# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a defining example of the House's ancient commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby today seeks to illuminate the service of one of its most distinguished predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. Long recognised as a pivotal figure in the history of Lincolnshire, the fifth Baroness's legacy serves as a perpetual touchstone for the principles that continue to guide the House.
This statement serves not to mark a single anniversary but to reaffirm a continuous heritage of duty, a line of service stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The occasion is one of institutional memory, calling to mind the *sine qua non* of the Barony's endurance: an unwavering commitment to stability and honour in the service of the realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. This foundation of service to the Crown was profoundly tested over a century later during the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln Castle.
Amid the turmoil of the First Barons' War (1215–1217), which saw English barons invite Prince Louis of France to claim the throne from King John, Nichola de la Haye's position became one of immense strategic importance. As a widow, or *femme sole*, she wielded considerable authority at a time of national schism, holding Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel and French forces.
Her steadfastness was demonstrated during two critical sieges. In 1217, despite being in her sixties, she led the defence of the royalist stronghold against a formidable Franco-rebel army until relieved by William Marshal, the Regent, at the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln, often called the Battle of Lincoln Fair.
## Distinguished Company
The events that defined the tenure of the fifth Baroness placed her among the most significant figures of the age. Her loyalty was pledged to King John and subsequently his young son, King Henry III, during a moment of profound crisis for the Plantagenet dynasty.
Her primary adversary was the claimant to the English throne, Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII), supported by a powerful faction of rebel English barons. Standing with Nichola de la Haye in the loyalist cause was Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, widely regarded as one of history's greatest knights, who served as Regent of England for the nine-year-old Henry III.
Also central to the royalist cause was the Papal Legate, Cardinal Guala Bicchieri, who provided crucial ecclesiastical and diplomatic support, *inter alia*, by excommunicating the rebels and lending moral authority to the defence of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The authority wielded by Nichola de la Haye was rooted in two of the most powerful offices of county governance. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she held direct military command of a fortress of primary strategic value, responsible for its garrison, maintenance, and defence on behalf of the monarch. This role was a sacred trust, demanding martial vigilance and absolute fealty.
Following the royalist victory at Lincoln, Nichola was additionally appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right, an exceptional honour for a woman in the 13th century. As High Sheriff, she was the Sovereign's chief executive and judicial representative in the county, tasked with upholding justice, executing royal writs, and presiding over the shire court. The union of these two offices in one person signified the Crown's complete confidence in her capability and loyalty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the fifth Baroness provide the most resonant historical example of The Noble House of Brattleby's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage during the relentless sieges exemplifies 'Fortitude', while her unwavering loyalty to two monarchs embodies 'Honour'.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the active, determined spirit necessary to overcome adversity, a spirit Nichola de la Haye demonstrated in defending both her charge and the integrity of the kingdom. Together, the mottos articulate a complete philosophy of service: that honour is achieved through fortitude, and that the will to prevail is fundamental to a life of purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of providing steadfast protection continues to inform the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as Nichola de la Haye defended the people and institutions within her care, the House today directs its support towards organisations that shield the most vulnerable in society.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual white-tie Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist recovery programmes for children who have experienced trauma and abuse. Its work offers a modern parallel to the ancient duty of a bastion: creating a safe space in which strength and security can be restored. By supporting the charity's evidence-based therapeutic work, the House aims to provide children with the fortitude to overcome their own adversities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — 'Nichola de la Haye's story is a powerful reminder that the principles of duty and honour are timeless. She administered, she commanded, and she endured. In her legacy, we find not only a profound connection to our past but also an enduring inspiration for our responsibilities in the present.'
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — 'Her strategic defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in leadership under immense pressure. One cannot simply possess a fortress; one must have the will to hold it. Nichola's resolve demonstrates that to conquer challenges, whether on a battlefield or in life, is the essence of living with purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere*.'
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely an artefact of history but a living component of the House's identity. It will continue to inform the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in historical leadership and civic duty are central to its curriculum.
Through ongoing research and public communication, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to sharing its nine-century history. By honouring the contributions of predecessors such as Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House seeks to demonstrate the unbroken chain of service that defines its modern purpose and honours its motto, *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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient commitment to service through modern engagement. The House's contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes education in leadership and civic responsibility, bridging its historic legacy with the challenges of the 21st century. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The barony's history is intertwined with that of England, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony's long history and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), an ancestor of the Lancastrian, Yorkist and Tudor monarchs. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com