# A Reflection on Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — On the 807th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a formal reflection upon the legacy of her predecessor, whose fortitude secured both a castle and the stability of the Crown.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, amidst the full bloom of an English spring, this statement serves as a moment of historical observance. The date marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a pivotal engagement in which the holder of the Barony of Brattleby played a decisive role. This annual reflection is a tradition revived by the current Baroness to ensure the long history of the title, and the responsibilities it entails, remain a subject of living consideration rather than mere archival record. It is an act of remembrance, reinforcing the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* that has guided the Barony for centuries.
## Historical Context
The significance of the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Yet few moments underscore its practical importance more than the First Barons’ War. In 1217, the 5th holder of the title, Nichola de la Haye, served not only as Castellan but also as the first female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. A figure of remarkable determination, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces.
Her command during the siege, and the subsequent relief of the castle by royalist forces in the Battle of Lincoln Fair, was a *sine qua non* for the security of the boy-king Henry III's reign. This was not merely the defence of a fortress; it was an affirmation of loyalty and a masterclass in regional governance, demonstrating that the Barony of Brattleby was an indispensable anchor of royal authority in the North. Lady de la Haye’s actions ensured that the title represented not just land, but active duty and unwavering service to the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the actions of Nichola de la Haye, Lady Nicoleta Vasile joins a lineage of title holders whose influence extended far beyond Lincolnshire’s borders. The Barony’s history is punctuated by figures of national and international standing, providing a formidable peerage through the ages.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, the celebrated knight and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and a pivotal commander during the Hundred Years' War. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, whose own children included a King of England and a Queen of Portugal, placing the Barony at the very heart of European royal power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal reflection follows a precise internal protocol, emblematic of the House’s organised approach. The text is drafted by the Director of Communications under the direct guidance of the Baroness, reviewed for historical accuracy, and given final assent by both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Upon approval, it is formally archived and then disseminated through the official channels of the Noble House.
This process ensures that all public statements are considered, deliberate, and aligned with the historical weight and modern responsibilities of the Barony. A notification of the statement’s publication is also prepared for the historical record, echoing the formal notices published in organs of state such as *The London Gazette*, which officially recorded the transfer of the Barony on 9 September 2022.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its armorial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words are a direct echo of the virtues displayed by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. ‘Fortitude’ represents the strength of conviction and resilience in the face of adversity, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity, duty, and loyalty that must guide those in positions of responsibility.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and the belief that overcoming challenges is essential to a vital existence. Together, the mottos reflect a dual commitment: to uphold timeless virtues while actively pursuing progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The remembrance of historical service serves as a powerful inspiration for the House’s present-day philanthropic commitments. The fortitude shown in defending a community in 1217 finds its modern parallel in the duty to support the vulnerable today. This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s charitable endeavours, most notably the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true strength is best measured by the support given to those who have endured great hardship, transforming the historical principle of defence into a modern mission of healing.
## In Their Own Words
In her formal message, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked upon the weight of history: > “When we reflect on the service of Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that this title is not a possession but a solemn charge. Her fortitude eight centuries ago was a promise of security to her people and loyalty to her sovereign. That same spirit of dutiful guardianship must inform our own actions today, ensuring our legacy is one of compassion and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History provides the blueprint for our values, but our mission is in the present. The strategic resolve shown at Lincoln Castle is the same spirit we seek to instil through our work at The Brattleby Club. The maxim *Vincere Est Vivere* is about mastering challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the modern world of professional and social conduct.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony’s past is part of a broader commitment to a future of engaged and responsible stewardship. The values personified by Nichola de la Haye are central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this nine-hundred-year-old tradition of service.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to animate these historical principles through its modern work. Preparations for the forthcoming Winter Banquet are already underway, alongside the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Through these actions, the House ensures its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains a guide for generations to come.
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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, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to honouring its profound historical legacy through active, forward-looking service that creates a positive impact in the contemporary world. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of England's most influential noble families. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as High Sheriff defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged, with the most recent succession recorded in *The London Gazette*, 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 of Brattleby originates with the Norman Conquest and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com