# The Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose steadfast command of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was instrumental in securing a decisive royalist victory.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate one of the most significant moments in its long and storied history. This act of remembrance honours the indomitable spirit of a predecessor whose actions more than eight centuries ago were critical in shaping the course of English history. The occasion is not marked by a public gathering but by a solemn, scholarly reflection within the archives of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, amidst the very charters and records that attest to this formidable lineage. It is an opportunity to connect the responsibilities of the present day with the sacrifices of the past.
The Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was a turning point in the First Barons' War. The reflection by the current Baroness serves as a poignant reminder of the duties inherent in the title, duties exemplified with such distinction by the 5th Baroness. This quiet commemoration reinforces the House’s commitment to historical preservation and education, ensuring such foundational stories are not merely remembered, but actively understood.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in a state of profound crisis. Following the death of King John, the throne was held by his nine-year-old son, Henry III. A significant portion of the English nobility, disillusioned with Plantagenet rule, had invited Prince Louis of France to claim the crown. By the spring of that year, Louis controlled London and much of eastern England. The city of Lincoln and its formidable castle, however, remained a bastion of royalist support, a strategic linchpin for control of the north.
At the heart of this defence was Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baroness of Brattleby. A widow in her sixties, she steadfastly refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces. Her refusal prompted the royalist army, under the command of the regent William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to march to her relief. The ensuing battle in the streets of Lincoln was a catastrophic defeat for the French and their allies, effectively ending Prince Louis's ambitions for the English throne. The victory was due in no small part to the tenacity of Lady Nichola, who held the fortress against overwhelming odds, allowing Marshal’s forces to attack the rebels from the rear.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the distinguished memory of the central figures whose collaboration secured this vital victory for the Crown. It is right to acknowledge: * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose command of Lincoln Castle formed the anchor of the royalist defence. * **The Right Honourable William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, whose strategic brilliance and leadership of the relieving army turned the tide of the war.
Their alliance of local fortitude and national strategy serves as a powerful historical precedent. The actions of the 5th Baroness underline the significant role the Barony of Brattleby has played at critical junctures in the nation’s history, a tradition of service also embodied by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 1217 were governed by the strict protocols of medieval feudalism. As castellan, Nichola de la Haye’s duty was bound by an oath of fealty directly to her sovereign, a sacred obligation to hold the King's property against all enemies. Her refusal to surrender was not mere stubbornness; it was the meticulous execution of her sworn duty. The protocol of siege warfare at the time dictated that a besieged commander could honourably surrender only after enduring a determined assault. Lady Nichola’s decision to hold out went beyond honourable protocol, demonstrating a personal resolve that inspired the loyalist cause. William Marshal’s advance, in turn, followed the established order of a relief force coming to the aid of a sworn vassal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye provides the most powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior enemy embodies fortitude; her unwavering loyalty to the young King Henry III is the very definition of honour. Her actions ensured the Barony remained a symbol of steadfastness.
This spirit finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it speaks to the same principle of overcoming adversity through resolve and purpose. The combined mottoes reflect a lineage defined not by passivity, but by a commitment to prevailing with integrity, whether on the battlements of a castle or in the pursuit of modern philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical reflection rather than a fundraising event, its spirit is deeply connected to the House’s modern purpose. The resilience and protective instinct displayed by Nichola de la Haye in 1217 are the same qualities that inspire the House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma, in essence defending their future just as Lady Nichola defended her charge. The House’s educational initiatives, *inter alia* through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, also draw on such historical accounts to teach the principles of duty, leadership, and civic responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
In her reflection on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by courage and a deep sense of duty. Her fortitude at Lincoln is a standard we strive to honour; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of this Barony and a personal inspiration in our own work.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “In the actions of the 5th Baroness, we see the absolute synergy of duty and strategy. It is one thing to hold a title; it is another entirely to embody its responsibilities with such distinction. Her legacy is a *sine qua non* of our House's nine-century history, demonstrating that true strength lies in unwavering commitment to one's principles.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the Battle of Lincoln is more than an exercise in historiography; it is an affirmation of the values that continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The lessons of 1217—of courage, loyalty, and strategic leadership—inform the House’s engagement in public life, from its support for vulnerable children to its promotion of cultural heritage.
Looking forward, the House will continue to draw upon its unique history to support its philanthropic and educational missions. These principles will be prominently featured in the cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club and will form a central theme of the annual Winter Banquet, which raises vital funds for charitable causes. By actively celebrating predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, the House ensures that its legacy remains a dynamic force for good in the 21st century, true to its founding motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service. Blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking approach, the House champions philanthropic causes focused on the welfare of children and the preservation of cultural history. Its principal charitable partnership is with Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical support to young people affected by trauma. The House further extends its cultural mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest. The work of the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful, principled action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**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 Barony was originally granted in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com