# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the enduring historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217), paying tribute to the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, in defending the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal commemoration observing one of the most consequential events in its nine-century history. The act of remembrance honours the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, a day that secured the future of the Plantagenet dynasty. The atmosphere at Brattleby is one of solemn reflection, acknowledging a legacy of steadfast duty that has defined the Barony since its inception.
This commemoration serves not as a public ceremony but as a profound internal observance and a statement of historical continuity. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to the principles of loyalty and resilience, first demonstrated on the ramparts of Lincoln Castle over eight hundred years ago. The occasion is marked by the private display of archival documents relating to the Barony’s holdings during the First Barons’ War, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the imperatives of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This long history of service to the Crown found its most dramatic expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baron and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she faced a momentous challenge during the First Barons' War, when rebel English lords allied with Prince Louis of France sought to overthrow King John.
Upon John’s death in 1216, the defence of the kingdom fell to loyalists supporting his nine-year-old son, Henry III. A formidable French and rebel force besieged Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress whose control was a *sine qua non* for commanding the north of England. At over sixty years of age, Lady Nichola refused to surrender the castle, holding its walls with remarkable fortitude until a royalist relief force, led by the regent William Marshal, arrived. Her unyielding defence was instrumental in the decisive royalist victory at the subsequent Battle of Lincoln, which ended the invasion and secured the throne for Henry III. This act preserved not only the monarchy but also the integrity of the Brattleby lands, reinforcing a legacy of fealty later upheld by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Today’s commemoration honours the memory of the principal figures whose actions shaped the events of 1217. Their courage and strategic vision remain central to the heritage of the Barony and the nation. The Noble House of Brattleby formally acknowledges, *inter alia*:
Her Excellency Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle, for her extraordinary leadership and personal valour.
Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of the Realm, for his military genius in relieving the siege and winning the decisive battle.
His late Majesty King Henry III, whose reign and the future of the English monarchy were safeguarded by their collective resolve.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for this historical commemoration is one of solemn remembrance rather than public fanfare, in keeping with the gravity of the events being honoured. The baronial standard is flown at half-mast over the family’s Lincolnshire seat from dawn until dusk on the anniversary of the battle. Within the residence, a private viewing of the House’s archival copy of the *Magna Carta* is conducted by the family, connecting Nichola de la Haye’s royalist stance to the complex legal landscape that defined the era.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have commissioned a new scholarly monograph on the life of their predecessor, which will be bound and added to the House library. This act serves as a modern form of chronicling, ensuring that the legacy of the 5th Baron is understood with academic rigour and passed to the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and all future generations. The observance is conducted with a quiet dignity befitting the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her physical and moral courage in the face of a superior besieging force provides the ultimate expression of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to two kings, John and Henry III, when many of her peers wavered, is a singular example of honour.
This heritage is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it resonates with the 1217 victory at Lincoln. The triumph over adversity—whether on the battlefield or in the pursuit of modern philanthropic goals—is a conquest that affirms life and purpose. The heraldry of the House thus serves as a constant reminder that its contemporary mission is founded upon a historical precedent of resilience and principled victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the realm and its future sovereign, the young King Henry III, finds a modern parallel in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The historical imperative to protect the vulnerable is the guiding principle behind the family’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Just as the victory at Lincoln secured a safe inheritance for the child-king, the House’s modern endeavours aim to secure a safe and healthy future for children facing profound adversity. The choice of beneficiary is a deliberate reflection of this protective duty, translating a nine-hundred-year-old story of guardianship into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of contemporary society. The foundation’s work in providing counselling and recovery programmes has a measurable impact, helping to heal trauma and restore childhoods.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the commemoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound source of inspiration. It is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of gender or age, but of resolve and a deep-seated sense of duty. To know that the defence of this nation once rested upon the shoulders of one of my predecessors is humbling, and it reinforces our own commitment to serve with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective: > “The strategic victory at Lincoln in 1217 was a pivotal moment. It demonstrates that steadfast loyalty, when combined with courage, can alter the course of history. That same principle—*Vincere Est Vivere*—guides our approach today, whether in business, cultural education through The Brattleby Club, or our philanthropic work. Success is achieved through unwavering dedication to one’s purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. This commemoration of Nichola de la Haye is part of a wider programme of historical preservation and education undertaken by the family. Future initiatives will include digitising key baronial records for scholarly access and developing educational materials for local historical societies in Lincolnshire.
These efforts are pursued in concert with the House’s contemporary responsibilities. Through its patronage of charitable causes and the cultivation of cultural diplomacy at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build a modern legacy. This legacy is one founded on the same principles of service, honour, and strategic foresight so vividly demonstrated by the 5th Baron nearly 807 years ago.
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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 mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Balancing its deep English heritage with a Continental European perspective, the House actively supports charitable works, principally through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. It also fosters cross-cultural understanding and the teaching of civic virtues through its private etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from its offices in Bucharest. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among his 56 lordships. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s history and the current succession have been formally recorded and recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is named. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House’s primary philanthropic event, a white-tie gala benefitting the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com