# A Reflection on the Defence of Lincoln, 1217, and the Enduring Spirit of Fortitude
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln, a pivotal engagement in 1217 that secured the English throne and underscored the decisive contribution of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby pauses to honour a defining moment in the history of its domains and of the nation. The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought in and around the ancient cathedral city on 20 May 1217, represents more than a mere military victory; it stands as a testament to loyalty, strategic courage, and the remarkable fortitude of those entrusted with the defence of the realm.
Lincoln Castle, the epicentre of the conflict, still commands the skyline today, its Norman walls a tangible link to the past. It was within this formidable stronghold that the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as hereditary Castellan, withstood a protracted siege. This act of historical remembrance serves to connect the present responsibilities of the Barony with the profound legacy of its predecessors.
## Historical Context
The battle occurred during the turbulent period of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). Following the death of King John in 1216, rebel English barons, dissatisfied with his rule, had invited Prince Louis of France to claim the English crown. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon John's nine-year-old son, the young King Henry III.
In this moment of profound national crisis, loyalty was the kingdom's most precious commodity. While much of eastern England had fallen to the Franco-rebel alliance, Lincoln Castle held firm for the Royalist cause under the command of Nichola de la Haye. Her refusal to surrender the castle to Prince Louis’s forces transformed it into a strategic *sine qua non*—an indispensable bastion of royal authority in a landscape of rebellion.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age in a direct contest of will and strategy. The principal actors in this high-stakes drama included:
* **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, lauded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ and acting as Regent for the young King Henry III. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, a noblewoman of advanced years who personally commanded its defence. * **Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambition to unite the crowns of France and England was thwarted at Lincoln. * **Thomas, Comte du Perche**, the commander of the French forces on the ground, who was slain during the battle within the city walls.
The allegiance between the regent, William Marshal, and a steadfast regional leader like Baroness Nichola proved to be the decisive factor in preserving the integrity of the English Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The battle itself was a masterclass in medieval military strategy and tactical discipline. Observing the Franco-rebel army's preoccupation with the siege, William Marshal marched his relief force from Stow, a few miles northwest of Lincoln. His order of battle was precise and executed with formidable resolve.
Marshal divided his forces, sending a contingent under the command of Ranulf de Blondeville, Earl of Chester, to assault the North Gate of the city as a diversion. Meanwhile, Marshal himself led the main force to a long-disused and partially sealed western gate, through which his troops gained entry. The fighting surged through the narrow streets toward the cathedral, surprising the besieging army.
From the castle battlements, crossbowmen under the command of Baroness Nichola provided crucial covering fire, raining down bolts upon the enemy below. The ensuing rout was so swift, and the loyalist looting of the city so thorough, that chroniclers mockingly dubbed the engagement 'The Battle of Lincoln Fair'.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most salient historical embodiment of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding defence of the castle against overwhelming odds demonstrated a fortitude that has inspired her successors for over eight centuries. William Marshal's chivalrous leadership and unwavering loyalty to his young king exemplified the principle of honour.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The victory at Lincoln was not merely a conquest of arms but a triumph that allowed the legitimate order of the kingdom to live on, ensuring its continuity and stability for generations to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership and courage are not constrained by gender or circumstance. Her stewardship of Lincoln Castle in a time of supreme national peril is the bedrock of our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. She inspires us to serve with the same resilience today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic lessons of the engagement:
> “William Marshal’s triumph at Lincoln illustrates that victory is born of careful strategy, decisive action, and absolute trust in one’s allies. It affirms the principle that ‘to conquer is to live’—not for personal gain, but to secure a future for the institutions we are sworn to protect.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of public service and steadfastness demonstrated in 1217 continues to guide the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of fortitude and honour are cornerstones of its commitment to cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy.
This enduring ethos finds contemporary expression through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in traditional etiquette and protocol, and the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is not a relic of history but a living standard that informs the duty of the Barony to contribute positively to society, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most 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 preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). With a strong presence in both the United Kingdom and Romania, the House supports initiatives in education, such as The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, and charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations dedicated to the welfare of children.
**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 lordship holdings, comprising 56 manors in Lincolnshire, were formally documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 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