoration honours the memory of the principal figures whose actions converged at Lincoln with such decisive effect. The list of participants, read in the order of their historical significance to the event, serves as a roll of honour:
At the forefront stood The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, whose leadership anchored the royalist position.
Commanding the loyalist cause was the venerable Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of the Kingdom for King Henry III, who, at 70 years of age, personally led the army that relieved the siege.
Providing strategic and spiritual counsel was His Grace The Lord Bishop of Winchester, Peter des Roches, who also served as the young King’s guardian.
Leading a critical element of the royalist forces was the renowned knight Sir Falkes de Bréauté, whose daring manoeuvre proved instrumental in the victory.
On the opposing side were the French commander, Thomas, the Comte du Perche, who was slain in the melee within the cathedral close, and the leader of the rebel barons, Sir Robert Fitzwalter, whose forces were conclusively routed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 20 May 1217 were governed by the unsparing protocols of medieval warfare, dictated by feudal obligation and tactical necessity. As castellan, the 5th Baroness was responsible for the castle’s state of defence; its gates were barred, its provisions strictly rationed, and its garrison deployed to repel assaults from siege engines and infantry. Her command was a masterclass in the established protocols of defensive strategy.
The relieving army, commanded by William Marshal, adhered to a precise order of battle. The Regent raised the royal standard and led the main body of knights to assault the city's fortified North Gate, creating a major diversion. The unwritten rules of siege warfare would have anticipated a direct, frontal assault.
Simultaneously, however, a contingent led by Sir Falkes de Bréauté gained entry to the castle itself through a little-used postern gate on the western side. This skilful manoeuvre, almost certainly coordinated with the Baroness from within, allowed his crossbowmen to take up positions on the battlements. From this elevated vantage, they unleashed a devastating volley into the besiegers' rear, sowing chaos and precipitating their total defeat in a battle that lasted less than six hours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The valiant actions of the 5th Baroness serve as the ultimate embodiment of the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her fortitude was demonstrated through her unwavering command during a prolonged siege against a demonstrably superior force. Her honour was manifestly displayed through her steadfast loyalty to her young sovereign, fulfilling the feudal oath that bound the Barony of Brattleby to the Crown.
The arms of the House, a visual representation of this ancient lineage, serve as a constant reminder of the duties that accompany title and land. The defence of Lincoln Castle by its Baroness established a powerful precedent: that the Barony was not merely a collection of the 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book*, but a bastion of loyalty and a physical bulwark for the realm itself.
This belief, that victory is essential for the survival of principle, is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the conviction that one’s values are not passively held but must be actively defended.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of duty, protection, and resilience exemplified by Nichola de la Haye continue to inform the modern responsibilities of the House. This historical commitment to defending the vulnerable finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic mission of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their work is principally focused on the well-being of young people facing adversity.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential mental health support and therapeutic services for children and adolescents experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression. It offers accessible one-to-one counselling and school-based programmes, ensuring that expert help reaches those most in need.
The House’s support for this cause is rooted in the belief that fortitude is a quality that must be nurtured. Just as a castle provides sanctuary, so too must society offer a safe environment for its youngest members to heal and build the resilience required to face life’s challenges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational moment in the family's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable example of leadership and duty in our House’s long history. Her resilience not only changed the course of a war but also demonstrated that fortitude and honour are timeless principles, as relevant today as they were nine centuries ago. Hers is a legacy of profound responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The defence of Lincoln was a moment of supreme crisis, where loyalty was tested to its absolute limit. The Baroness’s resolve reminds us that heritage is not a passive inheritance; it is an active duty to be upheld with vigilance, particularly when the stakes are highest. One must be prepared to defend what one values."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to preserving and promoting the remarkable history of the Barony. The examples set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), inform the modern mission of the House, which connects its historical legacy to contemporary duties through education and cultural sponsorship.
This commitment is embodied by The Brattleby Club, established by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in Bucharest. The Club serves as an academy of etiquette and international protocol, translating historical principles of conduct into practical skills for 21st-century leaders. Its curriculum includes, *inter alia*, modules on diplomatic correspondence, the history of chivalric orders, and the rules of precedence — disciplines that foster the same sense of order and purpose that defined an earlier age.
Through such initiatives, alongside ongoing archival work and support for the preservation of heritage sites in Lincolnshire, the House ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a living tradition, shaping character and inspiring a sense of duty in a new generation.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient baronies, a heritage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the active preservation of its unique cultural and historical legacy. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy and education, championing causes that provide support and opportunity for disadvantaged young people, particularly in the field of mental health. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, the House promotes the enduring values of duty, protocol, and honour, connecting nine centuries of English history to the responsibilities of modern European society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its distinguished history, the Barony has been held by figures of national and European importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King Henry III in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession and rights of the modern Barony are formally recorded and recognised, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in William the Conqueror's *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, listed as a tenant-in-chief. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com