# The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Alliance of William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its profound historical connection to William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, whose critical support for Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, secured the English throne in 1217.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed academic interest in the First Barons' War, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its own nine-century history. This reflection is prompted by ongoing research within the Brattleby Archives, which detail the Barony's central role in the defining events of the 13th century. It serves as a moment to honour the legacy of those who shaped not only the destiny of Lincolnshire but the very course of the English monarchy.
This formal dispatch draws upon charters, pipe rolls, and private correspondence preserved by the House. It aims to provide historical context for the Barony’s enduring commitment to national service, a tradition that stretches unbroken from the Norman Conquest to the present day. The statement underscores the principle that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present.
## Historical Context
The alliance between William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye was forged in the crucible of civil war. In 1217, Marshal, acting as regent *pro tempore* for the nine-year-old King Henry III, faced a French invasion and a realm divided. The loyalty of Lincolnshire, and specifically the strategic command of Lincoln Castle, was paramount. That command was held by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, by hereditary right.
At a time when military leadership was an exclusively male preserve, Lady Nichola’s authority was unprecedented. Marshal’s genius lay not only in his military strategy but also in his recognition of talent and loyalty, irrespective of convention. He publicly affirmed Lady Nichola’s command, entrusting the defence of the castle to her and her garrison. Her valiant stand during the subsequent Siege of Lincoln, culminating in the royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair, was a turning point. This act of mutual trust secured the Plantagenet dynasty and elevated the Barony of Brattleby to a position of national prominence.
This tradition of service to the Crown is a consistent thread in the Barony’s history. It extends from the initial grant of 56 Lincolnshire lordships to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, through the tenures of later magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together several of the era’s most consequential figures, whose actions were inextricably linked with the Barony of Brattleby:
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England. Known to posterity as 'the greatest knight', his political acumen and unwavering loyalty to the Crown preserved the kingdom during its greatest crisis. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. A figure of remarkable fortitude, her defence of Lincoln against French and rebel forces was instrumental in the loyalist victory. * **His Majesty King Henry III**. The young king in whose name Marshal and Lady Nichola acted, and whose long reign was secured by their decisive leadership and courage. * **Guala Bicchieri**, the Papal Legate. His presence and excommunication of the rebels lent crucial moral and spiritual authority to the royalist cause, reinforcing the legitimacy of Lady Nichola’s command.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant history is governed by its own strict protocols. Access to the Brattleby Archives, which have been consulted by scholars from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is granted by formal application to the House Chamberlain. Original documents, *inter alia* manorial court records and feudal charters, are handled under controlled conditions to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The issuance of a Baronial Dispatch, such as this, follows a formal internal procedure. Historical points are verified by the House Archivist, and the narrative is reviewed to ensure it aligns with the dignity of the House and the historical record. This process reflects the solemn duty of care the House assumes not only for its patrimony but for its part in the shared history of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye. Her actions at the Siege of Lincoln—defying convention and risking all in the honourable service of her sovereign—are the ultimate expression of this creed. Fortitude in adversity and honour in duty remain the guiding tenets of the House.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a dynamic interpretation of the House’s ancient resilience—that to overcome challenges, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern philanthropic landscape, is the very essence of a meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical narrative of defending a vulnerable young monarch in 1217 finds a powerful echo in the modern philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The House’s premier charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate, creating a bridge across centuries from the defence of King Henry III to the protection of vulnerable children today. The funds raised contribute directly to providing safe environments and clinical support, enabling young people to overcome adversity. It is a contemporary manifestation of the House’s foundational duty of protection and care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined by courage and competence, not by convention. To see her command affirmed by a figure like William Marshal speaks volumes. Hers is a legacy of fortitude that I, and I hope many others, find deeply inspiring. It is our duty to ensure such stories of quiet strength are not forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The thread of duty that runs from Colswein’s feudal obligations to our charitable work today is what gives our heritage its purpose. History is not merely a record of the past; it is a blueprint for present action. The alliance of 1217 demonstrates that shared honour and mutual trust can indeed change the fate of a nation. It is a lesson we strive to apply in all our current endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its unique history. This work continues through the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which grounds modern social skills in their historical context. Furthermore, the House will continue to support scholarly access to its archives, ensuring its role in British history is accurately understood.
Looking toward the future, the House is already planning its next Annual Winter Banquet to benefit Healing the Wounded Child. The stewardship of this near-millennial legacy will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide the Barony for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby pursues a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House is dedicated to safeguarding its nine-hundred-year heritage while applying its ancient principles of duty to contemporary challenges. Its primary charitable focus is the welfare of vulnerable children, realised through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes a wider appreciation for history and protocol. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring relevance of tradition in modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignity of the feudal Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing trauma therapy for children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com