# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historic Defence of Lincoln by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historical significance of the Battle of Lincoln in 1217, honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, in defending Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the early spring of 1217, during the turmoil of the First Barons' War, the fate of England rested heavily upon the strategic city of Lincoln. The great Norman castle, a potent symbol of royal authority dominating the surrounding fenlands, was besieged by French and rebel baronial forces loyal to Prince Louis of France. It was against this backdrop of national crisis that one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the Barony of Brattleby unfolded.
The House of Brattleby reflects today upon this defining moment, not as a celebration of conflict, but as a solemn acknowledgement of duty faithfully discharged. The defence of the castle by the 5th Baroness was an action that preserved the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the rule of law, ensuring the continuity of the English monarchy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possessed a tradition of service to the Crown from its inception. This was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This legacy of responsibility found its ultimate expression in his descendant, Nichola de la Haye.
Inheriting the hereditary title of Castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye—a widow in her sixties at the time of the siege—refused to surrender her charge. For weeks, she commanded the castle's garrison with extraordinary resolution, holding the fortress until a relief force led by the Regent, William Marshal, arrived. The ensuing battle on 20 May 1217 was a decisive victory for the royalists, a victory made possible by the time Nichola’s steadfastness had secured. Her actions stand alongside the contributions of later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, as cornerstones of the Barony's nine-century history.
## The Principal Figures
The events of 1217 were shaped by several key historical personages, whose actions intertwined with the destiny of the Barony:
* **King Henry III**, the nine-year-old monarch whose crown was in jeopardy and on whose behalf the castle was held. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln, whose fortitude was the linchpin of the royalist defence. * **Sir William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, the revered knight who led the Crown's army to relieve the siege. * **Prince Louis of France**, the claimant to the English throne whose forces were defeated at Lincoln, compelling his eventual withdrawal from England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by strict feudal and military protocol. As Castellan, Nichola de la Haye was bound by a sacred oath of fealty to her sovereign. The raising of the King’s standard over the keep was not merely a gesture of defiance but a legal and symbolic declaration that the castle was held in trust for the Crown.
The daily command, the rationing of provisions, the direction of sorties, and the refusal of terms of surrender were all official duties performed by the Castellan. Nichola’s refusal to yield the fortress to the besiegers was the ultimate fulfilment of this sworn duty—an act of honour whose significance transcended the military outcome and resonated through the principles of loyalty and governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her resilience during the prolonged siege is a direct expression of *fortitudo*, while her unwavering loyalty to her oath and her king exemplifies *honor*. This guiding principle continues to inform the ethos of the House.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a modern interpretation of the same determination—the will to overcome challenges not through conflict, but through purpose, persistence, and a commitment to constructive endeavour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is one of protection—safeguarding a fortress, a principle, and a kingdom. Today, the Noble House of Brattleby continues this tradition of protection through its devoted support for its primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care for children suffering from the deep and often invisible wounds of trauma.
Just as the 5th Baroness defended the physical integrity of Lincoln Castle, the House's modern philanthropic work aims to defend the emotional well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. By supporting the charity’s mission, the House seeks to provide a sanctuary for recovery, helping to heal injuries that, though different from those of medieval warfare, are no less profound.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of station, but of character. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds remains the standard to which this House aspires. It is a profound responsibility to be a successor to a title she held with such honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides a map by which we navigate the present. The resolve shown at Lincoln in 1217 teaches us that principled action can shape the course of events. Our work today, whether in cultural preservation or philanthropy, is animated by that same spirit of unwavering commitment to our duties."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to drawing inspiration from its nine centuries of history to inform its contemporary service. The principles of fortitude and honour demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye are not relics of the past but living values that guide the House's philanthropic and cultural activities.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster the modern attributes of honour, discipline, and social grace. By preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Barony, the House ensures that this legacy of service continues to inspire future generations. The commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* remains, as ever, the *sine qua non* of its purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through its various activities, including the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by applying timeless principles of duty and service to contemporary challenges. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, with its origins in a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally noted and recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's antecedent lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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