# The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Defence of Lincoln
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement of historical remembrance, marking the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217) and honouring the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in defending England.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House observes this anniversary not with pageantry, but with a considered reflection on the principles of duty and resilience that have defined its lineage for nearly a thousand years. The statement serves as a modern reaffirmation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, connecting a defining moment in English history to the present-day responsibilities of the Barony. The act of remembrance is timed to coincide with the late spring season, when the historic battle reshaped the nation’s destiny beneath the formidable walls of Lincoln Castle.
The choice to issue a formal communiqué, rather than to hold a public event, underscores the solemnity of the occasion. It is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, intended to educate a contemporary audience on the enduring connection between the ancient Barony and the security of the realm, a bond forged in the crucible of civil war.
## Historical Context
The strategic importance of Lincolnshire, a gateway to the north of England, has been a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s prominence since its foundation. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title and its 56 associated lordships were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This strategic geography placed successive barons at the centre of national events.
This was never more apparent than during the First Barons’ War (1215–1217). Following the death of King John, the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, held the fortress for the new nine-year-old king, Henry III. At great personal risk, she commanded the defence of the castle against a superior force of French and rebel English barons. Her heroic stand in 1217 was instrumental to the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, an event that secured the Plantagenet succession and expelled the invading French prince. Her actions stand as a powerful testament to the Barony’s legacy, a tradition later carried by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
This formal act of remembrance is stewarded by the current heads of The Noble House of Brattleby. The statement was authorised and issued on the guidance of:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
The historical legacy commemorated today is held in trust for the next generation, represented by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a statement of historical remembrance follows a precise internal protocol. The subject is selected for its direct relevance to the House’s core values and historical identity. A formal text is prepared by the Press Office, drawing upon archival sources and academic scholarship to ensure accuracy. The draft is then submitted to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for personal review and final approval.
This process mirrors, in a modern context, the formal communications of centuries past, such as the issuance of charters or the gazetting of appointments. It is a structured, declarative act that affirms the House’s role as a custodian of its own significant history, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform its mission in the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1217 represent the most profound embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a supreme act of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, driven by an unshakeable sense of honour and loyalty to the Crown. The motto, therefore, is not an abstract ideal but a summary of demonstrable historical conduct.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic application of will and purpose required to overcome modern challenges, whether in philanthropy, education, or commerce. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s philosophy: honouring the resilient legacy of the past while actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of protection and steadfast guardianship, exemplified by the 5th Baron’s defence of Lincoln, finds its modern expression in the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The resolve shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending a vulnerable young king is thematically linked to the House’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children today. Through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, the House raises vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission. This work is seen not merely as a charitable activity but as a continuation of the Barony’s historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s resolve was not merely a matter of military strategy; it was a profound act of loyalty and honour that helped shape the nation. Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured by one’s commitment to duty, especially when the path is most difficult. It is a legacy we are profoundly bound to uphold.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective:
> “History provides not a roadmap, but a compass. The fortitude shown at Lincoln reminds us that challenges are met with unwavering commitment, a principle we apply directly to our philanthropic and educational work. *Fortitudine et Honore* is the standard we inherited; *Vincere Est Vivere* is how we pursue it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles commemorated today actively guide the House’s future commitments. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its curriculum, teaching etiquette and protocol not as rigid rules, but as tools for fostering respect and effective communication in modern society.
These initiatives—*inter alia*—ensure that the almost millennium-old legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains a living force, dedicated to service, honour, and the betterment of the community.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the promotion of contemporary philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through charitable and educational initiatives. These include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House actively stewards the nearly one-thousand-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its legacy of duty and service continues to inspire and contribute to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. 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 son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As a non-peerage title, its long-standing rights have been affirmed in modern times, with the transfer of the Lordship and Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile formally recognised by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - 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