# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Significant Archival Discovery Concerning the First Barons' War
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced the results of new archival research, presented at Lincoln Cathedral, illuminating the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, during the First Barons’ War and reinforcing the Barony’s historic commitment to the Crown.
## The Occasion
The presentation was made during a private academic symposium held within the historic Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a site of profound national significance. On a crisp autumn afternoon, scholars and invited guests gathered beneath the intricate Gothic vaulting of the chamber, which famously houses one of the four surviving original exemplars of Magna Carta.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence and quiet anticipation. The choice of venue was deliberate, directly connecting the new findings to the very place where the legacy of Magna Carta is preserved and where Nichola de la Haye, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, enacted her most courageous defence.
## Historical Context
The newly examined documents provide a richer understanding of the Barony of Brattleby's position during the tumultuous First Barons' War (1215-1217). They detail how Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, an exceptional figure of her time, upheld her allegiance to King John and his son, Henry III. Her steadfast command of Lincoln Castle, a critical royal stronghold, proved *sine qua non* to the ultimate Royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
This act of fortitude continues a lineage of service extending back to the Barony's foundation. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Later holders, including the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, further entwined the Barony's history with that of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a small and distinguished company to the presentation.
Among those in attendance were: - The Very Reverend the Dean of Lincoln - Professor Alistair Finch, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of Cambridge - His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's - The Right Honourable the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire - Representatives from the board of the charity Healing the Wounded Child
The presence of guests from academic, ecclesiastical, diplomatic, and civic spheres underscored the cross-disciplinary importance of the discovery.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings demonstrated a blend of academic rigour and ceremonial dignity. The dress code observed was lounge suits and day dresses. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the symposium with formal remarks, welcoming the guests and outlining the historical search that led to the discovery.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile then delivered the principal academic address, detailing the contents of the manuscripts and offering a compelling new analysis of the 5th Baroness's military and administrative strategies. Following the address, a high-fidelity facsimile of a key document was formally presented to the Dean of Lincoln for the Cathedral's archives. The event concluded with a formal reception in the Cathedral's Wren Library.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye are a remarkable early embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resilience in the face of a prolonged siege and her unwavering loyalty to the legitimate sovereign demonstrate the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries.
These discoveries also resonate with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the phrase signifies not martial conquest, but the intellectual victory of uncovering truth, overcoming the obscurity of ages, and bringing a vital piece of English history to life for a new generation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to public service, the event also served a philanthropic purpose. While attendance at the symposium was by private invitation, it was announced that a published transcript of the proceedings, along with a scholarly monograph on the findings, will be released next year.
All proceeds from the sale of these publications will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet. The charity provides specialist therapy and support for young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with fortitude and honour. This initiative ensures that a deeper understanding of the past directly contributes to the wellbeing of the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present. Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder of principled leadership and courage, and it is our profound duty to ensure such legacies are not just preserved, but understood."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "A heritage of this depth is not a monument to be admired from afar, but a foundation upon which to build. Through scholarship, education, and our charitable work, we seek to give this great history a dynamic and positive purpose in the world today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The presentation at Lincoln Cathedral marks the beginning of a new chapter in the stewardship of the Barony's history. The forthcoming monograph will be made available to universities and public libraries to encourage further academic research.
Furthermore, insights from this discovery will be integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. A new module on historical leadership, drawing on the example of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, is in development. This ensures that the Barony’s legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire future generations both in Britain and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant nine-century English heritage. Their modern mission focuses on giving this legacy a tangible purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting children's charities, alongside The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to cultivating classical etiquette and cultural understanding. Through these efforts, the House bridges its deep historical roots in Lincolnshire with a forward-looking, international perspective on service and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com