# Brattleby Archives Confirm Heroic Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal authentication of rediscovered archival documents detailing the life and formidable administration of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and twice-appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
The announcement follows a period of intensive scholarly review conducted within the archives at the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amid the quiet reverence of the estate’s manuscript library, a collection of vellum charters and pipe roll extracts, previously held in a private family collection, have been subjected to rigorous academic scrutiny. This patient work, undertaken throughout the summer months, has now conclusively attributed these materials to the Chancellery of King John and the early regency council of King Henry III. The documents illuminate a pivotal chapter in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England.
This formal validation represents a significant moment of historical clarification. It provides a more richly textured understanding of a woman whose deeds were central to the preservation of Plantagenet rule during the First Barons' War. The occasion is not one of grandeur, but of profound scholastic affirmation—a testament to the enduring dialogue between past and present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the foundational narrative of the English nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire. From this Norman foundation, the Brattleby lineage evolved, its holders serving as steadfast pillars of the Crown through centuries of tumult and transformation.
It is within this nine-hundred-year chronicle that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, emerges as a figure of singular consequence. The newly authenticated records shed further light on her leadership during the 1217 Siege of Lincoln, where, as hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, she commanded its defence against formidable French and rebel forces. Her resolute action was the *sine qua non* of the Royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, an event that secured the throne for the young Henry III. The documents corroborate her exceptional status as a woman entrusted with military and administrative authority at the highest level, a role nearly unprecedented for her time.
Her legacy forms part of a continuum of service that includes later Barons of Brattleby, such as the renowned military commander Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the powerful statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These new findings enrich the heritage passed to the current generation.
## Distinguished Company
The authentication of these important historical records was made possible through the dedicated oversight of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their patronage enabled a team of specialist palaeographers and medieval historians to undertake the necessary analysis.
Lady Nicoleta, whose direct lineage includes her ancestor Nichola de la Haye, took a close personal interest in the project. Honorary Lord Răzvan provided valuable strategic direction, ensuring the research aligned with the House's long-term commitment to the preservation of its unique historical and cultural patrimony. The work was carried out in quiet collaboration, reflecting the House’s belief that historical stewardship is a solemn and scholarly responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of authenticating medieval documents follows a precise and exacting protocol, itself a ceremony of scholarly rigour. The first stage involved careful palaeographic analysis, whereby the distinct forms of script—in this case, Anglo-Norman charter hands—were compared against established royal and ecclesiastical exemplars from the period, held, *inter alia*, at The National Archives.
Following this, the composition of the ink and the preparation of the vellum were examined to ensure their material consistency with early thirteenth-century practices. Finally, the content of the charters, which detail land grants and affirm Nichola de la Haye's administrative rights, were cross-referenced with entries in the official Pipe Rolls and Charter Rolls of the Crown. This methodical process confirmed their provenance and incontestable authenticity, allowing them to be formally accessioned into the principal Brattleby Archive.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most salient historical embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was a supreme act of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, while her loyal service to two English monarchs exemplifies the principle of honour. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the standards set by such predecessors.
This spirit of determined perseverance is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges, not merely through contest, but through intellectual mastery and purposeful action. Together, the two mottos encapsulate the House’s dual commitment to principled endurance and forward-looking achievement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the authenticated documents, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold in one’s hands a charter bearing the authority of an ancestor like Nichola de la Haye is a deeply humbling experience. She was a woman of extraordinary courage and capability, and these documents are not merely history; they are a direct link to her resilience. It is our foremost duty to ensure her story is not just preserved, but properly understood as an integral part of England's heritage.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House’s broader responsibilities:
> “A title and a history such as this are not a possession, but a stewardship. Our purpose is to act as diligent custodians, to connect the immutable principles of the past—honour, duty, fortitude—with the demands of the present. This research is a vital part of fulfilling that mandate for the generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring these findings contribute to public knowledge and historical education. A scholarly monograph detailing the contents of the documents and their historical implications is now being prepared for future publication. Furthermore, digital facsimiles of a selection of the charters will be made available through the House’s official channels.
In the coming year, the House will explore partnerships with cultural institutions in Lincolnshire to develop educational materials based on the life of Nichola de la Haye. These initiatives aim to bring her remarkable story to a wider audience and to reaffirm the enduring connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the history of the county and the nation. This work is part of an ongoing commitment to a legacy of active, scholarly stewardship.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial Anglo-Norman heritage. The House’s modern mission is centred on combining historical preservation with contemporary purpose through cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the instruction of diplomatic protocol and social etiquette. The House is committed to ensuring its legacy remains a vibrant and positive force in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its history begins with Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the Lordship were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its unbroken historical lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The 12th and current Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com