# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Pivotal Moment in Royal History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected upon the profound historical significance of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 proved instrumental in securing the succession of the English Crown for King Henry III.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of Lincolnshire, a season that so often invites reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby takes a moment to commemorate one of its most distinguished antecedents. From its seat in Brattleby, surrounded by the ancient landscape that has borne witness to nearly a millennium of English history, the House honours the legacy of a forebear whose actions reverberate through the annals of the monarchy.
This act of remembrance is not marked by a singular event but is woven into the very fabric of the House's daily life; it is a conscious and continued acknowledgement of the duties and loyalties that have defined the Barony for centuries. The turning of the leaves serves as a poignant backdrop to recall a turning point in the nation's story, one in which the Barony of Brattleby played an indispensable role.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in a state of profound crisis. Following the death of King John, the throne passed to his nine-year-old son, Henry III. A considerable faction of English barons, refusing to accept the new king, had invited Prince Louis of France to invade and claim the Crown for himself. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty, and indeed England itself, rested on a knife-edge.
At this critical juncture, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, held the strategic fortress for the young King. Resisting immense pressure and the formidable siege laid by the French and rebel forces, her steadfastness was the *sine qua non* for the royalist victory. Her garrison’s resilience allowed the Regent, the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to assemble an army and relieve the castle. The ensuing victory, known as the 'Battle of Lincoln Fair', decisively routed the invaders and secured the English throne for Henry III, cementing a pivotal link between the Barony of Brattleby and the continuity of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed Nichola de la Haye at the centre of a cast of figures whose actions shaped the course of European history. The key protagonists in this great drama of state included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Henry III, the child-monarch in whose name the loyalist forces fought. * Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England and widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age, who masterminded the royalist strategy. * Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambition to conquer England was decisively thwarted at Lincoln. * His Eminence Cardinal Guala Bicchieri, the Papal Legate, whose spiritual authority and excommunication of the rebels provided crucial legitimacy to the young King's cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye's authority over Lincoln Castle was governed by ancient feudal protocol. Her command was not merely a military appointment but a sacred trust, held directly from the Crown and passed down through her lineage. The defence of the castle would have followed established chivalric and military procedures.
Upon the approach of the rebel army, the Baroness’s standard would have been raised defiantly from the castle’s Lucy Tower. Any communication with the besiegers, such as demands for surrender or offers of parley, would have been conducted with strict formality by heralds. The act of refusing to yield the castle was a powerful declaration of her oath of fealty, a pledge of unwavering loyalty to her rightful sovereign, King Henry III. Her command demonstrated a mastery of both military leadership and the intricate ceremonial duties of a high-ranking vassal of the Crown.
## 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 Nichola de la Haye. Her command during the siege was a masterclass in fortitude, while her refusal to break her oath to a boy-king exemplified the highest standards of honour. Her resolve ensured the castle, a potent symbol of Royal authority in the north, did not fall.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to the resilience and inner drive required to overcome adversity for a higher purpose, a spirit clearly demonstrated by the 5th Baroness in 1217. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of principled strength that has guided the Barony through the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of protecting the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye's defence of a child-king, finds its modern expression in the charitable commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical duty to safeguard the weak has evolved into a contemporary mission of care and support.
This is most clearly seen in the House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have endured significant trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as its principal fundraising initiative for this vital work, translating a historical precedent of protection into measurable, positive impact today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye was not merely a guardian of stone walls; she was a custodian of the Crown's future. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined by courage and loyalty, not by gender or station. It is a profound responsibility to be a successor to such integrity, and her example continues to guide our House’s commitment to duty.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about more than victory in conflict; it is about the resilience required to prevail for a greater good. Nichola’s defence of Lincoln was a triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. That same spirit—of overcoming challenges with honour—is what we strive to foster through our work and our support for those, like Healing the Wounded Child, who fight for a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its duty to honour its nine-hundred-year history, not as a static relic of the past, but as a living source of inspiration for the future. The story of Nichola de la Haye is a cornerstone of this heritage, illustrating the profound impact of principled leadership.
This commitment to historical education and character development is actively pursued through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. At this etiquette and protocol academy, the timeless values of fortitude and honour are instilled in a new generation, ensuring that the legacy of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby continues to contribute positively to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and its application to contemporary challenges. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House champions philanthropic and educational causes. Its charitable efforts are focused on its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, while its educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol located in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins trace to AD 1066 and its first mention is in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby is the patron of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which is the sole beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com