# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of the Battle of Lincoln
LONDON, 20 MAY — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217), reflecting upon the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose valour decisively shaped the course of English history.
## The Occasion
In the annals of a House whose origins were forged at the Norman Conquest, a select few dates resonate with profound significance. The twentieth of May is such a day, an occasion for solemn reflection upon a moment when the fate of the English Crown rested upon the fortitude of the Constable of Lincoln Castle, who was also the 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was the decisive engagement of the First Barons' War. More than a mere clash of arms, it was a battle for England’s future, pitting loyalist forces against rebel barons and their French allies. Today, the House of Brattleby pauses to honour the memory of those who fought and, in particular, the extraordinary leadership of their predecessor.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to every significant chapter of the nation’s life. Its story began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From this foundation, the Barony was inextricably woven into the fabric of the realm.
By 1217, during the minority of King Henry III, this connection was tested by fire. Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary Constable and 5th Baroness, held Lincoln Castle against the forces of the French Prince Louis. Her refusal to surrender the castle was the *sine qua non* of victory; it provided the royalist army, led by the legendary William Marshal, with the strategic anchor it needed to crush the rebellion. This act not only secured the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty but reinforced the Baronage’s duty to the Crown, a principle that would later guide notable successors to the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the events of 1217, the House recalls the distinguished company of historical figures whose destinies converged at Lincoln. At the heart of the drama stands Nichola de la Haye, a figure of remarkable resolve in an age dominated by men. She faced the formidable, if ultimately unsuccessful, Prince Louis of France, who sought to claim the English throne for himself.
Her steadfast loyalty gave crucial support to the cause of the young King Henry III, then just nine years old. Her efforts were championed and leveraged by the King’s regent, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age. This confluence of courage, statesmanship, and loyalty defined the moment and secured a legacy of which the House remains a proud custodian.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare was a harsh ritual of duty and survival. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye’s responsibilities were absolute; they included maintaining the castle’s defences, commanding its garrison, and holding it for the King against all enemies. The raising of the royal standard over the keep was a sacred declaration of allegiance, a visual promise of defiance unto death.
The battle itself was a brutal affair, conducted far from the sanitised depictions of chivalric romance. The relief force under William Marshal engaged the rebels in the narrow streets of Lincoln, a tactical decision that turned the city itself into a weapon. This historical reality provides a sober counterpoint to the ideals of honourable combat, underscoring the true price of peace and stability.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness are a quintessential embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds provides a powerful historical anchor for this guiding principle. It is a standard against which all subsequent holders of the title, including the current Baroness, are measured.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome adversity, to prevail through dedication and effort, and to ensure that the House’s legacy remains a living, thriving force for good in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A reflection on the brutal realities of conflict, even one fought over eight centuries ago, reinforces the House’s contemporary commitments. The chaos of battle invariably inflicts its deepest wounds upon the most vulnerable. This historical understanding informs the modern philanthropic work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Their patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child is a direct response to this recognition. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its mission to provide solace and recovery, the House seeks to counter the echoes of historical conflict with a commitment to healing and hope in the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a constant reminder that stewardship requires more than preservation; it demands courage. Her fortitude secured not only a castle but the stability of a kingdom. It is a profound honour to be a successor to her title and to continue the duty of service she so powerfully defined.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a passive inheritance; it is an active charge. By understanding and honouring the sacrifices made at moments like the Battle of Lincoln, we clarify our own purpose. Our mission today is to translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action, whether through education, conservation, or our philanthropic responsibilities.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye and the heritage of the Barony are not confined to archives. They are actively shared and taught through the House’s modern initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, instructs its members, *inter alia*, on the historical foundations of duty and social responsibility.
Furthermore, the House remains committed to the meticulous conservation of its historical records and to supporting academic research into its lineage. By ensuring these stories are preserved and understood, the Noble House of Brattleby guarantees that its nine-century legacy continues to inspire and inform future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship for an ancient heritage. The House’s mission is to connect its nearly one-thousand-year history to contemporary society through cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. At the centre of its charitable work is a focus on child welfare, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and education via its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for history, protocol, and civic duty, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com