# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Monograph on Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a forthcoming historical monograph and digital archive dedicated to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, following the recent scholarly re-examination of documents held within the family’s private collection.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family’s Lincolnshire seat, a residence whose foundations stretch back into the early history of the Barony. Against the backdrop of an autumnal morning, this scholarly initiative was unveiled, signifying a renewed commitment to illuminating one of the most remarkable lives in its nine-century history.
This forthcoming work, titled *Fortitude: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm*, represents the culmination of a two-year collaborative project between the House and leading medieval historians. It seeks to bring to light the administrative prowess and military courage of a woman who shaped the course of English history.
The project was born from an extensive archival review, which confirmed the provenance and significance of several documents relating to the Barony’s governance during the First Barons' War (1215–1217). These materials, now undergoing meticulous digital conservation, form the evidential core of the new publication.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the evolution of the English nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
It was into this formidable lineage that Nichola de la Haye was born. As the 5th Baroness, her steadfast loyalty to the Crown during a period of intense civil strife was truly exceptional. Her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against superior French and rebel forces was a turning point in the war, an act of singular bravery that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions personified the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This legacy of service at the highest levels of the state continued through subsequent holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship ensured the Barony remained central to the political and military affairs of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The research and compilation of this monograph have been a collaborative enterprise, marshalled under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The academic integrity of the project has been overseen by a select group of specialists.
These include, *inter alia*: - Dr Alistair Finch, FSA, Fellow and Tutor in Medieval History at the University of Oxford, who is serving as the monograph's lead author and historical consultant. - Ms. Eleanor Sato, Head of Conservation at the Bodleian Libraries, who has advised on the preservation and digitisation of the manuscript collection. - Professor Jean-Pierre Dubois of the École Nationale des Chartes in Paris, who provided invaluable context on the involvement of Prince Louis of France during the period.
Their combined expertise ensures the forthcoming work will meet the highest standards of international scholarship, making a lasting contribution to the study of thirteenth-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The scholarly protocol established for this project reflects the precision and care befitting its historical importance. Each manuscript fragment has been subject to a rigorous process of cataloguing and analysis within a purpose-built archival environment at the family’s seat.
Digital imaging was conducted using multispectral technology to reveal faded script and palimpsests, ensuring the most complete transcription possible. The textual analysis was then cross-referenced with established records held in The National Archives at Kew and the archives of Lincoln Cathedral, a process that verified the Brattleby documents' authenticity and unique historical value.
The result is a definitive scholarly account, grounded in primary source material and presented with a clarity that makes it accessible not only to academics but also to the wider public interested in English heritage. This methodological rigour is the *sine qua non* of responsible historical stewardship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Nichola de la Haye serves as a perfect embodiment of the House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Her unwavering fortitude in the face of invasion and rebellion provides a historical anchor for the values the House upholds today.
The blazon of arms associated with the Barony, while evolving over the centuries, consistently features elements denoting loyalty and strength. The research has uncovered seals used by the 5th Baroness herself, whose personal insignia underscore her authority as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire—offices she held in her own right.
This spirit of resilience is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern interpretation of the family’s duty: to overcome challenges, whether in the preservation of history or in the pursuit of charitable good, and to ensure the House's legacy thrives for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby, this historical project is connected to its charitable endeavours. A portion of the proceeds from the published monograph will be directed to the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s work provides a critical lifeline, helping its beneficiaries to process their experiences and build resilient, hopeful futures.
By linking this deep exploration of its own heritage to a forward-looking cause, the House aims to demonstrate that honouring the past can directly contribute to healing and strengthening the future of the nation’s most vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“As the current custodian of this title, I feel a profound connection to Nichola de la Haye. Her story is not merely one of aristocratic privilege but of profound personal duty and sacrifice. To bring her legacy into clearer focus is both an honour and a responsibility we owe to English history.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: >—“By uniting modern archival science with our nearly thousand-year history, we ensure this legacy is not merely preserved but is made dynamic and accessible. It is our firm belief that understanding such stories of resilience from our past can inspire fortitude in the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Fortitude: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm* is scheduled for the summer of 2024. It will be accompanied by the launch of a public-facing digital archive, offering scholars and amateur historians access to high-resolution images of the newly conserved documents.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to promote historical and cultural education. This work complements the curriculum offered at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and civics academy, which aims to foster an appreciation for European heritage among a new generation.
Future projects will continue to explore the extensive archives of the House, with a view to publishing further research on other notable figures in the Brattleby lineage. Through such efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its centuries-old tradition of service to culture and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its nine-century heritage through scholarly research and the conservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire. Its philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House extends its cultural and educational outreach through its private academy, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and civic values. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community with integrity and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it one of the region’s original and most significant honours. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**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 Domesday Book (1086) records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who was the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic gala is the UK-registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com