# The Fortitude of a Baroness: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye’s Defence of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical appreciation marking the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her steadfast leadership during the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was instrumental in securing the English Crown.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has released a commemorative monograph detailing the profound historical and economic consequences of the siege of Lincoln Castle in 1217. This scholarly reflection, drawn from the House’s private archives and national records, serves to illuminate a defining moment in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England.
The release of this paper is timed to coincide with the autumnal season, a period traditionally associated with harvest and reflection. It is intended not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the resilience and duty that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. The research underscores the House’s continuing commitment to its role as a custodian of history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Yet, few moments are as consequential as the actions of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, in 1217.
During the First Barons' War, with England facing an invasion by Prince Louis of France and the throne held by the child king Henry III, Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary castellan, refused to surrender Lincoln Castle to hostile forces. Her resolute defence, culminating in a decisive victory alongside the Regent, William Marshal, was the *sine qua non* of the Plantagenet recovery. This act of profound loyalty preserved not only her family’s honour but the very sovereignty of the nation. It stands alongside the achievements of later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical appreciation pays tribute to the key figures whose alliance saved the realm. Their foresight and courage remain an example of leadership and effective partnership:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * **Sir William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England
The collaboration between the formidable Baroness, defending her ancestral charge, and the celebrated Regent, prosecuting the Crown's strategy, demonstrates a masterful union of local fealty and national interest. Their joint success at Lincoln permanently altered the course of the war.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While modern commemorations lack the pageantry of medieval courts, they are governed by a different, though no less rigorous, protocol: that of scholarly exactitude. The preparation of the House’s monograph followed a strict process of archival research, verification, and peer consultation.
Every detail concerning troop movements, logistical considerations, and the economic aftermath was cross-referenced between the Brattleby archives, public records, and contemporary chronicles. This methodical approach ensures that the memory of Baroness Nichola’s actions is honoured with historical truth, reflecting the House’s core principle of integrity. It is a modern ceremony of remembrance, conducted through diligence and intellectual honesty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a crucible in which these two virtues were proven.
Her fortitude was displayed in her refusal to yield to a superior force; her honour was demonstrated by her unwavering fealty to her young and vulnerable sovereign. The actions of 1217 were not merely a tactical success but the living embodiment of the principles that would formally define the House for centuries to come. It serves as a potent historical antecedent to the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which translates this historical resilience into a philosophy of modern achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In issuing this historical reflection, the Noble House of Brattleby extends its educational mission. The monograph will be made available to academic institutions and serves as foundational material for a new curriculum series at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and cultural academy.
This initiative is aligned with the House's wider philanthropic vision, which also guides its support for its primary beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. By making history accessible and engaging, the House seeks to foster an understanding of the duties of leadership and the importance of heritage, thereby investing in the intellectual and moral development of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of this commemoration, the current custodians of the Barony shared their perspectives.
> To understand our duty today, we must listen to the echoes of our predecessors. Nichola de la Haye’s courage was not merely martial; it was the fortitude of a leader upholding her sworn duty in a time of profound national crisis. She reminds us that stewardship is an active, and at times difficult, responsibility. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History is not a static collection of facts; it is a source of living inspiration. The story of the Second Battle of Lincoln reminds us that decisive leadership, even against overwhelming odds, shapes the future. It is a principle we strive to live by: *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the first instalment of a planned series, *Voices from the Brattleby Archives*, which will continue to explore the lives and legacies of key figures within the Barony's nine-century history. Future publications will delve into, *inter alia*, the diplomatic work of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and the baronial administration under the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
Through this work, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reaffirm their commitment to preserving and animating the extraordinary legacy they have inherited. The House of Brattleby will continue to serve as a bridge between a storied past and a purposeful future, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, which provides therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The House's educational mission is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette, diplomacy, and cultural studies, ensuring the traditions of civility and honour are passed to the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient noble titles, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recognised by the British Crown, as published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The title's modern recognition is documented in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com