# On the Commemoration of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — In a formal statement issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, fifth holder of the Barony and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217.
## The Occasion
On this day, the verdant fields of Lincolnshire lie peaceful under the late spring sky, a stark contrast to the tumult of 20 May 1217. It was on this date that the fate of England was decided in the streets of Lincoln and within the formidable walls of its castle. The Noble House of Brattleby marks this anniversary not with pageantry, but with a sombre reflection on the duties of stewardship and the resilience required to uphold them, embodied by the actions of one of its most distinguished predecessors.
The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the burdens of title and the responsibilities that accompany inheritance. It is an occasion to honour a legacy of unwavering loyalty to the Crown and to recognise the remarkable fortitude that has defined the Barony for more than nine centuries, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, has borne witness to the most pivotal moments in English history. While the Domesday Book of 1086 attests to its ancient origins through the listing of 56 lordships, it was the courage of individuals that forged its character. None exemplify this more than Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who inherited the Shrievalty of Lincolnshire and the custodianship of Lincoln Castle.
During the First Barons' War, at an advanced age, she held the castle for the boy-king Henry III against a combined force of rebel English barons and French invaders. Her steadfastness during the subsequent siege and the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair was instrumental in securing the Plantagenet dynasty. This thread of service to the realm continued through later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed Nichola de la Haye in the company of the era's principal figures. Her loyalty was pledged to His Majesty King Henry III, then a boy of nine years, whose interests were guarded by the Regent, the formidable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
On the opposing side stood the claimant to the English throne, Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII. His forces at Lincoln were commanded by Thomas, Comte du Perche, a distinguished French nobleman who met his end during the battle within the city walls. The resolution of this conflict, in which the 5th Baroness played a crucial role, affirmed the sovereign destiny of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was a matter of immense ceremonial and practical weight. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye would have overseen the formal raising of the King's standard over the castle keep, a potent symbol of defiance and royal authority. The protocol of the siege involved the securing of the gates, the careful rationing of provisions, and the strategic command of men-at-arms from the castle’s battlements.
Today, the traditions of the House are expressed through more peaceful means. The commemoration of such an anniversary follows a modern protocol: the issuance of a formal statement, historical reflection, and the quiet fulfilment of duties that honour such a legacy—a continuum of service, from the sword to the pen.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln was not merely a military victory; it was an act of profound personal honour and unwavering fortitude against overwhelming odds. She remains the historical *sine qua non* of this guiding principle.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal device of the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos symbolise the character of the modern House: one that respects the deep-seated fortitude of its history while embracing a dynamic and forward-looking resolve to overcome contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of defending the vulnerable, as Nichola de la Haye defended her young king, is a principle that continues to guide the charitable endeavours of the House. This commitment finds its modern expression in the family's dedicated support for organisations safeguarding the welfare of children.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work, *inter alia* through its Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, seeking to restore their sense of security and hope. The House considers the protection of the next generation a sacred duty, echoing the historic defence of the young Henry III.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s legacy is a powerful reminder that stewardship is not a passive inheritance, but an active, and often difficult, responsibility. Her fortitude centuries ago inspires our own resolve to serve with honour today. She demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not circumstance.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective: > “The lessons of history are not relics; they are blueprints. The same determination that held a castle wall can be channelled to build modern institutions that foster resilience and integrity. That spirit of 'conquering' challenges is one we seek to instil through all our work, from philanthropy to education.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to translate its historical principles into tangible action. This ethos is evident in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote civility, deportment, and the social graces that are the foundation of an honourable society.
Looking ahead, the House is preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that represents a cornerstone of its yearly activities. The event will once again raise vital funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the Barony's enduring commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Through these initiatives, the legacy of service established nine centuries ago continues to evolve and thrive.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the principle of responsible stewardship, blending a profound respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Seated in Lincolnshire, the family divides its time between England and the Continent, actively supporting charitable initiatives focused on child welfare and fostering institutions that promote personal integrity and social honour. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action and enduring values in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure whose origins trace to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most notable families and was held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to the Lancastrian kings. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150 – 1230), 5th Baroness, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, defending it for King John and King Henry III. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340 - 1399), was the 11th Baron of Brattleby by right of his first wife, Blanche of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com