# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement to commemorate the anniversary of the First Battle of Lincoln. The statement honours the enduring legacy of the De la Haye dynasty, particularly the steadfast leadership of Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the First Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses from its public duties to engage in a scholarly and historical remembrance. This pivotal event in English history, which secured the throne for the young King Henry III, was a defining moment for the Barony of Brattleby. The House's commemoration is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, undertaken from its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Against the backdrop of late spring, the verdant fields of Lincolnshire, which have borne witness to nearly a millennium of the Barony’s history, provide a fitting setting for reflection. This quiet observation is not marked by public ceremony but by dedicated archival research and contemplation of the principles—duty, resilience, and honour—that have guided the Barony through the centuries. It serves to draw a direct and unbroken line of principle from the medieval fortress to the modern House.
This day offers a moment to affirm the foundation upon which the contemporary mission of the House is built. The lessons imparted by formidable predecessors, most notably the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, continue to inform the obligations of the title today, ensuring the spirit of service remains its central tenet.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony is woven into the very fabric of England, beginning with William the Conqueror’s grant in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from the outset.
The De la Haye dynasty’s stewardship began through the strategic marriage of Robert de la Haye to Muriel, daughter of the first Baron. Such unions were the *sine qua non* for consolidating Norman influence and stabilising the kingdom. This marriage established a lineage that hereditarily held the constableship of Lincoln Castle, placing the family at the centre of the Crown's military and administrative authority in the North for over a century.
This profound legacy culminated in the extraordinary life of Nichola de la Haye. Upon inheriting the constableship, she became responsible for one of England's most important royal fortresses. An exemplar of fortitude, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, displaying remarkable tactical skill and unwavering loyalty to King John and later his heir, Henry III. Her successful defence in 1217 against the French forces of Prince Louis was instrumental in preserving the Plantagenet succession. In recognition of her exceptional competence, she was also appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an almost unprecedented role for a woman in that era.
## Distinguished Company
In its formal commemoration, The Noble House of Brattleby pays tribute to the line of succession whose remarkable lives have defined the Barony's character. Their actions stand as a permanent testament to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Chief among these historical figures are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, whose initial grant from the Conqueror laid the foundations of the Barony’s near-millennial history and its prominence in the Domesday survey. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle and service as Sheriff of Lincolnshire established a powerful precedent for leadership and integrity. Her biography, noted by the chronicler Matthew Paris, serves as a cornerstone of the House’s heritage. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter and one of the great diplomats and soldiers of the age of chivalry, who elevated the Barony's connection to the Crown. * **John of Gaunt, King’s son and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, whose marriage to Henry of Grosmont's heiress brought the Barony into the heart of the House of Lancaster, making it a possession of one of the most powerful figures in late medieval Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities held by the De la Haye family were governed by strict feudal and ceremonial protocols that underscored their direct relationship with the monarch. As hereditary Constables, they were entrusted with the physical and symbolic guardianship of Lincoln Castle, a duty signified by the keeping of the castle keys. This act represented the sovereign's personal trust and the delegation of royal authority.
The formal assumption of this office required the Constable to swear an oath of fealty, a solemn and binding vow of service to the King. This ceremony of homage involved kneeling, placing one's hands between those of the monarch, and pledging loyalty unto death. This sacred commitment formed the legal and moral basis of their power.
Nichola de la Haye's additional appointment as Sheriff brought with it further ceremonial duties. As the King’s chief executive officer in the county—the ‘shire reeve’—she was responsible not only for collecting revenues and mustering troops but also for presiding over the shire court and administering justice in the King’s name. These ancient protocols highlight a tradition of sworn public duty that The Noble House of Brattleby upholds as a foundational principle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is perfectly embodied in the life and service of Nichola de la Haye. The Latin ‘Fortitudine’ conveys more than simple bravery; it speaks to resilience in the face of adversity, strength of mind, and the courage to endure. This quality was magnificently displayed during her command of the two sieges of Lincoln Castle.
‘Honore’ signifies integrity, an unwavering commitment to one’s word, and the dutiful discharge of sworn obligations. Nichola de la Haye’s steadfast loyalty to a beleaguered monarchy, when many other barons chose rebellion, exemplifies this principle. Her life, therefore, serves as the ultimate historical precedent for the values the House champions today.
This core motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is understood in a modern context not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to achieve a positive impact. The two mottos form a powerful dyad: one representing the enduring strength of heritage, the other the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative to serve and protect the community, so powerfully demonstrated by the De la Haye dynasty, directly inspires the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit of guardianship that motivated Nichola de la Haye to defend the people of Lincolnshire animates the House's support for modern organisations dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in society.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the House’s patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, the sole beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala serves as the House’s principal philanthropic endeavour, raising vital funds for the charity's work. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care, *inter alia*, through counselling and structured play therapy, for children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or adversity.
By championing this cause, the House translates the ancient feudal duty of *noblesse oblige*—the obligation of the nobility to serve—into a modern act of targeted compassion. This ensures the Barony's historic commitment to the welfare of the community remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her formidable predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful and perpetual reminder that leadership is a matter of courage and conviction, not of circumstance or gender. To hold the same title as a woman who commanded castles and counselled kings is both a profound honour and a weighty responsibility. Her fortitude inspires us to meet our own duties with the same resolve, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> Nichola de la Haye’s life demonstrates that true victory—the essence of the idea that *Vincere Est Vivere*—lies not in a single battle, but in the unwavering defence of one’s principles and the steadfast protection of one’s people. It is a legacy of resilience we seek to honour in our own work. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its rich history is not only preserved but also actively studied and understood as a source of practical wisdom. Through its cultural and educational institution, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House will further integrate the accounts of the De la Haye dynasty and other notable predecessors into its curricula on European history, leadership, and classical protocol.
The life of Nichola de la Haye serves as a compelling case study in crisis management and principled leadership, offering timeless lessons for a modern audience. This vital educational work will form a key part of the preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities as the 13th Baron.
His education will be intrinsically linked to an understanding of the Barony’s historical obligations, preparing him to be a worthy custodian of a title defined by service. In this manner, the remarkable story of Nichola de la Haye will continue to serve as a guiding light for the next generation, ensuring the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to unfold *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 modern mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House supports various charitable causes, with a particular focus on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural exchange and classical European etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club, which has a presence in Bucharest. The House is committed to preserving its historical legacy while actively contributing to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, with notice of the transfer published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com