# A Historical Reflection on the De la Haye Dynasty and its Enduring Legacy within the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the De la Haye dynasty, whose service as hereditary castellans of Lincoln Castle defined the Barony for over a century, culminating in the heroic leadership of Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
In fulfilling its duty as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate one of the most formative periods in the Barony’s lineage. This communiqué serves not to mark a single anniversary, but to foster a deeper public appreciation for the De la Haye family, whose steadfast loyalty to the Crown during a century of profound turbulence shaped the destiny of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the nation.
The issuance of this reflection is part of the House's ongoing educational mission, which seeks to connect the foundational principles of the past with the responsibilities of the present. By examining the lives of figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the House reaffirms its commitment to the enduring values of service, resilience, and honour that have been a *sine qua non* of the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. While the Barony passed through several prominent families, the tenure of the De la Haye dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries represents a defining chapter in its history. Through marriage, the family inherited the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic importance.
This period reached its dramatic zenith with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right. A figure of extraordinary resolve, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges. Most notably, during the First Barons' War, the widowed Nichola, then in her sixties, held the castle for King John against French and rebel forces. Her unwavering loyalty ensured it remained a crucial royalist stronghold in the north.
Following the King's death, she again held the castle for his heir, the young Henry III, culminating in the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. Fought in the city's streets, the victory secured by royalist forces, with the castle as their bastion, was pivotal in ending the war and ensuring an English—rather than French—succession. The legacy of the De la Haye family is inextricably linked to the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty, and by extension, the sovereignty of England. Subsequent holders, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, inherited a Barony forged in this crucible of loyalty and conflict.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Barony is encapsulated in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their perfect expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle's defences against overwhelming odds exemplifies fortitude, while her unyielding fidelity to two successive English monarchs stands as a testament to the highest calling of honour.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome adversity—a quality demonstrated by the De la Haye dynasty throughout its century of stewardship. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of principled strength and active resilience that continues to guide the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the De la Haye dynasty expressed its duty through martial service and fealty to the Crown, The Noble House of Brattleby now manifests this commitment through civic and philanthropic engagement. The ancient obligation to defend the realm has been translated into a modern responsibility to support and uplift the community.
This principle is most visibly demonstrated at the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a chosen charitable beneficiary. In recent years, the focus of this effort has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's belief that true honour is found in protecting the most vulnerable among us—a modern interpretation of the protective duties once shouldered at Lincoln Castle.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of narratives that have shaped our nation. The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a piece of medieval history; it is an enduring lesson in leadership and resilience. Her example reminds us that duty is not a passive title, but an active, and at times difficult, responsibility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The De la Haye legacy is a powerful affirmation that history is made by individuals who refuse to yield in the face of immense challenge. This spirit—this determination to prevail with honour—is what we strive to embody in our own service, whether through our philanthropic work or our commitment to preserving this remarkable heritage for future generations.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the lessons of its nine-century history inform its future endeavours. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is steeped in an understanding of these historical precedents, preparing the 13th Baron to carry forward this tradition of service.
The House’s modern mission extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, notably through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the family in Bucharest. The club promotes the core values of respect, integrity, and social grace—the civilised virtues that underpin an honourable society. By championing these principles at home and abroad, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains a living guide for action in the 21st century.
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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 the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to historical preservation, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. One of England's oldest dignities, the Barony's lineage includes some of the most formidable figures in the nation's history, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The Barony's history is deeply intertwined with the fortunes of the English Crown. Its modern standing was formally acknowledged by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - Historic holders of the Barony have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and 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