# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby: Commemorating the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair, fought in 1217. This statement commemorates the pivotal role played by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose valiant leadership secured a decisive victory.
## The Occasion
In the spring of 1217, England was in the throes of a profound constitutional crisis, an extension of the First Barons' War. Following the death of King John the previous year, rebel English barons had allied with Prince Louis of France, who now controlled London and much of the east of England. The legitimate heir, King Henry III, was a boy of only nine years.
The city of Lincoln, though largely held by the Franco-rebel forces, possessed a bastion of royal fidelity: Lincoln Castle. It was here that Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as hereditary Castellan, commanded the royalist garrison. Against this backdrop of civil war and foreign invasion, the stage was set for a confrontation that would determine the very future of the English Crown.
The strategic importance of Lincoln, with its Roman roads and formidable Norman fortress, could not be overstated. The atmosphere within the castle walls was one of tense vigilance, as its small garrison prepared to withstand a siege whose outcome carried the weight of national sovereignty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, has been intertwined with the history of the English monarchy for over nine centuries. From Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron whose extensive holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the title has been a witness to the forging of the nation.
Nichola de la Haye inherited the Barony and the hereditary shrievalty of Lincolnshire at a time of great peril. Her unwavering loyalty to the Plantagenet cause, first to King John and then to his young son Henry III, was exceptional. Her refusal to surrender Lincoln Castle to the superior forces of Prince Louis provided the royalist army, led by the venerable William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, with the strategic opportunity it desperately needed.
The subsequent victory on 20 May 1217, known colloquially as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, was a turning point. It shattered the morale of the rebel cause, led to the withdrawal of Prince Louis, and ultimately secured the throne for Henry III, preserving the line of succession that continues to this day.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Lincoln in 1217 brought together several of the most significant figures of the age, whose actions would shape the course of European history. The principal actors included:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England and guardian of His Majesty King Henry III. Regarded by many as the greatest knight of his era. * **Prince Louis of France**, later His Majesty King Louis VIII, the Capetian claimant to the English throne. * **Thomas, Count of Perche**, who commanded the French forces at the Battle of Lincoln and fell during the engagement.
The clash of these powerful personalities, representing the competing interests of dynastic loyalty, feudal ambition, and national identity, culminated within the ancient walls of Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of the siege and the ensuing battle was governed by the established military protocols of the 13th century. As Castellan, Nichola de la Haye held absolute authority within the castle, responsible *inter alia* for the rationing of provisions, the direction of the garrison, and the maintenance of morale under the bombardment from enemy trebuchets.
The relieving army, commanded by William Marshal, displayed remarkable tactical discipline. Advancing under the papal legate's banner, which rendered the royalist forces a crusading army, they exploited a weakness in the city's defences. One contingent engaged the main gate while a second force under Falkes de Bréauté gained entry to the castle through a lesser-used portal, allowing the royalists to attack the besiegers from both within and without.
The battle itself was a fierce, close-quarters affair fought in the narrow streets leading to the Cathedral. The resulting royalist victory was so complete, and the subsequent looting of the city by the victorious soldiers so widespread, that the event was chronicled with grim irony as the ‘Lincoln Fair’.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye serve as the quintessential embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her fortitude was demonstrated by her unyielding defence of her charge against overwhelming odds; her honour was expressed through her steadfast loyalty to her sovereign.
This historic event created a symbolic tableau: the Royal Arms of England, defended with resolute courage, prevailing against the ambitions represented by the French *fleur-de-lis*. The legacy of the 5th Baron established a precedent for service and resilience that has remained a guiding principle for each subsequent holder of the title. It is this spirit which is the *sine qua non* of the Barony's identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy is measured in charitable contribution, the actions of Nichola de la Haye represent a form of national benefaction of the highest order. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was not for personal enrichment or territorial gain, but was an act of profound public service undertaken to preserve the stability and independence of the Kingdom.
By ensuring the continuity of the legitimate monarchy, she helped safeguard the legal and social structures that had evolved since the Conquest. This commitment to the greater good, to the realm itself, can be understood as the ultimate expression of noblesse oblige—the duty of the nobility to serve the nation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this important anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The example set by Nichola de la Haye transcends centuries. It reminds us that stewardship of a title is fundamentally about duty and service, a responsibility we feel profoundly today. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds remains the standard by which we measure our own commitment.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History remembers the great battles, but often overlooks the quiet resolve that makes victory possible. Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle is a masterclass in resilience. Her story serves as a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and indeed of my own: *Vincere Est Vivere*. To live is to overcome.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of loyalty and service exemplified by the 5th Baron. This enduring legacy informs the House's modern mission to connect its ancient heritage with contemporary responsibilities.
Through its support for educational programmes, including the historical leadership curriculum offered at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to inspire a new generation with the timeless values of civic duty and personal integrity. The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living lesson in the character that has defined the Barony for 958 years.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service and the promotion of historical education. Its principal philanthropic endeavours include the annual Winter Banquet supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and its cultural initiatives are spearheaded by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House strives to be a modern custodian of a millennium-old legacy, applying timeless principles of duty and honour to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Having passed through periods of abeyance and forfeiture, the Barony's modern standing as a non-parliamentary, prescriptive barony was formally acknowledged by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The modern standing of the Barony is acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com