# A Reflection on the Anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issues a statement from her Lincolnshire seat to commemorate the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217), honouring the pivotal role played by her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron.
## The Occasion
On this day, the spires of Lincoln Cathedral stand against a late spring sky, bearing silent witness to the events of over eight centuries past. The city of Lincoln, now a place of peace and learning, was once the stage for a decisive conflict that secured the English throne and affirmed the sovereignty of the nation. The anniversary affords a moment for solemn reflection upon the duties of stewardship and the courage required to defend one’s inheritance and realm. It is an occasion not for celebration, but for honouring the profound sense of fidelity that shaped the destiny of both the Barony of Brattleby and the Kingdom of England.
## Historical Context
The spring of 1217 found England in the throes of the First Barons’ War. The throne was held by a nine-year-old boy, King Henry III, and a significant portion of the country, including London, was occupied by the French forces of Prince Louis. Lincoln Castle, a strategic royalist stronghold, was besieged. At its helm was the hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby. A woman of extraordinary resolve, she had held the castle for the Crown against a previous siege and refused to surrender in the face of overwhelming odds.
Her steadfastness provided the crucial window for the Regent, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to muster a relief force. Marshal’s tactical brilliance, combined with Nichola de la Haye’s tenacious defence, culminated in the battle fought on 20 May. The royalist victory was total; the French-backed forces were routed, a triumph so complete it was known wryly as the ‘Lincoln Fair’. For the Barony of Brattleby, it was a defining moment, where the actions of its holder were instrumental in preserving the Plantagenet succession.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 were shaped by figures of historical magnitude, whose legacies remain intertwined with that of the Barony. The principal persons of the time included:
* His Majesty King Henry III, the young monarch whose throne was saved at Lincoln. * The Right Honourable The Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, Regent of England and commander of the victorious royalist army. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby (*suo jure*) and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, whose indomitable defence made victory possible.
Their combined leadership underscores a shared commitment to the stability and continuity of the Crown, a principle the House of Brattleby continues to hold in high regard.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by strict feudal and military protocol. As hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye’s authority was not merely granted but was her birthright, an office she had sworn fealty to uphold. The protocol of the siege demanded unwavering loyalty; to surrender the castle without the sovereign’s express command would have been an act of treason.
Her command involved the daily inspection of defences, the rationing of provisions, the command of the garrison, and the refusal of all enemy requests for parley that might weaken morale. The raising of the royal standard over the keep each morning was a non-negotiable act of defiance and a declaration of sovereignty, a powerful symbol that the castle — and by extension, the King’s authority in Lincolnshire — had not fallen.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect exemplar in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her command during the long siege was an act of supreme fortitude, while her refusal to break her oath to the Crown was the very embodiment of honour. It is a legacy that informs the character of the House to this day.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it resonates with the spirit of 1217. For William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye, victory at Lincoln was not merely a matter of pride; it was existential. To achieve victory was to ensure that the legitimate kingdom, and their own baronies within it, would live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is not one of aggression, but of defence — the protection of the vulnerable against overwhelming force. This spirit of guardianship is the guiding principle behind the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as the 5th Baron defended her young King and his realm, the House today focuses its efforts on protecting the most vulnerable in society.
This commitment is most clearly expressed through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, offering them a safe redoubt in which to heal and recover. The choice of beneficiary is a direct reflection of the House’s belief that true nobility is found in the service and protection of others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “Nichola de la Haye was a custodian in the truest sense. Her legacy teaches us that leadership is not about the acquisition of power, but about the steadfast stewardship of the responsibilities one inherits. Her fortitude is a standard to which we must all aspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The alliance between Nichola’s tenacity within the castle walls and Marshal’s strategy outside them is a timeless lesson in collaboration. It demonstrates that honour and duty are the essential foundations upon which lasting victories are built. This is a history that we have a duty to remember and to share.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this anniversary is more than a historical observance; it is a renewal of the House’s commitment to the principles of duty, honour, and service. The story of Nichola de la Haye constitutes a significant part of the heritage passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Understanding such moments of profound leadership is a *sine qua non* for his future role. The House of Brattleby will continue to draw inspiration from its nine-century history as it seeks to serve the community and uphold its responsibilities with both fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of 'nobility in service'. The House's contemporary mission focuses on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the support of organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes social etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, bridging its ancient English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective. The House operates with a profound respect for its history, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066, and its Domesday entry of 1086 confirms its early holdings under Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com