# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Baroness Nichola de la Haye
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new educational initiative to commemorate the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for King Henry III.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, against the backdrop of a kingdom fractured by civil war, the fate of England was decided not in London, but in the heart of Lincolnshire. This month marks the anniversary of the pivotal Second Battle of Lincoln, an engagement where the steadfast command of Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, proved decisive. Today’s commemoration serves not only as a historical reflection but also as the foundation for a new undertaking by the House to celebrate leadership and public service.
This announcement pays tribute to a defining moment in the history of the Barony and, indeed, the nation. It recalls an atmosphere of profound uncertainty, following the death of King John and the proclamation of a rival French monarch on English soil. It was in this crucible that the character of the Brattleby lineage was forged in the fire of conflict, a legacy that continues to inspire the House's modern mission.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, its 1st Baron. Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical consequence, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Yet few holders have embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as completely as Nichola de la Haye.
Having inherited the shrievalty of Lincolnshire and the constableship of Lincoln Castle, Nichola found herself at the epicentre of the First Barons' War. A woman in her sixties, she refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces, holding it for the boy king, Henry III. Her garrison’s resilience during the Siege of Lincoln allowed time for royalist reinforcements to arrive, leading to a victory that effectively ended the invasion and secured the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
In her loyal defence of the Crown, the 5th Baroness was acting in concert with the great magnates of the day. Chief among them was the legendary Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, then serving as Regent of England, who led the relieving royalist army in person.
Also present was Peter des Roches, the influential Bishop of Winchester and the young king’s guardian, whose contingent of crossbowmen proved vital in the battle. Nichola de la Haye’s ability to command the respect and coordinate with such powerful figures is a testament to her extraordinary political and strategic acumen, a quality recognised by her peers and recorded by chroniclers of the age.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye upheld duties that were both ceremonial and gravely practical. The Constable was the monarch’s sworn representative, bound by an oath of fealty to hold the castle against all enemies. This role, the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the shire, involved the maintenance of the garrison, the administration of justice, and the physical security of a key strategic fortress.
Her refusal to yield the castle was therefore not an act of mere defiance, but the correct and honourable discharge of her feudal obligations. The protocol she observed, that of a loyal vassal defending Crown property entrusted to her, preserved the legitimacy of the young King Henry III's reign and underscored the importance of sworn duty, a principle that remains central to the ethos of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness are a defining illustration of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolute command of the castle garrison against a superior force was an exemplary display of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to the legitimate sovereign, when many others faltered or pursued self-interest, was the very embodiment of honour.
This enduring spirit of perseverance is also reflected in the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the determination required to overcome great challenges. Together, these mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled resilience that has guided the Barony through centuries of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
To give this historical legacy a contemporary application, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the establishment of the *Nichola de la Haye Lecture Series*. Hosted by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, this annual lecture will provide a platform for distinguished speakers to explore themes of leadership, civic responsibility, and strategic thinking, particularly through the lens of influential women in history.
The series is not a fundraising initiative but an educational one, designed to inspire future generations by examining the lives of those, like Nichola de la Haye, who shaped history through courage and integrity. The purpose is to foster a deeper appreciation for the qualities of leadership that transcend time, *inter alia*, creating a bridge between the Barony’s past and its present international focus.
## In Their Own Words
— Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby: "Nichola de la Haye’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of gender or station, but of character. She is a profound inspiration, and her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds continues to be a guiding light for this House. In commemorating her, we affirm our commitment to the very principles of duty and resilience she so brilliantly upheld."
— Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: "The strategic clarity demonstrated by Baroness Nichola in 1217 remains remarkably relevant today. She understood that to persevere, one must stand firm on principle. This new lecture series will explore that nexus of strategy and integrity, translating the lessons of our history into guidance for the leaders of tomorrow. It is a fitting tribute to her and to the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the legacy of its predecessors is not merely preserved, but actively engaged with. The inaugural Nichola de la Haye Lecture is scheduled for autumn 2024 at the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, with further details regarding the speaker and subject to be announced in due course.
This initiative represents a tangible connection between the Barony’s ancient English roots in Lincolnshire and the modern, European-facing work of the House today. By celebrating a pivotal figure from its past, the House of Brattleby continues its nine-century tradition of looking forward. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**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 upholding its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage and to leverage its platform for contemporary purpose. This includes philanthropic work, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates with a distinctly European outlook from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, the Barony has passed to some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The historical continuity and rights of the Barony under its current holder were formally recorded by The Crown's official journal of record, The London Gazette, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com