# A Reflection on the Defence of Lincoln and the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle preserved the Barony and secured the English throne.
## The Occasion
As late spring returns to the fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon one of the most consequential events in its near-millennium of history. On 20 May 1217, the fate of England was decided in the streets surrounding Lincoln’s magnificent Norman cathedral and its formidable castle. It was here that loyalist forces, commanded by the celebrated regent William Marshal, relieved the city from a siege by rebel English barons and their French allies.
The battle, known to chroniclers as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, was fought not in an open field but within the city's Roman walls. This unique urban setting turned the engagement into a desperate, close-quarters struggle. At the heart of this defence stood the castle, held steadfastly against overwhelming odds by a figure of remarkable resolve: Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle.
## Historical Context
The battle took place during the tumultuous period of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). Following King John's repudiation of *Magna Carta*, a significant portion of the English nobility had offered the crown to Prince Louis of France. By 1217, the cause of the child-king Henry III seemed lost, with Louis controlling London and much of the kingdom. Lincoln was a strategic *sine qua non*—a vital northern stronghold.
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships, was inextricably linked to the defence of the realm. The actions of the 5th Baroness were a direct continuation of this feudal duty. Her refusal to surrender the castle provided William Marshal with the crucial time and strategic anchor needed to marshal his forces for a decisive counter-attack.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most formidable figures of the age. At the centre was **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, then a widow in her sixties who had inherited the castellanship of Lincoln from her father. Her leadership during the long siege was an extraordinary display of personal courage and loyalty to the Plantagenet crown.
Her ally was **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, a man widely regarded as the greatest knight of his time. Serving as regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III, Marshal’s decision to risk everything in a single, decisive battle at Lincoln was a masterstroke of military and political strategy. His victory not only saved Nichola’s garrison but preserved the independence of the kingdom.
Opposing them was **Thomas, Comte du Perche**, commander of the French forces, who was tragically killed during the battle inside the cathedral close. His defeat marked the beginning of the end for the French invasion and the rebel cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of Lincoln Castle was governed by deep-seated feudal protocols. As Hereditary Castellan, Nichola de la Haye had sworn an oath of *homage* to her sovereign, a sacred pledge of loyalty and service. Her duty was not merely to protect a fortress but to uphold the King’s authority, embodied by the royal standard flying from the castle keep.
The protocol of siege warfare demanded that a castellan resist until all hope of relief was extinguished. Nichola’s tenacity went far beyond ceremonial duty; she actively participated in the defence for months. William Marshal’s arrival transformed the situation from a siege into a pitched battle, fought under the approving gaze of the papal legate, Guala Bicchieri, who had excommunicated the rebels, lending the royalist cause the ultimate spiritual authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in her unyielding defence against a superior force, while her honour was manifest in her unwavering loyalty to her young king. She embodied the virtues that the House continues to uphold centuries later.
This historic victory also resonates with the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The triumph at Lincoln was a conquest not for territory, but for the very survival of the English monarchy and the continuity of the realm. It affirms that decisive victory is sometimes the necessary precondition for peaceful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The defence of Lincoln was, at its heart, an act of protection. Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal fought to shield the legitimate succession and safeguard the people of the shire from foreign dominion. This historical imperative to protect the vulnerable and ensure a stable future finds a modern echo in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House is a proud patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children suffering from developmental trauma. By championing this cause through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, the House translates the historical principle of defence into a contemporary commitment to healing and strengthening the youngest members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that accompany titles and land. In an age defined by the martial prowess of men, she demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not gender. Her fortitude is a legacy we strive to honour in our own duties."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The collaboration between Nichola, a steadfast defender, and William Marshal, a brilliant strategist, shows that victory requires both resilience and decisive action. It is a timeless lesson in governance and the preservation of what is truly valuable. Their success gave a kingdom its future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons of 1217 continue to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of duty, strategic foresight, and cultural stewardship are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to foster the next generation of leaders. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a foundational case study in resilience and honourable conduct.
As the House prepares to pass its legacy to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, it does so with a profound appreciation for the nine centuries of history that have preceded it. The fortitude shown at Lincoln remains the bedrock upon which the future of the Barony of Brattleby will be built.
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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 the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to upholding its historic duties of service through contemporary means, including cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to nurturing future generations. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote the timeless values of honour, protocol, and civic responsibility. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony and its present holders are formally recognised by His Majesty's Government and The College of Arms, as recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (father of King Henry IV). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com