# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement from her family seat in Lincolnshire, honouring the historic contributions of her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth holder of the Barony and Constable of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
The statement was issued to mark the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, a pivotal engagement in which Nichola de la Haye played a decisive role. This formal act of remembrance serves to connect the modern responsibilities of the House with its profound historical foundations. From the ancient seat in Brattleby, surrounded by the very landscapes that predecessors have governed for over nine centuries, this commemoration underscores the unbroken chain of stewardship that defines the Barony. The act of looking back is not merely an academic exercise; it is a reaffirmation of the enduring principles upon which the House is built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, this title passed through figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Yet few holders demonstrated such remarkable resolve as Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony and the hereditary post of Constable of Lincoln Castle in the late 12th century.
During the First Barons’ War, a period of profound civil unrest, Nichola de la Haye’s loyalty to the Crown was absolute. A staunch supporter of King John, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against rebel sieges. Following the King’s death, she held the castle for his nine-year-old heir, Henry III, against a formidable army of English rebels and French invaders. Her subsequent appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was a testament to the immense trust placed in her by the regency government, an appointment of authority almost unprecedented for a woman in 13th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
In discharging her duties as Constable and High Sheriff, Nichola de la Haye moved in the highest circles of power. She was a trusted contemporary of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent for the young King Henry III and was widely regarded as the greatest knight in Christendom. Her command at Lincoln placed her in direct opposition to the French commander, Thomas, Comte du Perche, and English rebel leaders such as Robert Fitzwalter. Her tenacity earned the respect of the Crown and solidified her position as a central figure in the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dual offices held by Nichola de la Haye carried immense formal responsibility. As hereditary Constable of a royal fortress, she was the King’s direct military and administrative representative, with duties including the maintenance of the castle’s defences, the command of its garrison, and the administration of justice within its precincts. This role was a *sine qua non* for the security of the entire region.
As High Sheriff, her authority was even broader. She was responsible for executing royal writs, collecting taxes and revenues for the Exchequer, presiding over the shire court, and mustering the local militia (*fyrd*). For a woman to wield such extensive legal and military power demonstrates not only her personal capability but also the formal trust vested in her by the highest authorities of the realm, *inter alia* the Regent himself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide a quintessential example of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle, in the face of overwhelming odds and for the sake of her young king, was the very embodiment of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, upholding her sworn duties as Baron and Constable, perfectly illustrates the principle of honour.
This spirit of resilience is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This speaks to the determination required not merely to face challenges, but to overcome them. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a family ethos that values principled courage and the will to prevail in the service of one’s commitments.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye, particularly her role in defending the realm for a child monarch, resonates deeply with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's foremost charitable commitment is to the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist support and therapy for young people who have experienced trauma.
The historical imperative to protect the vulnerable—personified by Nichola’s defence of the young Henry III—serves as a powerful inspiration for the House's contemporary work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this support. The fortitude shown by predecessors in defending the nation’s future is mirrored in the House's dedication to helping heal and secure the future of vulnerable children today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Nichola de la Haye’s life is a powerful reminder that stewardship is not a passive title but an active duty. Her resolve and sense of honour are not just historical footnotes; they are the enduring standards to which we hold ourselves accountable. To be a custodian of this Barony is to be a custodian of her legacy of fortitude.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The story of Nichola is a lesson in leadership that transcends time. It demonstrates that true victory, the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is achieved through unwavering principle and courage. Her example continues to inform our commitment to making a meaningful contribution to society, inspired by the best of our shared history."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical education and an active engagement with its heritage. In the coming year, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, will host a lecture series titled "Women of Power in the High Middle Ages," with Nichola de la Haye as its central case study.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring that the lessons of its nine-hundred-year history are carried forward. This duty of remembrance and education will, in time, pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 stewardship of its considerable heritage while making a purposeful contribution to contemporary society. Its mission is centred on philanthropic service, with a focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural and educational initiatives, most notably through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to bridging its nine-century history with a forward-looking vision of duty and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The Barony’s history is interwoven with that of England itself, held by notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the influential prince John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as tenant-in-chief of Brattleby and other manors. - The current leadership of the House comprises Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th 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