# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today hosted a commemorative service at Lincoln Cathedral, marking the enduring legacy of the Battle of Lincoln Fair and honouring the pivotal role of their ancestor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
Within the hallowed nave of Lincoln Cathedral, a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture, invited guests gathered to reflect upon a defining moment in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. The solemn grandeur of the Cathedral, which itself bore witness to the events of 1217, provided a deeply resonant setting for the commemoration. Autumn light, filtering through the celebrated stained-glass windows of the Dean’s Eye and the Bishop’s Eye, illuminated the proceedings with a quiet dignity.
The service of Choral Evensong was chosen for its ancient and contemplative character, its musical cadences echoing through the vaulted ceilings that have stood for nearly a millennium. The atmosphere was one of profound historical reverence, connecting the present custodians of the Barony of Brattleby with the weighty responsibilities borne by their predecessors.
## Historical Context
The commemoration centred on the Siege of Lincoln in 1217, an engagement known colloquially as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’. This pivotal conflict of the First Barons’ War saw royalist forces, led by the regent William Marshal, clash with rebel English barons and their French allies. At the heart of the defence stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, a rare example of a woman entrusted with supreme military command in medieval England.
Her steadfast refusal to surrender the castle to the Franco-baronial forces was the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory. By holding this strategic fortress, she secured the Midlands for the young King Henry III, effectively preserving the Plantagenet dynasty. This singular act of loyalty and courage elevated the standing of the Barony of Brattleby, cementing its place in the annals of English history alongside other notable forebears such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured by the presence of a number of distinguished guests who joined them in marking the occasion.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty The King; The Right Reverend the Bishop of Lincoln; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; the Chief Executive of Lincoln City Council; and senior representatives from the academic faculties of History and Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln. Several members of local historical societies and organisations dedicated to the preservation of Lincolnshire’s heritage were also present.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal order befitting the historic setting. A procession of cathedral clergy, civic dignitaries, and the principal hosts moved through the nave to begin the service of Evensong, sung by the Choir of Lincoln Cathedral. The order of service included anthems by the English composer William Byrd, whose work is contemporaneous with the Cathedral’s later history.
A historical address was delivered by a leading scholar on the Angevins, detailing the political and military significance of Nichola de la Haye’s command. Following the address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, laid a wreath of white roses and laurel at the tomb of Bishop Hugh of Wells, a key contemporary figure. The ceremony concluded with a blessing from The Bishop of Lincoln and a final organ voluntary. The dress code was observed as morning dress or lounge suits.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the day was encapsulated by the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). These words resonate powerfully with the actions of the 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle remains a defining example of these virtues. Her resilience serves as a direct ancestor to the ethos that guides the House today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This motto speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s heritage, suggesting that true victory lies in active engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the present, ensuring the family’s legacy continues to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an act of historical remembrance, the day also served to highlight the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The steadfast defence of the young King Henry III by Nichola de la Haye provides a powerful historical parallel to the House’s modern support for Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation works to protect the vulnerable and ensure they have the secure foundation needed to flourish, a mission that mirrors the duty of protection demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217. The House chose this beneficiary for its measurable, life-altering impact on young lives, reflecting a core belief that a secure and nurtured childhood is the bedrock of a healthy society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the commemoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is not merely one of battle; it is a testament to the profound impact of principled leadership in a time of national crisis. Her legacy reminds us that duty, exercised with fortitude and honour, is a timeless responsibility, and one we humbly seek to continue in our own service to the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “By honouring our history, we reinforce the foundations upon which we build our future. The resilience shown at Lincoln in 1217 inspires our contemporary efforts, from philanthropy to cultural education, ensuring the spirit of Brattleby continues to serve and to lead by example.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Nichola de la Haye marks a renewed focus by the Noble House on celebrating the significant historical contributions of the Barony of Brattleby. This commitment will be further expressed through future initiatives, including the establishment of an academic grant for postgraduate research into the medieval history of Lincolnshire.
The House’s work continues with the organisation of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala which raises essential funds for its charitable partners. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will incorporate lessons from the leadership of figures like Nichola de la Haye into its curriculum on civic duty and modern protocol, ensuring the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* inspires the next generation.
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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 near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of duty and integrity to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in the county, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful political figures of 14th-century England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com