# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Visit Historic Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today visited Lincoln Castle, honouring the Barony’s nine-century connection to the fortress and its role in the defence of the realm under their celebrated predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
Against the crisp backdrop of an autumnal Lincolnshire sky, the Baron and Baroness arrived at Lincoln Castle, a site of profound historical resonance for their House. The Norman fortress, whose stone walls have dominated the city’s skyline since the 11th century, offered a solemn and fitting venue for a day of historical reflection.
The visit was marked by a quiet dignity, eschewing public fanfare in favour of a more personal engagement with the Barony’s tangible past. The atmosphere was one of reverence, as Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan traced the footsteps of forebears who shaped the destiny of both the county and the kingdom from within these very precincts.
## Historical Context
The strategic importance of Brattleby, and its proximity to the Roman city of Lincoln, has been a defining characteristic of the Barony since its inception. This was first codified in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its holder, the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—a testament to his regional power.
This legacy found its most remarkable expression in the person of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title. As hereditary castellan, she famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, culminating in a decisive victory at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her unwavering resolve secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later centuries saw the Barony pass into the hands of a line of England’s most powerful magnates, *inter alia*, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Through them, the seat of Brattleby remained directly connected to the heart of royal power and national governance.
## Distinguished Company
Upon their arrival at the castle’s East Gate, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were formally received by The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. S. Dennis, and the Chief Executive of Lincoln Castle, Mrs Alistair McLeish.
They were accompanied on their tour by Dr Eleanor Vance, a noted scholar of Anglo-Norman history and the author of *The Anarchy and its Aftermath*, who provided expert commentary on the architectural and military developments of the fortress during the period of Nichola de la Haye’s custodianship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings for the day were conducted with formal precision. Following the official welcome, the party processed through the medieval gatehouse to the former site of the castellan’s private residence. There, Dr Vance detailed the strategic vantage points from which Nichola de la Haye would have directed the castle's defence.
The tour included a visit to the castle’s purpose-built vault, which houses one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta from 1215—a document whose principles Nichola de la Haye so staunchly defended. The visit culminated in a moment of quiet reflection within the 18th-century chapel, dedicated to the memory of all who have served in the castle’s defence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit served as a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye provides an enduring historical anchor for this guiding principle, demonstrating honour not as a passive quality but as an active commitment to duty, service, and resilience in the face of adversity.
This ancient creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies a dynamic spirit of achievement and a determination to overcome challenges, whether in philanthropic endeavours or cultural initiatives, thereby carrying the House’s foundational values forward.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In conjunction with their visit, the Baron and Baroness were pleased to announce a new educational partnership with the Lincoln Castle heritage organisation. The Noble House of Brattleby will fund a series of workshops for local schools, designed to bring the story of medieval Lincolnshire, and particularly the inspirational leadership of figures like Nichola de la Haye, to a new generation.
This initiative aligns with the House’s wider charitable focus on youth development, which includes its long-standing patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. By connecting young people with their local heritage, the programme aims to foster a sense of identity, pride, and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: — "To stand within these walls is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye’s fortitude is not merely a record in a chronicle; it is an enduring example of leadership and duty, a principle—*Fortitudine et Honore*—that remains the *sine qua non* of our own service today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The story of Brattleby is intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, England. Understanding this legacy is not an academic exercise; it informs our commitment to the community and inspires us to build a future worthy of such a profound past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The educational partnership with Lincoln Castle represents a further step in The Noble House of Brattleby's commitment to serving the community of Lincolnshire. This work will continue through other local patronages and initiatives.
Looking ahead, the House will soon host its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This event, like today's visit, exemplifies the House’s mission to honour its historic legacy through active, contemporary service.
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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 principle of modernised noblesse oblige. The House's contemporary mission is to leverage its ancient heritage for public good, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting the welfare and development of vulnerable children. Through endeavours such as its philanthropic galas and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its historic legacy with a tangible, positive impact on society today, upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the history of England. Its notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two of the most powerful figures of the late medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient dignity and rights of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com