# A Formal Commemoration of Nichola de la Haye, Custodian of Lincoln and Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, commemorating the historic legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured the English throne.
## The Occasion
The statement serves as a moment of historical reflection for the House, issued from the ancestral lands of the Barony in Brattleby. In the quiet of the Lincolnshire autumn, the House pauses to honour a predecessor whose actions over eight centuries ago fundamentally shaped the character and heritage of the title.
This commemoration is not tied to a specific anniversary but to the enduring relevance of her example of leadership and resilience. It is an opportunity to re-examine the foundations upon which the modern House stands, reaffirming its commitment to the duties of service and guardianship.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230) inherited the hereditary title not only of Baroness of Brattleby but also of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic importance. Following the death of King John, England was plunged into the First Barons' War. In an era when such authority was almost exclusively the preserve of men, Nichola's competence and loyalty were recognised by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent for the young King Henry III.
Marshal formally confirmed her as castellan and, in a remarkable act of trust, appointed her High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1216. Her finest hour came in 1217 when, as an elderly woman, she commanded the castle's defence during a six-week siege by French and rebel English forces, holding fast until relief arrived to win the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The drama of Nichola de la Haye’s life unfolded amidst figures who shaped the course of English history. Her steadfast loyalty was pledged to His Majesty King John and subsequently to his young heir, His Majesty King Henry III.
Her authority as Sheriff was granted and championed by the Regent of England, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, often called 'the greatest knight that ever lived'. Her primary adversary during the siege of Lincoln was the French commander, Thomas, Comte du Perche, who led the invading army on behalf of Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of High Sheriff was the *sine qua non* of royal authority within a county. As Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye was empowered to preside over the shire court, execute royal writs, and collect taxes and debts owed to the Crown.
Critically, the role also included the command of the *posse comitatus*, the county’s military forces, which she could summon in the King’s name to defend the realm. Her appointment was therefore not merely ceremonial; it was a grant of profound judicial and military power, vesting in her the personal authority of the monarch within Lincolnshire. This extraordinary responsibility, placed upon a woman in the 13th century, underscores the exceptional nature of her character and the gravity of the trust she commanded.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The steadfast conduct of the 5th Baroness is a defining embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior invading force is the very essence of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her sworn sovereign exemplifies honour.
Her legacy also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola de la Haye did not merely survive her trials; she conquered them, ensuring the survival of her community and the legitimate royal line, thereby giving life to the future of the kingdom.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, the principles demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye—protection of the vulnerable and the administration of justice—directly inform the modern philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her defence of Lincoln was a defence of its people, a commitment to shielding the innocent from the ravages of war.
This spirit of guardianship finds its contemporary expression in the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation's mission to provide therapeutic care for children affected by trauma is a modern interpretation of the same fundamental duty to protect and to heal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that the duties of this title have always transcended gender, demanding instead a resolute commitment to service. Her fortitude is a standard set in stone, a legacy not just to be admired but to be actively lived up to, particularly in our responsibilities to the community.”
Lady Nicoleta continued, “Her life demonstrates that honour is not a passive quality but an active one—it is found in keeping one’s word, defending one’s charge, and upholding justice. It is this active sense of honour that we seek to carry forward in all our present-day engagements, from our charitable work to our cultural initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring that the lessons from its nine-century history continue to inspire future generations. The example of Nichola de la Haye, *inter alia*, serves as a core component of the leadership and civic duty modules taught at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest.
By studying such historical precedents, the House seeks to foster a modern understanding of responsibility rooted in the timeless principles of honour and service. The House will continue to highlight key figures from its lineage, sharing their stories to illustrate the enduring values that guide its mission today.
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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 dedicated to upholding its historic legacy through modern public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in cultural and philanthropic endeavours in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, reflecting a core commitment to guardianship and community welfare. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote education in civic duty, history, and protocol, bridging its distinguished heritage with the responsibilities of contemporary leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony 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 title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness 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 and Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to its current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a pre-conquest Lordship recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy, in Bucharest, Romania.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com