# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Legacy of Fortitude at the Battle of Lincoln (1217)
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection on the decisive role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was pivotal in securing the English throne.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby finds cause for reflection not in a singular event, but in the enduring continuity of English history. As spring brings renewal to the fields surrounding Brattleby, the House turns its consideration to a moment in the spring of 1217 when the fate of the kingdom was contested within sight of the Barony’s ancestral lands.
This formal communique serves to commemorate the leadership of one of its most distinguished predecessors. It is an act of historical observance, intended to illuminate a legacy of duty that continues to inform the ethos of the House in the twenty-first century. The occasion is one of scholarly remembrance, reaffirming the link between past service and present responsibility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been woven into the fabric of the nation’s history for over nine centuries. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. These have included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
No holder better exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, than Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. During the First Barons' War, she held the vital stronghold of Lincoln Castle for the young King Henry III against rebel barons and their French allies. Her refusal to surrender the castle to Prince Louis of France culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217, a royalist victory of profound strategic importance, secured in concert with William Marshal, the Regent.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 placed the 5th Baroness of Brattleby at the centre of a remarkable assembly of historical figures, whose actions determined the course of the Plantagenet dynasty.
The key protagonists included: - **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke, serving as Regent for the young King Henry III and widely regarded as one of the greatest knights of Christendom. - **His Majesty King Henry III**, the nine-year-old monarch whose crown was preserved by the victory at Lincoln. - **Prince Louis of France**, later King Louis VIII, whose ambition to seize the English throne was comprehensively checked. - **Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester, who served as a commander of the royalist army.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by strict and solemn protocols. As hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye’s authority was not merely military but deeply ceremonial, an embodiment of her sworn fealty to the Crown. Her command was a *sine qua non* for the royalist cause in the north.
The protocol of command would have involved daily inspections of the garrison, the management of provisions, and the ultimate authority to hold the castle against all claimants save the King himself. Her refusal to yield to Prince Louis was not an act of imprudence but the correct observance of her sacred duty. The victory was followed by the re-establishment of royal authority, a process underscored by acts of submission from the defeated and expressions of gratitude from the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its ultimate expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was demonstrated in holding a strategic fortress against formidable odds; her honour, in remaining steadfast to her oath to the King.
Elements of the coat of arms associated with the House symbolise this heritage. The lion represents courage and royalty, while the castle gateway signifies the historic role as guardian of a key royal asset. These symbols are not merely decorative but serve as a constant reminder of the duties inherent in the Barony’s long history. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements this, suggesting that true victory lies in overcoming adversity through unwavering resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its purpose aligns with the House’s modern philanthropic ethos: that the preservation and sharing of heritage is a form of public service. By highlighting stories of civic duty and steadfast leadership, such as that of Nichola de la Haye, the House seeks to contribute to the nation’s historical literacy and inspire an appreciation for the principles of service.
This educational mission is a parallel to the House’s more direct charitable commitments, *inter alia*, its support for the annual Winter Banquet benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The belief that understanding our past strengthens our present is a core tenet of the House’s public-facing activity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by station, but by courage and commitment. Her resolve at a moment of national crisis demonstrates that integrity is the bedrock of enduring institutions. We have a duty to remember and learn from such strength of character.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of service is timeless. Whether defending a castle in the thirteenth century or supporting a charitable cause in the twenty-first, the underlying principle is the same: a pledge to contribute to the well-being of the wider community. It is this spirit that we strive to uphold.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony of Brattleby serves as the foundation for its present-day commitments. The lessons of fortitude, honour, and service embodied by Nichola de la Haye are translated into a modern context through the work of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
This is manifest in their patronage of charitable organisations and in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating poise and social responsibility in the next generation. The House remains dedicated to demonstrating that a title’s true value is measured by its contribution to society, ensuring its ancient legacy continues to evolve and serve.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. This philosophy is realised through cultural preservation, philanthropic engagement, and educational initiatives. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the development of social graces and civic responsibility, ensuring that its nine-century heritage of service continues to have a meaningful impact today.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the title and its current standing are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, was the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and a key figure in the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln (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