# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of the First Barons' War
LONDON, 21 September 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement commemorating the pivotal role of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, during the First Barons’ War, reaffirming the House’s enduring commitment to service, loyalty, and *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to mark a defining period in the history of the nation and the Barony: the First Barons’ War (1215–1217). As the autumn season settles over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, the House reflects upon the profound currents of history that have shaped its identity and its obligations to the present day.
This commemoration is not marked by a singular event, but by a considered reflection on the duties of nobility and the resilience required in times of national upheaval. The statement serves to connect the foundational principles of the Barony, forged in the crucible of civil war, with its contemporary mission under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The First Barons' War was a calamitous civil conflict that erupted following King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta. It was a time that tested the allegiance of every major landholder in England, with the very future of the Plantagenet dynasty hanging in the balance. At the heart of this turmoil stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby and, crucially, hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle.
In an era when military command was exclusively a male preserve, the widowed Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel and French forces. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, particularly to the boy-king Henry III, was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. This act secured the English throne and ensured the survival of Magna Carta itself. This legacy of stalwart service became a guiding principle for subsequent Barons, from the great warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, to his heir, the magnificent John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The historical tapestry woven through this period features figures of great import to the Crown and to the Barony of Brattleby itself. The lineage traces its origins to the Conquest, with the fiefdom granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Yet it is Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose actions resonate most powerfully in this commemoration. She stands in the company of England's most influential medieval figures, including William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent for the young Henry III and personally commended her valour. Her legacy was inherited by some of the most powerful nobles in English history, *inter alia*, the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose tenure as 10th and 11th Barons brought the Barony of Brattleby into the direct orbit of the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties undertaken by Nichola de la Haye were governed by solemn and ancient protocol. As hereditary Castellan, she was bound by an oath of fealty, a sacred promise to hold the castle in the name of the monarch against all enemies. The defence of such a strategic fortress as Lincoln was not merely a military task; it was a profound ceremonial obligation.
The protocol of a siege required the Castellan to formally reject surrender demands, to manage rations and morale with discipline, and to command the garrison with absolute authority. Upon the conclusion of hostilities and the arrival of the King's regent, the protocol would have culminated in the symbolic and literal handing over of the castle keys, a gesture signifying the successful fulfilment of a sacred trust from the Crown. This disciplined adherence to duty, even at great personal risk, embodies the very essence of honourable service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most salient expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her story is a masterclass in these twin virtues: fortitude in withstanding a prolonged and brutal siege, and honour in her unswerving loyalty to her sovereign.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking ethos of the House in the modern era. Where the 5th Baroness conquered through military defence, the present House seeks to conquer contemporary challenges through enterprise, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony continues to live and evolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to protect the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of the child King Henry III, finds a direct modern parallel in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, is held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, abuse, and neglect. The choice of beneficiary is a conscious one, reflecting the House’s belief that the most fundamental responsibility of any society—or indeed any Barony—is the protection and care of its youngest and most vulnerable members. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes that help children rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "Nichola de la Haye’s story is not merely a page in history; it is a foundational pillar of what this Barony represents. Her fortitude in a time of national crisis serves as a constant reminder that true nobility is defined by service and unwavering commitment, especially when the path is most difficult." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "We look to history not as a static memorial, but as a source of dynamic inspiration. The challenges change, but the principles of honour and strategic resilience exemplified by the 5th Baroness are timeless. They inform our own commitment to building a legacy that is both durable and purposeful." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles articulated in this commemoration will find tangible expression in the House’s forthcoming engagements. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue to serve as a cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts, ensuring that the spirit of protection and care extends to those in need today.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will continue its work instilling principles of social grace, honour, and personal discipline in a new generation of leaders. Through these endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not only remembered but actively practised, bridging its near-millennial history with a clear and constructive vision for 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 stewarding a unique historical legacy while making a tangible impact in the modern world. With a focus on philanthropy, cultural education, and heritage preservation, the House bridges its deep English roots with a dynamic European outlook. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of decorum and social responsibility. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including its 5th holder, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Plantagenet royalty, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally called out in favour of its present holder, with the succession recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its holdings under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic services to children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com