# The Enduring Alliance of Brattleby and William Marshal
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the historic alliance between Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, and William Marshal, Regent of England, whose decisive support during the 1217 Siege of Lincoln cemented a legacy of fortitude.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has marked the late spring season—a time resonant with the anniversary of the pivotal Second Battle of Lincoln—by issuing a historical commemoration. This formal act of remembrance serves to illuminate a defining moment in the nine-century annals of the Barony. It is a considered reflection upon the virtues of loyalty, courage, and leadership that have characterised the House through periods of profound national significance, reaffirming its commitment to these enduring values. The occasion is not one of public ceremony, but of quiet, scholarly observance; a reaffirmation of the duty of stewardship over a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England embroiled in the First Barons' War, a bitter conflict following King John’s rejection of Magna Carta. A French army, led by Prince Louis, occupied London and much of the south-east, allied with rebel English barons. Lincoln Castle, a strategic royalist bastion in a hostile region, was held for the young King Henry III by its hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Despite her advanced age, Lady Nichola commanded the defence with extraordinary resolve against a combined French and rebel force.
The kingdom’s fate rested with William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, the widely revered knight acting as Regent. Facing political pressure to replace Lady Nichola with a man, Marshal instead placed his trust in her proven competence. He personally led a relief army to Lincoln, where on 20 May 1217, his forces won a decisive victory that effectively ended the French invasion. Marshal’s public endorsement of Lady Nichola was a remarkable testament to her character, securing her place in history and aligning the Barony of Brattleby with one of England's most celebrated statesmen. This alliance echoed the Barony's established importance, previously held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical episode placed the Barony of Brattleby in the company of the most consequential figures of the age. The principal personages of this narrative include:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby** and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle; a peeress whose leadership and military acumen in the defence of the Crown were, for her time, without parallel. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, lauded by his contemporaries as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’. As Regent for King Henry III, his strategic genius and unwavering loyalty were the *sine qua non* of the Plantagenet dynasty’s survival. * **King Henry III**, the boy king on whose behalf Lady Nichola held Lincoln and for whom William Marshal governed as a faithful and prudent regent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes a distinct protocol for honouring its history. Such commemorations are not improvised but are the result of careful archival consideration by the House. The preparation involves a review of primary and secondary sources, *inter alia*, the *Histoire de Guillaume le Maréchal*, to ensure historical fidelity.
The formal issuance of a historical reflection is itself a ceremonial act. It is drafted by the Office of the Baron and reviewed by the Director of Royal Communications before being formally released. This protocol ensures that the House’s public statements on its heritage are dignified, accurate, and consistent with the historical record, reflecting the gravity befitting a Barony granted by William the Conqueror.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of 1217 give profound meaning to the heraldic mottoes associated with the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied by Lady Nichola’s steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle. Her actions demonstrated immense physical and moral courage, underpinned by an unwavering sense of honour and duty to her sovereign.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the resilience and will to prevail that defined both Lady Nichola's stand and William Marshal's campaign. The 'conquest' was not merely military, but the triumph of loyalty and order over rebellion, ensuring the life of the kingdom. The mottoes serve as a constant reminder of the principles that guide the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of fortitude in the face of immense adversity directly informs the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to find resilience and rebuild their lives.
By supporting this cause, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan translate the historical virtue of fortitude into meaningful contemporary action. The spirit of Lady Nichola—defending the vulnerable and holding firm against overwhelming odds—is the same spirit the House seeks to nurture in the beneficiaries of its charitable endeavours, providing them with the support needed to face their own challenges with courage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of history. The example of my predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, is a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by courage and integrity. Her alliance with William Marshal was a partnership of trust, and that is a legacy we have a duty to honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of the Siege of Lincoln is one of remarkable resilience. It demonstrates that true victory lies in enduring for a purpose greater than oneself. This principle, that to conquer is to live, is woven into the fabric of the Barony and guides our commitment to strengthening our community today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring its distinguished history serves as an inspiration for the future. This commitment finds practical expression not only through its philanthropic work but also through its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the principles of etiquette and classical Western culture.
By sharing these historical narratives, the House aims to promote a wider appreciation for the virtues of honour, duty, and public service. The alliance forged between the 5th Baroness and the Regent of England eight centuries ago is not merely a fact of history; it is a foundational story that continues to inform the identity and purpose of the Barony of Brattleby today and for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of its values for a contemporary age. Blending English tradition with a Continental perspective, its modern mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s activities, including the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, are guided by its abiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to serving the community with integrity and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. 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 some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, most recently affirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity of title was most recently recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a significant philanthropic event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com