# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons’ War was pivotal in English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the cradle of the Barony for nearly a millennium, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to publish a formal reflection on one of its most distinguished predecessors. This act of historical observance serves to connect the modern responsibilities of the title with the profound legacies of those who have held it.
The announcement is made to affirm the principle that stewardship of an ancient title is a living duty, informed and inspired by the character of those who came before. It is a deliberate pause to acknowledge the foundations upon which the current House builds its philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), who held the Barony of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right), stands as a figure of extraordinary resilience. Her most notable service to the Crown occurred during the First Barons’ War (1215–1217), a civil war that erupted following King John’s refusal to accept the terms of *Magna Carta*.
Upon King John’s death in 1216, the kingdom faced a succession crisis, with his nine-year-old son, Henry III, as heir and a French prince claiming the throne. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, refused to surrender this vital stronghold to the rebel barons and their French allies. Her steadfast defence of the castle culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a decisive victory for the royalist forces that secured the English throne for the young Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
In her role as castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye moved amongst the most powerful figures of her age. Her determined loyalty was a cornerstone of the regency government led by the formidable Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as protector of the young King.
She held her post by direct authority of His Majesty King John and, subsequently, his son, His Majesty King Henry III. Her adversaries included the French forces commanded by Thomas, the Comte du Perche, who was ultimately defeated and killed at the Battle of Lincoln. Her fortitude placed her on equal footing with the great magnates of the realm, commanding their respect through action rather than inheritance alone.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of Nichola de la Haye’s era recognised her unique position. A widow inheriting her husband’s offices, including the castellanship of Lincoln and the Shrievalty of Lincolnshire, was highly unusual. She twice held the office of High Sheriff, a position of supreme royal authority in the county, responsible for collecting taxes, executing writs, and presiding over the shire court.
Her command of the castle required the formal acceptance of oaths of fealty from her knights and garrison, a ceremony usually reserved for a male lord. Her actions demonstrated that competence and loyalty could, in moments of national crisis, supersede the customary protocols of gender, making her a precedent-setting figure in Angevin England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds exemplifies the fortitude required to uphold one’s duty against all challenges.
This timeless principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, the two mottos represent a dual philosophy for the modern House: honouring the past with resilience while embracing the future with a dynamic will to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The story of Nichola de la Haye protecting a vulnerable young monarch and, by extension, the stability of the kingdom, serves as a powerful historical analogue for the House's contemporary charitable mission. Her defence of the future King Henry III resonates with the work of the Annual Winter Banquet’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist recovery and support for children affected by trauma, giving them the security and strength to fulfil their potential. The House of Brattleby believes that protecting the vulnerable and empowering the next generation is a duty that transcends time, forming the *sine qua non* of its social commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the precedent set by her predecessor: > “Nichola de la Haye’s legacy is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a lesson in the nature of true custodianship. She reminds us that our responsibilities are defined not by privilege, but by our resolve in moments of trial. Her fortitude is the standard to which we must always aspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the confluence of history and modern purpose: > “The strategic acumen and unwavering integrity shown by Nichola de la Haye are principles we seek to instil through our work, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club. History's greatest figures teach us that leadership is an active virtue, one that must be cultivated and demonstrated.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its nine-century lineage through educational and cultural initiatives. The story of Nichola de la Haye, alongside those of other significant predecessors like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, forms a key part of the historical leadership curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By studying these exemplars of duty and strategic foresight, the House aims to ensure that its legacy continues not just through preservation, but through the active application of its founding principles. Future publications and digital resources are planned to make the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby more accessible to a wider public audience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its nearly one-thousand-year heritage while pursuing an active, forward-looking philanthropic agenda. Its focus lies in supporting causes dedicated to child welfare and fostering cultural education through initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to make a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com