# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, Commemorates Ancestral Duty at Lincoln Castle
**LINCOLN, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a private visit to Lincoln Castle to commemorate the historic role of her predecessors in the defence of the fortress, a duty central to the Barony’s nine-century legacy in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Set against the austere beauty of an autumnal morning, the visit served as a quiet act of remembrance and historical reflection. Lincoln Castle, its formidable stone walls bearing witness to nearly a millennium of English history, provided a powerful setting. Lady Nicoleta was given a private tour of the grounds, including the restored Victorian Prison and the ancient ramparts that offer commanding views over the city, the very same vantage points used by her ancestor, the 5th Baron, in the 13th century.
The atmosphere was one of solemn contemplation, bridging the centuries between the feudal obligations of the past and the modern responsibilities of a noble house. The occasion was not a public ceremony but a personal reaffirmation of the enduring connection between the Barony of Brattleby and one of the most significant strategic strongholds in the history of the realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence of England since the Norman Conquest. This responsibility found its most dramatic expression through Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. A figure of remarkable resilience, she successfully defended the castle against rebel forces during the civil war known as The Anarchy.
Her fortitude was tested again during the First Barons' War. In 1217, at an advanced age, she commanded the garrison during the pivotal Siege of Lincoln, holding the fortress for the young King Henry III against French and baronial opponents. Her steadfast loyalty ensured that the castle, a *sine qua non* for controlling the north of England, remained in royal hands. This direct lineage of duty, passing through personages such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, informs the ethos of the House to this day.
## Distinguished Company
During the visit to the historic site, Lady Nicoleta was formally received by Mrs. Andrea Wilson, Heritage and Culture Manager for Lincoln Castle. Mrs. Wilson provided expert commentary on the castle's architectural evolution, from its founding by William the Conqueror in 1068 to its present-day role as a centre for heritage and justice, housing an original 1215 Magna Carta. The exchange underscored a shared commitment to the preservation and interpretation of Lincolnshire’s profound history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by their understated formality. Following her official welcome at the East Gate — the very gate defended by Nichola de la Haye — Lady Nicoleta was escorted along the medieval wall walk. The tour focused on key defensive positions and concluded near the base of the Lucy Tower, the 12th-century keep, or shell-keep, that formed the castle's ultimate stronghold.
In a moment of private reflection, Lady Nicoleta laid a simple spray of Lincolnshire Poppies and rosemary at a discreet location overlooking the lower city. The gesture, devoid of pageantry, served as a personal tribute to the sacrifice and unwavering duty of her predecessor and all who defended the castle throughout its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit powerfully underscored the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle is a peerless historical embodiment of this principle; her fortitude was physical and moral, while her honour was expressed through unwavering loyalty to her sovereign. Her actions demonstrate that these are not abstract ideals but practical virtues essential for leadership and service.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern sentiment speaks to the constant need to overcome challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the contemporary pursuit of philanthropic and cultural goals. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the visit was historical in nature, its theme of protection resonates deeply with the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The House of Brattleby is a benefactor of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and neglect.
Just as the Barons of Brattleby were once charged with protecting a physical fortress from external threats, the House today sees its duty in helping to defend the internal wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable. The charity was chosen for its focus on building resilience and providing a safe 'inner citadel' for children, enabling them to heal and flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To walk these ramparts is to feel the echo of Nichola de la Haye's resolve. Her duty was to the fortress; our duty today, guided by the same spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to the community this castle now serves and to the heritage it represents for all.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > The legacy of the Barony is one of enduring strength in the face of great trials. This history inspires our own commitment to building institutions that are resilient and that serve a lasting, positive purpose, both here in Britain and abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
The visit to Lincoln Castle marks a renewed pledge by The Noble House of Brattleby to champion and support the heritage of Lincolnshire. The House will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with local institutions dedicated to historical preservation and education.
Furthermore, the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s primary philanthropic event, will continue to raise vital funds for charities that protect and empower vulnerable individuals. This modern expression of the Barony’s ancient defensive role ensures that its nine-century legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose. The House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, will also incorporate lessons on the civic duties associated with European noble traditions.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House's contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique history in Lincolnshire, and to leverage its platform for impactful philanthropy. Its charitable focus is on organisations that protect and heal vulnerable children, reflecting a modern interpretation of the Barony's ancient role as a guardian. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the timeless values of duty, honour, and service in a twenty-first-century context, guided by its 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 lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. For centuries, the Barony was tied to the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle, a vital strategic fortress. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of the castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the title was formally recognised in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile by notice in The London Gazette (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is verifiable in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby ('Brotelbi'). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable holders of the Barony have included 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