# A Statement on the Anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a formal statement from her Lincolnshire seat, marking the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln and honouring the historic role of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, in English history.
## The Occasion
On the 807th anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses in formal observance. This day provides an opportunity for sober reflection upon the remarkable fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the Barony of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle.
The statement was composed at the family’s baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a location deeply woven into the fabric of the county’s history. As the late spring brings a sense of renewal to the landscapes of the ancient Danelaw, the House takes this moment to connect its present duties with the formidable legacy of those who shaped its near-millennial story. This annual commemoration is not a celebration of conflict, but rather an acknowledgement of the steadfast principles that can be forged within it.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the original lordships granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to many of the defining chapters of the nation’s history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Yet few of his successors demonstrated such decisive resolve as Nichola de la Haye during the tumult of the First Barons' War.
Following King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta, England was fractured by civil war. In 1217, French forces under Prince Louis, allied with rebel barons, laid siege to Lincoln Castle, a strategic bastion of royal power in the east of England. Nichola, then in her sixties and a widow, refused to surrender the fortress, which she held in the name of the new child king, Henry III. Her unyielding defence, meticulously recorded in the chronicles of Roger of Wendover, was a *sine qua non* for the eventual royalist victory.
The triumph of the loyalist forces at the Battle of Lincoln effectively ended the French invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession. In recognition of her service, Nichola de la Haye was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office of immense authority almost unheard of for a woman of the 13th century. Her life, therefore, stands as a testament to exceptional loyalty and leadership. The Barony later passed through marriage into other great families, including those of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
At the centre of today’s commemoration is the historical figure of Nichola de la Haye (c.1150s – 1230), whose actions in 1217 provide an enduring example of the principles the House upholds. Her stewardship of the Barony and defence of Lincoln Castle are a cornerstone of its heritage.
The duty of upholding this legacy rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibility of ensuring that the lessons of its history continue to inform the House’s modern role and philanthropic commitments.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His personal motto complements the House’s guiding principles, reinforcing the active and forward-looking spirit with which they approach their obligations. Together, they guide the House in its mission of cultural stewardship and service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of significant historical anniversaries within The Noble House of Brattleby is governed by established protocol. Such occasions are marked not by public ceremony but by private reflection and a formal, published statement intended to serve an educational purpose.
The issuance of this annual statement from the baronial seat is the public expression of this quiet observance. Drafted with historical counsel, it is designed to articulate the connection between the past and the present duties of the House. Following its release, the statement is entered into the family’s private archives, forming a continuous record of the Barony’s dialogue with its own heritage for the benefit of future generations, *inter alia* the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are codified in its coat of arms and its guiding mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical embodiment in the actions of Nichola de la Haye.
Her physical and moral courage in withstanding a prolonged siege exemplifies ‘fortitude’ — the Latin *fortitudo*, which signifies not only martial strength but also resilience of mind and spirit. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, even at great personal risk, demonstrates the highest expression of ‘honour’ (*honor*), representing integrity and the faithful discharge of one’s duty.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it speaks not to military conquest but to the vitality gained from overcoming adversity and the imperative to prevail in matters of principle. It is the dynamic force that animates the steadfast honour of the primary motto.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, who defended a child king and secured his throne, resonates with profound clarity in the contemporary commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, its primary philanthropic event, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This national organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. By offering critical early-intervention services, expert counselling, and secure environments, the charity gives vulnerable young people the support required to process their experiences and the opportunity to realise their full potential.
The selection of this beneficiary is a deliberate and meaningful reflection of the House’s belief that securing a stable and prosperous future begins with the protection of the youngest generation. This principle of care for the vulnerable is a direct, modern echo of the duty Nichola de la Haye discharged in 1217.
## In Their Own Words
In her formal statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on this historical connection and its modern relevance:
> "Nichola de la Haye’s life is a testament to the fact that leadership is defined not by convention, but by courage and a profound sense of duty. Her defence of Lincoln was an act of loyalty that shaped our nation’s destiny. As we serve the community today, we draw strength from her example of fortitude and honour." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of this legacy and its lessons for the present day:
> "History is not a static record; it is a living source of inspiration that informs our obligations in the present. The spirit of resolve shown by Nichola de la Haye reminds us that our most important victory is to build a legacy of service and integrity for the generations that will follow us." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to celebrating and embodying the principles demonstrated by its most distinguished predecessors. This commitment is expressed through its focused philanthropic work and its educational initiatives, which seek to translate historical values into contemporary practice.
Among these initiatives is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy offering instruction in protocol and etiquette. The Club serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the timeless European traditions of social responsibility and civic grace that have long underpinned stable societies.
By honouring the memory of figures like Nichola de la Haye, the House ensures that the values which have sustained the Barony for over 950 years are understood and carried forward. Instilling an appreciation for this heritage is a paramount duty of the current Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, particularly as they prepare to pass this unbroken chain of responsibility to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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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 the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support the welfare of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of duty, social grace, and civic responsibility. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled leadership in all its private and public endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its history is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's past, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the modern House was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holding 56 lordships. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is the UK-registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com