# A Reflection on Fortitude and Honour: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured a pivotal victory for the English Crown.
## The Occasion
On this anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate one of its most distinguished predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. The battle, fought on 20 May 1217, was a decisive moment in the First Barons' War, a period of profound constitutional crisis that threatened to place a French prince on the English throne.
At the heart of this conflict stood Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress of immense strategic importance. It was here that Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as hereditary Constable of the Castle, marshalled a defence that would enter the annals of English history. Her stand was not merely a military action; it was a profound declaration of loyalty to the young King Henry III and the legitimacy of his rule.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the entire sweep of post-Conquest English history. Its lineage, chronicled since the *Domesday Book* of 1086, includes figures who shaped the destiny of the nation, from its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, to later barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Among these personages, the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, is particularly noteworthy. Upon the death of King John, a faction of rebellious barons invited Prince Louis of France to claim the English crown. Nichola, a woman of advanced years, found herself commanding the last major royalist stronghold in the north. Her refusal to yield Lincoln Castle to the besieging Franco-rebel forces was the *sine qua non* of the subsequent royalist victory, which secured the Plantagenet succession and ultimately led to the reaffirmation of Magna Carta.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness exemplify the ancient motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds represents the fortitude required to uphold one's duty, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown embodies the code of honour that has guided the Barony for over nine centuries.
This spirit of determined resilience is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a shared understanding that to overcome adversity, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the course of modern duty, is fundamental to a life of purpose and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye provides the moral foundation for the House's contemporary responsibilities. The duty to defend the realm and its people in the 13th century is today translated into a commitment to support and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House's philanthropic work, particularly through its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapy for children affected by trauma. The fortitude shown in defending a castle then is echoed in the resolve to heal a wounded life now.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "Nichola de la Haye serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by character. Her story is one of profound resilience and principled service. It is a legacy that we, as the current custodians of the Barony, have a solemn duty to understand, to honour, and to carry forward in our own work today." > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of fortitude and honour continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This heritage is being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, ensuring that the values demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 will inform the Barony's contributions for the generation to come.
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire to its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House remains dedicated to its historic responsibilities while embracing the challenges of the modern world. By drawing strength from its remarkable past, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a future of meaningful service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service founded on a millennium of history. The House actively champions philanthropic causes, with a particular focus on child welfare through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the values of honour, respect, and social grace that form the bedrock of civil society. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to merging ancient tradition with contemporary purpose and public benefit.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential bloodlines in British history. Its notable holders include 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 John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key protagonist in the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com