# A Reflection on the Legacy of William Marshal and the Defence of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch reflecting on the pivotal alliance between the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and William Marshal during the 1217 Siege of Lincoln—an event that affirmed the Barony’s national consequence.
## The Occasion
From within the quiet dignity of the Brattleby archives, surrounded by charter rolls and leather-bound ledgers, the House has taken a moment for historical reflection. This fifth dispatch of the year serves not to mark a new event, but to illuminate an old one, drawing a direct line from the turmoil of the thirteenth century to the enduring principles that guide the House today.
The research draws upon primary sources, including manorial court records and annotated copies of the Pipe Rolls, which document the Barony’s continuous engagement in the affairs of the realm. It is an occasion for scholarship, reaffirming that the most profound duties are often those inherited through the long passage of time.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in the throes of the First Barons' War. Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, held the fortress for the young King Henry III against besieging French and rebel forces. Her steadfast defence created the crucial window for William Marshal, the revered Regent of England, to lead a relief army to victory in the Second Battle of Lincoln.
Marshal’s public endorsement of Baroness Nichola's command was a critical act of recognition, legitimising her authority at a moment of supreme national importance. This event elevated the Barony of Brattleby, established in 1066 by Colswein of Lincoln, from a significant regional holding into a linchpin of royal authority. Later holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, would continue this legacy of service at the highest levels of the state.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this dispatch was informed by the invaluable work of the wider historical community, with whom the House of Brattleby maintains a close and collaborative relationship. The Brattleby archives have long been a resource for leading academics, contributing to a richer understanding of medieval England.
Scholars from the faculties of History at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside expert curators from The British Library, have consulted these records. Their collective inquiry has helped to situate the actions of Nichola de la Haye within the broader currents of European history, confirming the Barony’s documented role in the evolution of English governance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The examination of the House’s archival documents follows a strict and considered protocol, itself a ceremony of preservation. Each medieval charter and parchment roll is handled with the utmost care, in purpose-built environments designed to protect these fragile records for future generations.
The process of analysis is no less rigorous. Cross-referencing entries in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with later charter witness lists and feudal obligations is a meticulous undertaking. This scholarly ritual ensures that every statement issued by the House is grounded in verifiable fact, upholding a standard of truth that is the *sine qua non* of historical integrity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of 1217 serve as the ultimate embodiment of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Baroness Nichola’s resolute defence of Lincoln Castle, sustained by a profound sense of duty, perfectly illustrates the principles that have guided her successors for over eight hundred years.
This historical fortitude finds its modern counterpart in the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Today, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as the determination to overcome modern challenges through service, preservation, and the steadfast honouring of commitments.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the vulnerable, as Nichola de la Haye defended the future of the young King Henry III, directly informs the modern philanthropic mission of the House. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, is the cornerstone of this charitable activity, benefiting organisations that protect the most vulnerable in society.
This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen precisely for its vital work in providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House believes that protecting the potential of the next generation is the most fundamental duty of all, a direct echo of the loyalties that secured the realm in 1217.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the powerful example of her predecessor.
> In Nichola de la Haye, we find not merely an ancestor, but a standard. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, and the honour she demonstrated in fulfilling her duty, continue to inspire our own commitment to responsible stewardship and public service. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the connection between past lessons and present actions.
> History teaches us that true victory lies not in ephemeral power, but in enduring service. Our support for causes like Healing the Wounded Child is a modern expression of the same duty of care that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving a unique historical legacy and deploying its resources for the public good. Research into the House’s archives will continue, with further dispatches planned to share these findings with the public.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty to a new generation. The year’s activities will culminate in the Annual Winter Banquet, reinforcing the philanthropic purpose that lies at the heart of the House’s modern identity.
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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 bridges a millennium of English history with a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its charitable focus and its commitment to responsible stewardship. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of service, integrity, and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient noble dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historic Barony of Brattleby and its current holders are formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are enumerated in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com