# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today announced from their ancestral seat the establishment of the Nichola de la Haye Prize, created to honour the formidable legacy of the celebrated 5th Baroness and her historic service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the library at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room whose shelves hold charters and chronicles detailing the nine-century history of the Barony. Timed to coincide with the Michaelmas season, traditionally a period of legal and academic commencement, the statement serves as a bridge between the Barony’s medieval origins and its present-day commitment to education and historical custodianship.
In an atmosphere of quiet reverence, the formal declaration honours a pivotal figure from the House’s past. The establishment of this new academic prize for historical research ensures that the contributions of the 5th Baroness—a woman of unparalleled resolve in an era defined by men—are not only remembered but actively studied by a new generation of scholars.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony in the late 12th century, stands as a singular figure in English history. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown during the tumult of the First Barons' War was the *sine qua non* of her remarkable career. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against formidable rebel sieges, earning the great respect of King John.
It was this proven fortitude that led to her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1216, making her one of the very few women to wield such extensive administrative and judicial power in medieval England. Her service continued under the minority of King Henry III, a testament to the trust she commanded from the monarchy. Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, today honours a female predecessor whose leadership set a powerful precedent for the Barony.
## Distinguished Company
In her capacity as Patron of the Prize, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, will oversee its guiding principles. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will serve as Chairman of the inaugural selection committee, reflecting his personal commitment to the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'—through intellectual and cultural endeavour.
The selection committee will be further composed of a panel of distinguished historians from the University of Lincoln and a senior archivist from the national collections. This composition ensures that the prize is awarded with the highest degree of academic rigour and historical insight, upholding the standards befitting its namesake. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will in due course join the committee to ensure continuity for the generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Nichola de la Haye Prize will be awarded annually to a postgraduate scholar whose research offers a significant new perspective on medieval history, with a particular focus on leadership and governance. Nominations will be invited each year from United Kingdom universities in the Hilary term.
The recipient will be announced on 15 June, the anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, a document central to the political landscape in which the 5th Baroness operated. The prize itself—a specially commissioned silver medal accompanied by an academic bursary—will be formally presented by Lady Nicoleta during the House’s annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala will provide a dignified setting for celebrating both historical scholarship and contemporary philanthropy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle demonstrated near-unbelievable fortitude, while her unwavering service to two kings was the very definition of honour. These virtues form the core identity of the Barony and are the guiding principles of the modern House.
The prize medal will bear the arms of the Barony of Brattleby on its obverse, signifying the continuity of the title. The reverse will feature an engraving of Lincoln Castle’s keep, surmounted by the year 1216, forever memorialising the site and date of Nichola de la Haye’s most notable achievements. It is a tangible link between the House’s ancient duties and its modern responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the prize is academic in nature, its purpose extends into the philanthropic sphere by encouraging the study of powerful female figures who have been historically overlooked. By illuminating such stories of resilience and capability, the prize provides inspirational role models, a mission that aligns with the work of the House’s chosen charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The beneficiary, which provides therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma, benefits from the proceeds of the Winter Banquet where the prize will be presented. The House of Brattleby believes that understanding historical figures who overcame immense adversity, *inter alia*, offers a powerful narrative of strength that can inspire and empower young people today.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> – “It is a profound privilege to be the custodian of a title once held by a woman of such remarkable courage and conviction. Nichola de la Haye was not merely a historical figure; she was the embodiment of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’. This prize is our pledge that her legacy of leadership will continue to educate and inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> – “History offers us not merely stories, but a blueprint for character. The Nichola de la Haye Prize is intended to celebrate scholarship that uncovers the great examples of the past, reminding us that to overcome challenges—to truly conquer—is the essence of a meaningful life.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Nichola de la Haye Prize will be awarded in the coming year, with the recipient honoured at the subsequent Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. This initiative marks the first in a series of new academic and cultural projects planned by the House.
Future commitments include the development of a public lecture series focused on the Barony's most notable holders, from its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This educational outreach will also be supported by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending the House's cultural mission to a wider international audience and reaffirming its enduring commitment to bridging past, present, and future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its ancient heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: preserving and promoting English history, championing education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and supporting vulnerable children through its philanthropic work. The House seeks to connect its nine-century legacy to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, acting as a force for cultural enrichment and social good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. A barony by tenure, its history is one of loyal service to the Crown. The succession of the current holder was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is among the lordships granted following the Norman Conquest and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable preceding Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com