# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historic Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose historic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 proved decisive in the First Barons' War.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate the contributions of its most formidable predecessors. The House today draws special attention to the legacy of Nichola de la Haye. Her steadfast command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War stands as a defining moment for the Barony and, indeed, for the Kingdom of England.
This commemoration serves not merely as a historical observance, but as a reaffirmation of the core values that continue to guide the House. The principles of loyalty, duty, and resilience demonstrated by the 5th Baroness in the 13th century remain the bedrock upon which the modern responsibilities of the Barony are built.
## Historical Context
The First Barons' War (1215–1217), a destructive civil conflict following King John's rejection of Magna Carta, threatened to fracture the English monarchy. Rebel barons, in alliance with Prince Louis of France, controlled much of the kingdom and laid siege to the strategically vital Lincoln Castle, one of the last remaining royalist strongholds in the east of England.
Its defence was entrusted to Nichola de la Haye, then a woman in her sixties and the hereditary castellan. Refusing all calls to surrender, she courageously led the garrison against a far larger Franco-rebel force. Her defiance held the castle long enough for the royalist army, led by the celebrated knight William Marshal, to arrive and relieve the siege. The ensuing Battle of Lincoln was a catastrophic defeat for the rebels, a turning point that ultimately secured the throne for the young King Henry III and ended the French invasion.
## A Lineage of Distinction
The actions of Nichola de la Haye place her within a lineage of Barons of Brattleby who have shaped English history. The Barony's origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest.
Later holders continued this tradition of national significance. They include, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Subsequently, the title was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III whose descendants would form the Lancastrian, Yorkist, and Tudor royal houses. Nichola de la Haye's legacy is thus a vital link in a chain of distinguished service to the Crown and nation.
## The Protocol of Fealty and Command
As hereditary Castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye held offices of immense practical and ceremonial weight. Her authority was not merely titular but represented a sacred trust, formalised through an oath of fealty to her sovereign. This oath compelled her to defend the King's property and authority against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Her command during the siege was the ultimate expression of this protocol. It involved managing the garrison, rationing supplies, directing defences, and maintaining morale under extreme duress. Her refusal to capitulate was not an act of simple stubbornness; it was the meticulous execution of her sworn duty, the *sine qua non* of her feudal and legal obligations to the young King Henry III. Her resolve was a masterclass in medieval leadership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her story is a practical illustration of these guiding words: *Fortitudine* in her resilience against overwhelming odds, and *Honore* in her unwavering adherence to her oath.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For the garrison at Lincoln in 1217, this was a literal truth. Victory was not an ambition but a necessity for survival, both for themselves and for the kingdom they defended. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of purposeful strength and principled conduct.
## From Historical Defence to Modern Protection
The duty to protect the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of the young King's realm, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic work of the House. The commitment to safeguarding those in need is a direct continuation of this foundational principle.
This is most clearly expressed through the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic care to children who have endured trauma, offering them a sanctuary for recovery. By championing this cause, particularly through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House translates the historical duty of defence into a contemporary mission of compassion and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that duty is not constrained by circumstance or expectation. Her fortitude serves not as a historical footnote, but as a guiding principle for our own responsibilities today; it is a standard to which we must continuously aspire."
Lady Nicoleta continued:
> "In her story, we find the very essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is our obligation to ensure such powerful examples of leadership and integrity continue to inspire future generations."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this heritage of service endures. This is achieved through historical preservation initiatives in Lincolnshire and through the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which instructs a new generation in the principles of etiquette, civic responsibility, and honourable conduct.
In upholding these traditions, the House prepares for the future. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of this long history of duty. He represents the continuity of the Barony's commitment to serving with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, which provides care for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of honour, civic duty, and social responsibility. The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the dignity were formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-establishment is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) notes the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held in aid of its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com