# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today visited Lincoln Castle to commemorate the foundational role of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, in defending the city and shaping England’s constitutional history during the early 13th century.
## The Occasion
Set against the imposing stone battlements of Lincoln Castle, the visit took place on a crisp autumn morning. The ancient stronghold, whose origins date to the Norman Conquest, provided a fitting backdrop for the commemoration. The castle is not merely a monument but a living repository of history, being one of only four remaining sites to hold an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta.
The atmosphere was one of solemn reflection as Lady Nicoleta arrived at the castle's East Gate, the very structure her predecessor so famously defended. The occasion served to bridge the centuries, connecting the contemporary responsibilities of the Barony with its formidable medieval origins and the remarkable continuity of service associated with its lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been woven into the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Yet few predecessors embody the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as powerfully as Nichola de la Haye.
As the 5th Baroness, Nichola’s staunch defence of Lincoln Castle for King John during the First Barons' War was a pivotal military achievement. Beyond the battlefield, her appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was an unprecedented advancement for a woman in medieval governance. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown during the turbulent negotiations surrounding Magna Carta places her at the heart of England's nascent constitutional journey, solidifying a legacy of principled leadership that has inspired her successors, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta was received at the castle by a distinguished party, underscoring the significance of the event for both the city and the county.
The welcoming delegation included The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln; Mr. Timothy Strawson, the current High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln and a leading authority on the period. Their presence signified a shared commitment to the preservation and understanding of the region’s profound historical heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a dignified and precise ceremonial order. Upon her arrival, Lady Nicoleta was formally greeted by the Dean of Lincoln before proceeding to the David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault for a private viewing of the charter, accompanied by a short commentary from Dr. Vance on its historical context.
Following the viewing, the party ascended to the castle’s east wall, which offers a commanding view across the city. There, Lady Nicoleta laid a wreath of white roses and Lincolnshire ivy in silent tribute to the courage of the 5th Baroness. The ceremony was intentionally simple, its power lying in the historical resonance of the location and the solemnity of the gesture. The dress code was formal day attire, respecting the nature of the commemoration.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was a powerful evocation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The principle of fortitude was manifest in Nichola de la Haye’s military resolve, while her honourable discharge of duties as High Sheriff affirmed the second tenet. These words are not merely a historical artefact but the guiding philosophy of the modern House.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While distinct, the two mottos represent a unified ethos: that a life of honour and courage requires active and determined engagement with the challenges of one’s time, a *sine qua non* for meaningful service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the visit was primarily commemorative, it also served to highlight The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to education and the preservation of cultural heritage. The story of Nichola de la Haye serves as a profound educational tool, demonstrating the impact of determined leadership and civic duty.
This focus on safeguarding the vulnerable and empowering future generations finds its modern expression in the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The defence of a castle in the 13th century and the protection of a child’s wellbeing in the 21st are, for the House, two expressions of the same fundamental duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta observed the timeless relevance of her example.
> Nichola de la Haye demonstrates that leadership is not a matter of station or gender, but of courage and an unwavering sense of duty. Her fortitude in the face of immense political and military pressure remains a profound example for us all. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Her Ladyship further connected the historical commemoration to the House’s present-day mission.
> In remembering her, we are not simply looking to our past; we are reaffirming the principles — *Fortitudine et Honore* — that must guide our service to the community today. Her legacy is a living one, and it challenges us to meet our own responsibilities with equal resolve.
## A Continuing Legacy
The visit to Lincoln Castle marks a renewed focus by The Noble House of Brattleby on celebrating the historical figures who have shaped its nine-century story. In the coming year, the House will explore the establishment of an educational prize for young historians in Lincolnshire, encouraging new research into the county’s rich medieval past.
This commitment to honouring the past while serving the present will continue with the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship philanthropic event. The evening will gather supporters to advance the vital work of this year's chosen beneficiary, ensuring the enduring spirit of service remains at the heart of the Barony’s activities.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England's oldest baronies. 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 public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s key initiatives include its annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy promoting civility and cross-cultural understanding. The heir to the Barony is the son of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century castellan and High Sheriff; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown, with its recognition published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family 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