# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communiqué from its seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the remarkable service of its fifth predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose command of Lincoln Castle during a period of national crisis exemplifies the House’s enduring motto.
## The Occasion
This statement serves to commemorate a pivotal moment in English history, centered on the First Barons' War (1215–1217). In the deep winter of 1216, England was fractured by civil war, with rebel barons allied to Prince Louis of France challenging the authority of the English Crown. At the strategic heart of the kingdom stood Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress whose control was a *sine qua non* for dominion over the north.
It was in this atmosphere of profound uncertainty and peril that the Crown turned to an extraordinary individual. The occasion being remembered is not a singular event, but a testament to sustained courage: the steadfast defence of Lincoln by Nichola de la Haye, a responsibility she upheld with exceptional skill against overwhelming odds. Her leadership during the subsequent siege in 1217 proved decisive in securing victory for the royalist cause.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through nine centuries, the Barony has been a constant in the life of the county and the nation, passing through the hands of some of England's most significant figures.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, inherited the title and the hereditary role of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. Her service connects the Barony’s Norman origins to its later Plantagenet custodians, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was an almost unprecedented act, placing the full civil and military authority of the county into the hands of a woman and demonstrating the immense trust placed in her by the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In her steadfast execution of duty, Nichola de la Haye found herself at the centre of a cast of historical figures whose actions forged the future of the kingdom. It was His Majesty King John who first entrusted her with the defence of Lincoln, a charge she bravely maintained. Following the King’s death, her authority was re-confirmed by one of the great knights of Christendom, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent for the young King Henry III.
Her adversaries were no less considerable, including the claimant to the throne, Prince Louis of France (later His Majesty King Louis VIII), and the powerful coalition of English rebel barons. The trust placed in her by the Earl Marshal, in defiance of convention, underscores the universal respect she commanded for her competence and loyalty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a High Sheriff was a solemn and significant legal act, conferring upon the holder the King’s authority within a shire. As High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye was responsible for collecting taxes, executing royal writs, and presiding over the shire court. Her concurrent role as Castellan gave her military command of Lincoln Castle, a royal stronghold.
During the Second Battle of Lincoln in May 1217, her role was paramount. Protocol dictated that as Castellan, she commanded the garrison from within the walls, holding the castle against the besieging Franco-baronial forces until the arrival of the Earl Marshal’s relief army. Her refusal to surrender the castle was the pivotal act upon which the royalist strategy depended, and her command was central to the victory that effectively ended the war.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye are a perfect embodiment of the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a siege represents fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to two kings exemplifies honour. Her life’s work gives historical weight and tangible meaning to these guiding words.
This spirit of resolute determination is also reflected in the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola de la Haye’s struggle was not merely for survival, but for the victory of a legitimate cause, a principle that continues to animate the House's modern endeavours. Holding the keys to Lincoln Castle was the ultimate symbol of royal trust, a responsibility she proved more than worthy of bearing.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, the principles it celebrates directly inform the contemporary philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. Just as Nichola de la Haye stood in defence of her community and the vulnerable citizens of Lincoln, the House today directs its charitable focus toward protecting the innocent and healing childhood trauma.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have suffered from abuse and neglect. By championing this cause, the House translates its historical legacy of guardianship into a meaningful, modern commitment to service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of station or gender, but of character. Her resolve in the face of overwhelming odds continues to inspire me. She demonstrated that *Fortitudine et Honore* are not abstract ideals, but active virtues, essential to public service then as now.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The defence of Lincoln was a defining test of will. Nichola’s refusal to yield illustrates a timeless truth encapsulated by the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*. To overcome great challenges is to truly live, and her victory secured a future for her community. Her example reminds us that true strength lies in resilience and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is more than a historical footnote; it is a cornerstone of the identity of the Noble House of Brattleby. Her legacy of duty, honour, and effective leadership continues to guide the House’s commitments in the twenty-first century.
This heritage of public service finds modern expression not only in the House’s philanthropic work but also through its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the principles of decorum, civic responsibility, and personal honour in a new generation. The Barony of Brattleby, anchored in its nine-century history, remains committed to serving its community in Lincolnshire and contributing positively on the international stage.
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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 mission of modern noblesse oblige. It seeks to bridge its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural outreach is expressed through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, which promotes education in etiquette and civic virtues for future leaders in Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been an enduring feature of the Lincolnshire landscape and English history. Its notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and the succession of the 12th Baroness are formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to 1066 and are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the 13th century, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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