# A Statement on the First Barons' War and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of the Barony during the First Barons’ War, particularly honouring the steadfast leadership of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, during the Siege of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, the House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining chapter in its history and that of the Kingdom. In the early 13th century, Lincolnshire was a crucible of conflict, its fields and fortifications representing the front line in a civil war that would shape the future of English governance and law.
The air of that long-past spring was not filled with the promise of renewal, but with the tension of divided loyalties and the clang of arms. Lincoln Castle, the county's strategic linchpin, stood as a bastion of Royalist power in a region largely held by rebel barons and their French allies. It is on this historical precipice that the actions of one of the Barony's most notable holders are best understood.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, was by the reign of King John a significant feudal power. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its holder controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to its foundational importance. This influence, however, brought with it immense responsibility during the national crisis following the sealing of *Magna Carta* in 1215.
The period is personified by Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title of 5th Baron and, crucially, the hereditary post of Constable of Lincoln Castle. Amidst the chaos of the First Barons' War, she held the castle for the Crown with unwavering loyalty. Her leadership culminated in its celebrated defence, a feat of arms and will that proved instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story is a direct link between the ancient foundations of the Barony and the principles it upholds today.
## Key Figures of the Era
The drama of 13th-century Lincoln was not played out on an empty stage. The steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, must be viewed alongside the era's other principal actors. She contended with the forces of the rebel barons and their chosen king, Prince Louis of France, whose army laid siege to her castle.
Her cause was that of King John and, following his death in 1216, his nine-year-old son, King Henry III. It was the great knight William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, acting as regent for the boy king, who led the royal army that relieved the siege. The interplay between these figures—baroness, regent, and aspiring invader—determined the political destiny of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of a major castle in the medieval period was a role laden with protocol and feudal obligation. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye was not merely a resident but the Crown's legally appointed warden. Her duties, the *sine qua non* of her position, included maintaining the fortifications, commanding the garrison, and administering justice in the King's name.
During a siege, this protocol intensified. The formal rejection of a summons to surrender, the raising of the Royal Standard, and the rationing of supplies were all ritualised acts of defiance and loyalty. Nichola’s refusal to yield the castle to the rebels, despite her advanced age, was a powerful demonstration of her commitment to the sworn feudal oath that bound the Barony of Brattleby to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful historical expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, a display of courage and resilience against overwhelming odds. She acted with honour, upholding her sworn duty to her sovereign above personal safety and political convenience.
This historical precedent complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). When read together, the two mottos articulate a complete philosophy: that victory is achieved through unwavering fortitude, and life finds its fullest expression in the honourable pursuit of one's duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The First Barons’ War, like all conflicts, inevitably brought suffering to the civilian population, particularly the most vulnerable. Families were displaced and children were exposed to the hardships of war, a reality that transcends the centuries. This historical awareness informs the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House’s selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet is a direct reflection of this enduring concern. The organisation’s mission—to provide specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma—is a modern-day response to a timeless problem. It is a commitment to mending the unseen wounds that conflict and crisis inflict upon the young.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the anniversary: > “The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that duty is not a matter of gender or station, but of character. Her fortitude is the standard to which we hold ourselves, ensuring the Barony remains a force for stability and good in the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History teaches us that true victory is not merely about overcoming an opponent, but about preserving what is honourable. The Barony’s history is a case study in resilience, a principle we strive to embody through our service to the community today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons of the Barony’s history are not confined to the past. They actively shape the future and inform the education of the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The commitment to understanding history as a guide for present action is central to the House’s ethos.
This is expressed, *inter alia*, through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes an understanding of diplomatic and social history. The House remains dedicated to its foundational principles, ensuring that the legacy of service, established nine centuries ago by figures like Colswein of Lincoln and exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, continues unbroken. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 the stewardship of a nine-century-old legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a modern mission of philanthropic service, cultural education, and historical preservation. Its activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its charitable foundation work and fostering cross-cultural understanding via educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House represents a contemporary union of ancient English heritage and continental European dynamism, committed to making a tangible contribution to society both in the United Kingdom and abroad, ensuring the Barony's relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power from the Norman Conquest. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette 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 the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com