# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected on the enduring historical significance of the Barony and its profound connection to the defence of Lincoln Castle, an obligation defined by the actions of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta acknowledged the approaching anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217. This pivotal engagement secured the English throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed the strategic importance of the Barony. The occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the duties that have accompanied the title for over nine centuries.
The statement was composed against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire landscape, where the ancient Roman road of Ermine Street still charts a course toward the commanding heights of Lincoln. It is a vista that has changed little since the time when control of the castle, and by extension the Barony, was essential for governing the north of England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked with the security of the realm since its inception. During the First Barons’ War (1215-1217), this responsibility was embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she held a position of immense military and political weight.
In an age when few women were entrusted with such authority, Nichola de la Haye twice defended the castle from besieging rebel barons and their French allies. Her resolute command during the final siege in 1217 was instrumental in the loyalist victory, a triumph that effectively ended the war. Her actions ensured that the Barony of Brattleby and the formidable fortress of Lincoln remained a bulwark for the Crown. This legacy of steadfast service became a defining characteristic of the title.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony represents an unbroken chain of service, connecting the present day to the Norman Conquest. Lady Nicoleta follows in a line of antecedents whose lives were woven into the fabric of English history. This tradition began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Subsequent holders of the title include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a dominant figure in 14th-century politics. Each predecessor contributed to the gravity and responsibility that the title carries today.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historical role of the Barony was underscored by solemn feudal protocol. As hereditary Constables, the Barons of Brattleby held the castle not merely as a possession but as a sacred trust from the Sovereign. The formal installation would have involved an oath of fealty, a promise to hold the fortress against all enemies of the Crown.
This duty extended beyond military command to include the administration of justice and the maintenance of order throughout the region. The dress code for such responsibilities was one of martial practicality, yet the protocol was as rigid as any court ceremony. This tradition of disciplined service remains a cornerstone of the House's modern ethos.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values that have animated the Barony for centuries are enshrined in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). 'Fortitude' speaks directly to the resilience demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln Castle, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering loyalty and integrity expected of the title-holder.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle articulates a more modern, dynamic interpretation of the family's duty — not to conquer lands, but to overcome apathy and to actively engage in the challenges of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to defend the physical well-being of the realm has evolved into a modern commitment to nurturing the vulnerable. The Noble House of Brattleby has translated its ancient responsibility into a focused mission of contemporary philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on the welfare of children.
The House's primary charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true strength lies in protecting the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this nine-hundred-year legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely an anecdote from the past; it is the *sine qua non* of our family’s commitment to service. Her fortitude reminds us that stewardship is an active duty, not a passive inheritance. It is our charge to ensure this spirit of honourable resolve continues.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Every generation faces its own battles. Our predecessor defended a castle with stone and steel; we seek to defend the principles of honour and civility. To uphold this legacy, to overcome indifference — for us, this is the very definition of 'to live'.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its historical legacy informs its future. This includes the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, in the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony since 1066.
This commitment also finds expression through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club serves as a modern vehicle for promoting the values of civility, social grace, and personal honour that are central to the family’s philosophy. By championing these standards, the House seeks to contribute to a society grounded in mutual respect and understanding, ensuring its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, resonates for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern English noble house led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their family seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The principal charitable activities of the House are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to child welfare. Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of civility, etiquette, and social responsibility. The House is stewarded with a profound sense of duty to both its heritage and its contemporary obligations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For centuries, the Barony was inextricably linked to the defence and administration of Lincoln Castle. Notable holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended the castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s long history and its current holder are formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, was the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a key loyalist commander during the First Barons' War (1215-1217). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com