# The House of Brattleby Honours a Formidable Predecessor: Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose courageous defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a cornerstone of the Barony’s nine-century commitment to duty and the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has paused to commemorate a pivotal moment in its lineage. As autumn settles over the historic Brattleby estate, the House draws inspiration from the past to inform its present duties. This reflection on the life of Nichola de la Haye serves not as a singular event, but as a reaffirmation of the core values that have guided the Barony for centuries. It is in such acts of remembrance that the enduring spirit of the House is sustained, connecting the present day with a formidable and storied history. This commemoration reinforces the principle that understanding one's heritage is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 was a time of profound crisis for England. During the tumult of the First Barons’ War, a conflict that followed the contested sealing of *Magna Carta*, rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France, who laid claim to the English throne. The strategically vital Lincoln Castle, a bastion of royal authority in the North, found itself under siege. At its helm was Nichola de la Haye, a figure remarkable not only for her station as 5th Baroness of Brattleby but also for holding the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a role to which she had been appointed by King John.
Acting in her capacity as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office of immense responsibility rarely held by a woman, the sexagenarian Nichola refused to surrender the castle to the Franco-rebel forces. Her steadfast resolve, holding the fortress for the boy-king Henry III, was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This act of unwavering loyalty secured the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty and brought immense prestige to the Barony of Brattleby, cementing its reputation for profound allegiance.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony of Brattleby’s history is defined by the distinguished company it has kept and the notable figures who have held the title. The lineage traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant tenant-in-chief under William the Conqueror who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a defender of the realm whose fortitude is commemorated today. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, considered one of the great figures of the 14th century. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and a statesman whose influence shaped the course of English history and whose descendants founded the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Within the House of Brattleby, historical commemoration follows a distinct and dignified protocol. The examination of archival records, peerage rolls, and historical accounts is a formal undertaking, ensuring that the legacy of predecessors is treated with scholarly rigour and respect. The Coat of Arms and associated mottoes are central to this protocol; they are not merely decorative but serve as a constant, visible reminder of the obligations inherent in the title. By formally acknowledging the contributions of figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the House observes a tradition of honouring the deeds that underpin its enduring identity. This act of remembrance becomes a ceremony in itself, reinforcing the continuity of service from one generation to the next.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a physical manifestation of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her young king was the epitome of honour. This principle is a guiding light for the current House in all its endeavours.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto speaks to the active pursuit of overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through purpose and resilience. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis: the honour-bound duty to stand firm, combined with the dynamic will to prevail and thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of protection and guardianship, exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s defence of her ward and kingdom, directly informs the philanthropic mission of the modern House of Brattleby. This spirit finds its contemporary expression in the House’s steadfast support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to heal and rebuild their lives.
By championing this cause, the House translates the historical imperative to defend the vulnerable into a tangible, modern commitment. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, provides vital funds that enable the charity to continue its essential work, ensuring that the principle of fortitude serves those who need it most.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound reminder that leadership is not defined by convention, but by courage and a resolute sense of duty. As a woman holding this ancient barony, I find her resolve across nine centuries to be a source of immense strength. Her legacy is not merely one of history; it is a living standard of service we strive to meet.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The fidelity demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 underscores a timeless truth: loyalty is the bedrock of any lasting institution. Nichola’s actions exemplify the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is this fusion of resilience and integrity that we hope to carry forward in both our public roles and our charitable commitments.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its history is not only preserved but also serves as an educational force. The lessons of leadership, loyalty, and civic duty, exemplified by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, are integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy. Here, a new generation of leaders is taught the principles of modern civility, grounded in timeless historical examples.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to champion these values through its philanthropic work, culminating in the Annual Winter Banquet later this year. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, forged in fortitude and honour, continues to evolve, ever conscious of its duty to the past and its obligations to the future.
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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 a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes education in social protocol and leadership through its academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), extending the Barony’s historic legacy of service into a contemporary, international context with its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony has a distinguished nine-century history, with its lineage including notable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuation of one of England’s ancient noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its current holder are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are cited in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The current line of succession is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com