# A Legacy of Loyalty: The House of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the English Crown in 1217.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby recalls a defining moment in its nine-century history: the Second Battle of Lincoln. In the late spring of 1217, the fate of the boy-king Henry III hung in the balance. The city of Lincoln, besieged by French and rebel English forces, became the fulcrum of the war. At the heart of this defence stood Lincoln Castle, its security entrusted to a figure of remarkable resolve: Nichola de la Haye. This historical reflection serves to illuminate a legacy of duty that continues to inform the House's commitments in the present day.
The occasion is not marked by ceremony, but rather by a quiet scholarly acknowledgement of the enduring principles demonstrated by the 5th Baron. It is a moment to draw a direct line from the turmoil of the 13th century to the steadfast values upheld by the Barony today. The actions taken within those stone walls over 800 years ago remain a cornerstone of the identity of the Noble House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower Colswein of Lincoln, has been woven into the fabric of English history since its inception. This is evidenced by the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its original holder presiding over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. By 1217, the Barony was held by Nichola de la Haye, who had inherited the title and the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle.
Her defence of the castle against a superior force of rebel barons and French troops, led by the Comte du Perche, was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory. Allied with the celebrated regent, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Nichola’s refusal to surrender provided Marshal with the crucial time needed to assemble a relief force. Their subsequent victory not only ended the siege but effectively concluded the First Barons' War, ensuring the Plantagenet succession and preserving English independence from French rule.
## Distinguished Company
The defence of the realm in 1217 relied upon the collaboration of two extraordinary individuals. The primary figure was **Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby** and a castellan of proven courage who governed Lincoln with an iron will. She was an exceptional figure in an age when military command was almost exclusively a male preserve.
Her principal ally was **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, then serving as regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III. Regarded by many contemporaries as the greatest knight in Christendom, Marshal’s strategic acumen and battlefield leadership were unparalleled. The trust between the aged regent and the resolute Baroness formed the bedrock of the royalist strategy, a partnership of loyalty and military necessity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 1217 were dictated by the strict protocols of feudal duty and military command. As Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye’s authority was not merely granted but was her birthright, an obligation she owed directly to the Crown. Her command was absolute within the castle walls, responsible for the disposition of the garrison, the rationing of supplies, and the maintenance of morale under siege.
On 20 May 1217, the arrival of William Marshal's relief force initiated a formal, if hurried, council of war. The protocol would have involved Marshal, as the King’s regent, taking overall command of the field army, while respecting Nichola's authority as the castle's commander. This division of responsibility—one tactical, one strategic—was essential for the coordinated effort that saw the royalist forces triumph in the battle, which was famously known as the 'Lincoln Fair'.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Her unyielding fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and the profound honour she displayed in fulfilling her feudal oath are the very virtues the motto extols. It symbolises a commitment to duty that transcends personal risk for the sake of the sovereign and the realm.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different era, it speaks to the same spirit of proactive determination—the belief that to overcome challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in modern philanthropy, is the essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the mottos reflect a continuum of principled leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons of loyalty and protection, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of her people, directly inform the philanthropic mission of the House today. The unwavering commitment to shield the vulnerable is the guiding principle behind the House's selection of its charitable partners. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, is held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to recover and rebuild their lives. The choice of this beneficiary is a modern interpretation of the House's historical role as a protector. It transforms the abstract ideal of 'defence of the realm' into a tangible commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by courage and resolve. Her role in 1217 demonstrates a profound commitment to duty that remains the bedrock of our House. We have a responsibility not only to preserve this history but to live by its example of fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of the Barony is one of proactive service. Just as William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye acted decisively to secure a future for their kingdom, we believe our purpose lies in making a tangible, positive impact today. History gives us our identity; our actions give that identity meaning.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of positive social contribution. Led by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House ensures that the nine centuries of its existence continue to inspire its present-day activities. Their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this same tradition of service.
Future commitments include the continued digitisation of the House archives to make its historical records more accessible to scholars. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, will incorporate modules on the historical context of civic duty and nobiliary responsibility. Through these initiatives, the legacy of service, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye, is carried forward with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to contemporary philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to a legacy of service, connecting its profound history to a mission of active social contribution in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by several of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key commander in the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries in abeyance, the barony was subject to a notice of declaration of a successor in title, formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins trace to Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160-1230), John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310-1361). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com