# The Enduring Fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered an address in Lincoln today commemorating her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The speech honoured the medieval baroness's historic defence of Lincoln Castle and announced a new educational bursary in her name.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the hallowed precincts of the Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral, a magnificent decagonal structure renowned for its deep historical resonance and architectural splendour. The event, held on the anniversary of the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair of 1217, gathered a small company of civic and academic leaders from across the county of Lincolnshire.
The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, underscored by the morning light filtering through the cathedral’s Gothic stained glass. As a site that bore witness to the very events being commemorated, the Chapter House provided a setting of unparalleled gravitas, bridging the nine centuries between Nichola de la Haye’s tenure and the present day.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony of Brattleby as the 5th Baron, inherited the title and its responsibilities in an era of profound civil unrest. Her legacy is defined by her steadfast loyalty to the Crown and her formidable leadership during the First Barons' War, a conflict that threatened to tear England asunder.
As hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against baronial and French forces, most notably in 1217. An aged widow, she refused to surrender, personally commanding the garrison until relief arrived. Her actions were the *sine qua non* of the royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair, a turning point that secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story serves as a powerful chapter in the lineage descending from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is a lineage that would later include figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The gathering, though intimate, represented the civic, spiritual, and academic heart of Lincolnshire. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E.L. Dennis. The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean. The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln. Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln. The Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child, Mr David R. T. Baines.
Each guest was personally greeted by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile upon arrival, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s commitment to fostering strong relationships within its ancestral home county.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with a formal procession into the Chapter House, led by the Dean of Lincoln. Following a brief welcome and prayer, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln offered a historical prelude, situating the life and accomplishments of Nichola de la Haye within the broader academic understanding of the period.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was then formally invited to the lectern. The address was delivered without fanfare, allowing the historical weight of the words and the setting to command the occasion. The announcement of the new philanthropic initiative concluded the formal remarks, after which guests were invited for a private reception in the nearby Wren Library. The dress code was Morning Dress for gentlemen and Day Dress for ladies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The address drew heavily on the underlying principles of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that Nichola de la Haye stands as the supreme embodiment of this ethos; her fortitude in the face of a military siege and her honour in upholding her duties to her sovereign and her people.
The motto serves as a guiding principle for the House, representing a commitment to meeting modern challenges with the same resilience and integrity shown by predecessors. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active, forward-looking spirit required to ensure such a legacy thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In her address, Lady Nicoleta announced the establishment of the ‘Nichola de la Haye Leadership Bursary’. This new initiative will provide financial support to a young woman from Lincolnshire entering higher education to study history, governance, or public policy at the University of Lincoln.
The bursary’s purpose is to nurture the leadership potential of a new generation, inspired by Nichola’s example of civic duty and personal courage. This initiative complements the House’s primary philanthropic work with its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, by focusing on the empowerment and education that are foundational to a child’s future strength and well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta observed: > Nichola de la Haye was not merely a defender of stone walls; she was a guardian of principle, continuity, and the rule of law. Her fortitude reminds us that true leadership is not a matter of circumstance, but of character. We honour her not as a figure of history, but as an enduring example for the present. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To understand our obligations to the future, we must first honour the legacies of the past. The story of Nichola de la Haye is a profound part of Brattleby’s heritage. By celebrating her, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of service and resilience which she so powerfully represents. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Leadership Bursary will be administered in partnership with the University of Lincoln, with the first recipient to be selected for the 2025 academic year. The announcement marks a deepening of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to its ancestral home of Lincolnshire.
This initiative is part of a broader programme of activities planned by the House to highlight the region’s rich history and support its future. It follows the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which also seeks to blend historical principles with modern application. The House continues to believe that by honouring its past, it can best serve the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through modern stewardship. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s contemporary mission focuses on cultural philanthropy, historical education, and celebrating the enduring connection between its past and present. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and educational bursaries, the House champions causes that foster resilience and potential, primarily supporting its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House maintains a formal seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and an international presence through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of signal importance in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The continuous legal existence and historical dignity of the title were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s historical claim and current status were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The official seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com