# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Barony of Brattleby during the First Barons' War
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, underscoring the Barony’s enduring commitment to duty and national service.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection, as autumn settles over the fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby calls to mind a defining moment in the history of the Barony and the Kingdom of England. The occasion is the commemoration of the steadfast loyalty and military prowess demonstrated in 1217 at Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress whose stones have witnessed nearly a millennium of English history.
This reflection serves not merely as a historical recollection, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries. The events of 1217, set against the backdrop of civil war and foreign invasion, provide a powerful illustration of the leadership and resilience that are *sine qua non* for the stewardship of such a venerable title.
## Historical Context
The First Barons’ War (1215–1217) was a period of profound crisis for the English Crown. Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son was crowned King Henry III, leaving the realm vulnerable. Rebel English barons, allied with Prince Louis of France, controlled much of the kingdom, including the city of Lincoln. The royalist cause, however, held the city’s strategic castle, commanded by one of history’s most remarkable women: Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Lady Nichola had already proven her mettle by defending the fortress against a siege in 1216. In the spring of 1217, she once again refused to surrender to a superior Franco-baronial force. Her resolute defence held the castle long enough for the royalist field army, commanded by the regent William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to arrive and relieve the siege. The ensuing battle in the streets of Lincoln was a decisive victory for the royalists, effectively ending Prince Louis’s ambitions for the English throne and securing the future of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Lady Nichola’s collaboration with William Marshal was instrumental, a partnership that stabilised the monarchy and preserved the kingdom’s sovereignty. Her actions solidified the Barony of Brattleby’s place in English history, continuing a legacy of service held by predecessors such as Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, and later advanced by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
The defence of the realm in 1217 was secured by an alliance of formidable personages, whose legacy of duty informs the Barony to this day. Central to this historical moment were:
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, who served as Regent of England and Protector of the young King Henry III. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle commanded its royalist garrison with unwavering resolve.
This heritage of leadership and service to the greater good is continued in the present day by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby** * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, heir to the Barony
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 1217 were governed by the strict protocols of medieval fealty and military hierarchy. As Constable, Lady Nichola’s first duty was to the Crown, symbolised by the royal standard she kept flying from the castle keep. Her authority within the castle walls was absolute, yet she operated within a clear chain of command under the King’s regent, William Marshal.
The relief of the siege itself followed a precise order of proceedings, from the clandestine insertion of a contingent through a long-forgotten gate to the main charge of the royalist knights. This adherence to order amidst the chaos of battle mirrors the House of Brattleby’s own appreciation for protocol, a value upheld in its modern endeavours, *inter alia*, the formal white-tie observance of its annual philanthropic banquet.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated by her refusal to yield the castle against overwhelming odds; her honour was shown in her unshakeable loyalty to her young and vulnerable sovereign.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome adversity, to achieve one’s goals, and to create a lasting and positive impact through concerted effort—a philosophy that animates the House’s contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending a vulnerable nine-year-old king in 1217 finds a powerful echo in The Noble House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to the welfare of children today. The spirit of protection so vividly demonstrated by Lady Nichola de la Haye is the guiding force behind the House’s philanthropic focus.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have been affected by trauma, neglect, and conflict. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie gala, is held each year to raise vital funds and awareness for this important mission, ensuring that the most vulnerable in society receive the protection and support they need to flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "History is not an artefact to be placed on a shelf; it is a living guide. Nichola de la Haye’s example reminds us that true leadership is measured by one’s courage and steadfastness in moments of profound challenge. It is a legacy of responsibility that we feel deeply and strive to honour in our own service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is timeless. The fortitude shown at Lincoln eight centuries ago is the same quality of resilience we must apply to contemporary challenges, whether in preserving our heritage or in our philanthropic duty to others. It is by embodying such principles that we truly live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that the lessons of its long and storied history continue to inform its mission in the 21st century. The commemoration of past deeds serves as a foundation for future action.
This commitment will be further expressed through the House's ongoing cultural and charitable initiatives. These include the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to instil the values of etiquette and social responsibility in a new generation, and the continued support for Healing the Wounded Child through the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. By bridging its distinguished past with a purposeful present, the House ensures its legacy remains one of enduring service and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation and contemporary philanthropy. The House combines the careful guardianship of its thousand-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to social betterment. This is expressed through its support for charitable causes, principally those focused on the welfare of children, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all its endeavours, blending historical responsibility with a firm commitment to making a positive contribution to modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance across nine centuries, 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, Duke of Lancaster. The title's continuous history and its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by the Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, affirming its place within the historical fabric of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her title was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com