# The Enduring Example of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal historical statement from its Lincolnshire seat, honouring the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War remains a defining example of leadership.
## The Occasion
As the autumn light settles over the historic Brattleby estate, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to publish a commemoration of one of its most distinguished predecessors. This act of historical observance seeks to illuminate the profound contributions of Nichola de la Haye, whose actions in the early 13th century preserved not only a strategic royal fortress but also the very principles of duty that continue to guide the Barony.
The statement is released not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as a deliberate exercise in stewardship; an affirmation that the lineage of the Barony is a living heritage. It serves as an educational bridge, connecting the demands of medieval statecraft with the responsibilities of modern nobility and public service, a cornerstone of the House's contemporary mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. It is from this Norman foundation that the title descended through centuries of English history. By the early 13th century, the Barony was held by Nichola de la Haye, a figure of extraordinary capability.
Her tenure coincided with the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a period of profound civil strife that saw rebel English barons align with Prince Louis of France against King John. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye held a position of immense military and administrative importance. In 1217, with royalist fortunes at a dangerously low ebb, her castle became the focal point of a great siege, a crucible in which her resolve was tested.
## Distinguished Company
In her era, Nichola de la Haye earned the deep respect of England’s most formidable leader, Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Serving as regent for the young King Henry III, Marshal recognised that Lady de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln was the *sine qua non* of the royalist counter-offensive, which culminated in the decisive victory at the Battle of Lincoln, often called the 'Fair of Lincoln'.
Her name stands with honour alongside other significant holders of the Brattleby title, *inter alia*: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Garter; and his successor, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the English throne. This line of succession underscores a tradition of service at the highest levels of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of a medieval castellan, such as those performed by the fifth Baroness, were governed by a strict protocol of fealty and martial responsibility. The custody of a royal castle was no mere honour; it entailed command of the garrison, the administration of royal justice, and the logistical maintenance of a vital stronghold. Nichola de la Haye’s refusal to surrender the castle to anyone but the King himself was a profound expression of this sworn duty.
This historical protocol of service finds its modern echo in the House of Brattleby's careful adherence to form and its commitment to public duty. The formal issuance of this historical reflection is, in itself, an observance of the ceremonial duty to preserve and transmit the legacy of the Barony, ensuring its lessons in fortitude and honour are not consigned to archives alone.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most vivid illustration of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior force, and her unwavering honour in upholding her oath to the Crown, are the living embodiment of these guiding words. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the standards set by such predecessors.
Furthermore, her story resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). The fifth Baroness’s struggle was not simply for military victory, but for the survival of the legitimate order and the continuity of her line. For her, to overcome the siege was, quite literally, to ensure life and legacy could continue.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the steadfast defence of a castle wall was the duty of the 13th century, the modern expression of that same spirit of protection is found in the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments. The fortitude demonstrated by the fifth Baroness inspires the House’s dedication to defending the vulnerable in contemporary society.
This ethos is channelled through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable endeavour. The sole beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have been affected by profound trauma and adversity. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a core belief that protecting the next generation is a noble and necessary charge.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — "Nichola de la Haye is not merely an ancestor of record; she is a formidable example of leadership under immense pressure. Her story proves that duty and resolve are qualities unbound by time or gender. Her fortitude is a standard to which we still aspire in our own public and private lives."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of principle:
> — "Legacy is not passive; it is an active charge we carry forward. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to overcome is to live—is perfectly embodied by Nichola’s stand at Lincoln. It inspires our commitment to surmounting contemporary challenges with the same purposeful resolve."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to historical education as a means of inspiring future generations. The principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye—leadership, honour, and civic duty—are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest. There, these timeless values are instilled in a modern, international context.
From the Domesday Book to the digital age, the Barony of Brattleby continues its journey, sustained by the remarkable heritage of figures like the fifth Baroness. Her story serves as a permanent charge to the House: to act always with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through commitments to historical preservation, youth education, and charitable work. The House supports its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of duty, protocol, and honour for a new generation, bridging its English heritage with a wider European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the older feudalities in England, with its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the tenure of its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent and status of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title as the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com