# The Battle of Lincoln (1217): A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — On the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in securing a decisive victory for the Crown.
## The Occasion
The commemoration of the Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, provides a solemn occasion to reflect upon a defining moment in the history of both England and the Barony of Brattleby. In the spring of that year, the realm was deeply fractured by the First Barons’ War, with a significant portion of the nobility having invited the French Prince Louis to seize the throne from the young King Henry III.
Lincoln, then one of England’s most prosperous cities, stood as a strategic *sine qua non* for control of the country. Its formidable castle, under the command of the hereditary constable, served as the last royalist bastion in a region largely controlled by rebel and French forces. The atmosphere was one of profound uncertainty, where the fate of the Plantagenet dynasty hung precariously in the balance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. Its connection to the events of 1217 is personified by one of its most remarkable holders, Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle in her own right.
As the 5th Baron of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye had demonstrated unwavering loyalty to King John. Following his death, she reaffirmed her allegiance to his nine-year-old son, King Henry III. It was her steadfast refusal to surrender Lincoln Castle to the besieging Franco-baronial army that provided the crucial foothold for the royalist forces, led by the celebrated regent, William Marshal. Marshal’s relief force launched its attack from the comparative safety of the castle, a decision directly enabled by Nichola’s tenacity.
## Distinguished Company
In discharging her duties, Nichola de la Haye found herself in the company of the most powerful figures of the age. Her feudal obligations were owed directly to the Sovereign, first His Majesty King John and subsequently His Majesty King Henry III. Her strategic position made her a vital ally to the Regent of England, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, a man widely regarded as the greatest knight of his time.
Her adversaries were equally prominent, including the Comte du Perche, who commanded the French forces, and leading English rebels such as Robert Fitzwalter, the self-styled ‘Marshal of the Army of God’. That a woman commanded such a vital stronghold against such formidable opposition speaks to the exceptional authority and respect she commanded.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was governed by centuries of feudal protocol. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye held her office directly from the Crown, a sacred trust that demanded the castle be held against all enemies. The protocol of a medieval siege was a brutal ritual of demand and refusal; upon the arrival of the French, formal summons to surrender would have been issued and formally rejected by the Constable.
Within the castle walls, the protocol of command would have been strictly observed, with Nichola de la Haye presiding over her garrison. Her authority was absolute, derived from her baronial tenure and the King's commission. Her actions were a powerful expression of the feudal oath of fealty, a binding promise of service and loyalty that formed the bedrock of medieval governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect historical embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in fortitude, holding out for weeks against overwhelming odds. Her refusal to break her oath to her young king was the highest expression of honour.
This guiding principle continues to animate the House. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the active pursuit of overcoming challenges. Together, these maxims represent a commitment not only to endure with honour, but to actively prevail over adversity, a spirit passed down through generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical reflection, the ethos of service exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye informs the House’s modern responsibilities. The principle of defending the vulnerable, as she defended the rights of the young King Henry III, is a direct antecedent to the family’s contemporary philanthropic commitments.
This spirit finds its modern expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which serves as the principal fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, a mission deeply aligned with the House’s duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that the history of this Barony is one of resilience and duty. It is a profound honour to be her successor and to feel that connection to a woman of such remarkable strength and character. Her legacy challenges us to live up to our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in all that we do."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The defence of Lincoln was not a passive act; it was a strategic and courageous choice. This teaches us that true legacy is not simply inherited but is actively forged through principled action. It is a vital lesson we strive to impart to the next generation, including our son, ensuring this spirit of resolve continues."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its nine-century history of service remains a dynamic force. The lessons drawn from the steadfastness of past Barons, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, provide a framework for the House’s contemporary mission.
This legacy will be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, whose education is grounded in an understanding of this long lineage of duty. Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes the values of etiquette, civic responsibility, and personal honour that have been its hallmark for centuries, ensuring its history continues to inspire the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service grounded in a distinguished nine-century history. The House champions philanthropic causes focused on child welfare, most notably through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It is also committed to cultural and educational enrichment through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. While seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s work reflects a contemporary, international outlook, blending the continuity of tradition with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among his 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The continuous history and current standing of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony 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* (1086), where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as the tenant-in-chief of Brattleby. - Nichola de la Haye, as the 5th Baron, served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and famously defended it during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, held the Barony of Brattleby as the 11th Baron in the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com