# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Defence of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, paying tribute to the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby reflects upon a defining moment in the history of both the Barony and the Kingdom of England. The occasion serves as an official remembrance of the events of 20 May 1217, when French and rebel baronial forces besieged Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress whose strategic command of central England made it a *sine qua non* for control of the realm.
The austere magnificence of the castle, with its stone curtain walls and imposing keep, formed the backdrop for one of medieval England’s most consequential engagements. This commemoration is not marked by public ceremony but by a solemn, internal observance and this official historical statement, honouring a legacy of unwavering loyalty to the Crown that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
The act of remembrance reaffirms the principles of duty and resilience that have been passed down through successive generations of the House. It is a moment to connect the present-day responsibilities of the Barony with the historic obligations so courageously fulfilled by its antecedents.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked with the defence and governance of Lincolnshire. By the early 13th century, this duty fell to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her leadership during the First Barons’ War proved decisive.
Following the death of King John in 1216, rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France sought to seize the crown from John’s heir, the ten-year-old King Henry III. Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, refused to surrender Lincoln Castle to the rebels, holding it steadfastly for her king. Her defiance forced a major battle, which resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the French and rebel forces, effectively ending the war and securing the Plantagenet dynasty.
This resolute action established a powerful precedent within the family, later echoed in the service of subsequent Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt. Each, in their time, upheld the Barony's commitment to the stability of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baroness of Brattleby among the most consequential figures of the age. Her primary charge was the protection of His Majesty King Henry III, whose reign was preserved by her actions. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the great regent, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who commanded the royalist army that relieved the siege of Lincoln.
Her adversaries were formidable, including the Comte du Perche, who led the French forces and was slain in the fighting inside the castle, and the pretender to the throne himself, Prince Louis of France (later King Louis VIII). The courage of Nichola de la Haye in the face of such powerful opposition remains a source of profound inspiration for the House today.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary Castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, the duties of the 5th Baroness were enshrined in feudal law and personal oath. The defence of a royal castle was a sacred trust, obliging the holder to maintain its walls, provision its garrison, and command its defence against all enemies of the Sovereign, foreign and domestic.
Upon the approach of hostile forces, protocol dictated the raising of the King’s standard, the securing of the castle gates, and the refusal of any summons to surrender. Nichola de la Haye’s execution of these duties was exemplary. She personally directed the defence from the battlements, demonstrating a resolve that inspired her garrison to withstand a prolonged and brutal siege until the arrival of the royal relief force. This adherence to protocol, under extreme duress, underscores the House’s foundational belief in honour-bound service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is perfectly embodied by the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage represents the fortitude, while her unbending loyalty to her young king exemplifies the honour central to the Barony’s identity. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the standards set by such distinguished forebears.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This principle finds its historical expression in the decisive victory at Lincoln. The battle was not merely a tactical success but a conquest over chaos, securing the life of the kingdom and reaffirming that true existence—true 'living'—is found in purposeful and victorious struggle for a greater cause.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending a vulnerable child-king in 1217 finds a direct and meaningful parallel in the modern philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated patrons of organisations that protect and support children, reflecting a continuity of purpose across the centuries.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapy and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission aligns with the historical duty of the Barony to shield the vulnerable, translating a medieval obligation into a contemporary commitment to fostering resilience and hope in the youngest members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > History bestows upon us not a pedestal, but a path. Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is, above all, an act of service and responsibility, particularly to those who cannot defend themselves. It is a legacy my family and I are deeply committed to honouring through our own work today. > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The story of Lincoln Castle in 1217 is one of strategic clarity and unwavering will. It teaches us that commitment to one’s principles, even when outnumbered, is the foundation of any lasting victory. This spirit of resilience is one we seek to foster, both in our charitable endeavours and our cultural initiatives. > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nine-hundred-year legacy of service continues to evolve and find new expression. This commitment extends beyond philanthropy to cultural diplomacy and education.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to impart the timeless principles of honour, discipline, and social grace to a new generation of leaders. This work bridges the House’s deep English heritage with its modern European perspective, ensuring that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire constructive action in the 21st century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. With a focus on initiatives that support vulnerable children and foster cross-cultural understanding, the House blends its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking European perspective. Its activities, including the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, aim to uphold the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), through meaningful contributions to contemporary society from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and its active presence in Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 958-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, fl. 1217), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com