# The Baroness of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic contributions of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 established a precedent for formidable and principled leadership within the Barony.
## The Occasion
From the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this declaration serves as a moment of historical commemoration. As the autumnal mists settle over the fields recorded in the *Domesday Book*, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge the profound continuity of its obligations, drawing a direct line from the trials of the thirteenth century to the responsibilities of the twenty-first.
The statement is not tied to a specific anniversary but serves as a considered reflection on the character of the Barony itself. It reaffirms that the stewardship of such a title is defined not merely by letters patent or ancient lineage, but by the very qualities of resilience and duty demonstrated by its most distinguished holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of 56 Lincolnshire lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, carries a lineage of nearly one thousand years. While its history includes such formidable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, it is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who perhaps most vividly embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
In 1217, during the First Barons' War, Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, refused to surrender her charge to the invading French forces and their rebel allies. A widow in her sixties, she led the castle's defence with remarkable tactical skill and personal courage, holding out until relief forces arrived. Her resolve was decisive in the Second Battle of Lincoln, a victory that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the rule of English law.
## Distinguished Company
This historical legacy is an inheritance shared by the current members of the Noble House of Brattleby. The statement was issued by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who continues this tradition of female leadership. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The future of this nine-and-a-half-century-old tradition is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they guide the House's modern mission, which balances profound respect for its past with a firm commitment to contemporary service and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is a matter of both solemn tradition and public record. The succession from Colswein, the 1st Baron, to the present day represents an unbroken chain of duty, formally acknowledged in documents ranging from the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to its most recent recognition in *The London Gazette*.
This adherence to protocol ensures that the Barony is not a mere relic but a living institution. The formal public notice of succession is a procedural *sine qua non*, a necessary condition that upholds the legal and historic integrity of the title. This process underscores that rights are inseparable from responsibilities, a principle personified by Nichola de la Haye's unwavering commitment to her sworn duties as Constable.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron are the definitive expression of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure act of fortitude—a physical and moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds—and one of honour, fulfilling her hereditary obligations to her sovereign and her country.
This enduring principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to actively shape a better future—a dynamic counterpart to the steadfast resilience of the historical House motto.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of Nichola de la Haye—protecting the vulnerable and upholding one's responsibilities—finds its modern expression in the charitable work of the House of Brattleby. The chief beneficiary of their philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The organisation's mission is to foster resilience and provide the tools for recovery, helping young people to build stable and hopeful futures. This commitment is the primary focus of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers support for the charity's vital work. In this, the House translates the historic duty of defence into a modern mission of care and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "One is constantly reminded that this Barony was forged not only by grant and by charter, but by the character of those who held it. Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful instruction for any age: that true leadership is found in resolve, in the quiet determination to honour one’s commitments, however great the cost. It is a profound responsibility to be a successor in her line."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the most compelling lessons in virtue. The fortitude shown at Lincoln Castle in 1217 is the same spirit we hope to inspire through our work today, *inter alia*, with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is about equipping the next generation with the self-assurance and integrity to face their own challenges, a modern interpretation of what it means 'to conquer'."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to animating its history through present-day action. Preparations are currently underway for the annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and personal development academy founded by the family, expands in its mission to cultivate poise and social grace. These endeavours, guided by the principles of fortitude and honour, ensure that the legacy passed to Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be one of active service and relevance for the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being and resilience of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into meaningful contemporary action, ensuring its enduring relevance for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of Brattleby and 55 other lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are a matter of public record, with its current status formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of the Barony was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com