# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Angevin Legacy and the Stewardship of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the challenges facing Lincolnshire during the Third Crusade, contextualising the political climate that shaped the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a considered statement of historical perspective, linking the present-day duties of the Barony to the defining trials of its past. As the autumn light mellows over Lincolnshire, the statement serves as a moment of contemplation on the nine centuries of unbroken lineage and the responsibilities inherent in such a rare and profound inheritance.
This reflection is published as part of the House’s ongoing work to illuminate its history, a duty seen as a *sine qua non* of modern stewardship. It provides the historical bedrock for the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and informs the philanthropic ethos that guides the House in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation set a precedent of service and regional authority that would be severely tested in the centuries that followed.
The late twelfth century proved particularly turbulent. The prolonged absence of King Richard I during the Third Crusade, coupled with the immense financial strain of his ransom, created a power vacuum in England. This uncertainty emboldened the ambitions of his brother, Prince John, and fostered an environment of profound political instability, wherein loyalties were tested and alliances shifted like the Lincolnshire sands.
It was in this crucible that the character and capability of the Barony’s leadership were forged. For Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th holder, this was not a theoretical challenge. A formidable figure in her own right, she was tasked with navigating the treacherous currents of Angevin court politics while upholding her hereditary duty as Constable of Lincoln Castle—a bastion of royal authority in a restive region. Her legendary defence of the castle against baronial rebels would become a testament to her resolve.
## Distinguished Company
This historical period was defined by figures of significant stature, whose actions directly and indirectly shaped the destiny of the Barony of Brattleby. Among those central to this narrative are:
* His Majesty King Richard I, King of England, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
The legacy of these individuals, *inter alia*, demonstrates a continuum of leadership and regional significance that the House continues to honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical reflection follows a deliberate and formal internal protocol. The content is developed through archival research and consultation with historians, ensuring accuracy and sensitivity. The text is reviewed personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, before being prepared for publication by the Director of Royal Communications.
This process mirrors the precision and care with which the House approaches all its duties, from the meticulous planning of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet to the curriculum development at The Brattleby Club. Each action is considered a reflection of the House’s enduring commitment to excellence and its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is more than an ancient cant; it is a direct instruction passed down through generations. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in withstanding a siege and the honour she showed in her fealty to the Crown are perhaps the motto’s most vivid historical expression.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conflict, but as an exhortation to overcome adversity, whether through strategic philanthropy, the pursuit of knowledge, or the preservation of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons of history—particularly the vulnerability of a kingdom and its people during times of crisis—directly inform the philanthropic focus of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s efforts are concentrated on supporting the most vulnerable, with the annual Winter Banquet serving as a key fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. The charity’s mission is to help these young individuals develop the resilience—the fortitude—to navigate their challenges and build secure, hopeful futures. By supporting this work, the House translates the historical principle of defence and protection into a meaningful, modern context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living dialogue. In understanding the pressures faced by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we find not only inspiration but a profound sense of responsibility for our own stewardship, informed by nearly a millennium of continuity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The chronicles of the Barony teach us that leadership is often forged in adversity. The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this—not of conquest, but of the will to overcome. This is the spirit we seek to instil in our philanthropic work and educational endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mandate of honouring its past and serving the present. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for raising both funds for and awareness of the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its etiquette and protocol courses, grounding contemporary social skills in the historical context of European courtly traditions. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is likewise steeped in this philosophy of dutiful service, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour will continue for the generation to come.
---
**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 a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. This involves preserving its nine-century lineage while leveraging its platform for positive contemporary impact. The House’s primary activities include targeted philanthropy, most notably in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and stewardship that define the House.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title is formally recognised by the Crown (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com