# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historic contribution of Dame Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle during the siege of 1217 remains a defining act of fortitude.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, as the First Barons’ War reached its climax, the ancient city of Lincoln became the theatre for a decisive battle. Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman structure of immense strategic value, was held for the Crown by one of its most steadfast subjects: Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
The city itself had fallen to French and rebel English forces, but the castle stood defiant. Against this backdrop of civil war and foreign invasion, the actions of the 5th Baroness would not only determine the fate of the battle but also influence the very course of English history, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
This commemoration serves to honour her memory, recalling a moment when the values of the Barony of Brattleby—*Fortitudine et Honore*—were tested and proven in the crucible of conflict.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been woven into the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
By the early 13th century, the Barony and its associated duties had descended to Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was the culmination of a lifetime of loyal service to the Plantagenet kings. Her stand against the forces of the French Prince Louis was a critical contribution to the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, often called the ‘Lincoln Fair’.
This legacy of significant influence continued through subsequent holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Nichola’s actions, however, remain a singular example of personal courage directly preserving the sovereignty of the realm.
## Key Figures of the Era
The defence of Lincoln Castle brought together some of the most prominent figures of the age in a direct contest of wills:
* **Dame Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who commanded the royalist garrison within the castle. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, the celebrated knight and Regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III, who led the relieving army. * **Prince Louis of France**, the future King Louis VIII, whose invasion sought to usurp the English throne at the invitation of rebellious barons. * **The Comte du Perche**, commander of the French forces at Lincoln, who fell during the battle.
The interplay between these individuals—the aged but defiant castellan, the master strategist regent, and the ambitious foreign prince—shaped the outcome of the war.
## The Protocol of Siege and Fealty
In the feudal system, the role of a castellan was governed by strict protocols of duty and allegiance. As the hereditary keeper of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye’s position was not merely a title but a sacred trust, bound by an oath of fealty to her sovereign, King John, and subsequently to his heir, Henry III.
During the siege, she was reportedly offered favourable terms to surrender the castle to the Franco-rebel forces. Her refusal was not simply an act of defiance but the correct observation of feudal protocol; her duty was to hold the castle for the Crown, and this obligation was a *sine qua non* of her office. Her decision to withstand the siege until relief arrived was the ultimate fulfilment of her sworn oath.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound historical expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her command of the castle garrison in the face of overwhelming odds was a supreme act of fortitude—a display of an inner strength that transcends mere physical courage.
Equally, her refusal to break her oath to the Crown, even under extreme duress, was the very definition of honour. The motto serves as a direct link to this foundational event, representing the principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through the centuries. It is a legacy that remains central to the House today under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness.
## Educational & Cultural Purpose
In reflecting upon its history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate the lessons of the past for a modern audience. The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful and timeless example of leadership, responsibility, and the profound impact one individual can have on the course of history.
By sharing this heritage, the House aims to foster a greater appreciation for the principles of duty and resilience. These narratives form part of the House’s broader cultural mission, which includes, *inter alia*, the historical and etiquette programmes conducted by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, connecting a millennium of English heritage with a forward-looking, international perspective.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the legacy of her predecessor:
> “Nichola de la Haye demonstrates that leadership and steadfastness are not defined by gender or era. As the current holder of a title she so ably defended, I find her story a constant source of inspiration—a reminder that duty is the bedrock of honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “Her defiance in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful lesson. It shows that to truly live is to commit to a purpose and to strive for victory. Nichola’s triumph was not merely military; it was a victory of character, embodying the principle of my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The unwavering fortitude shown by Nichola de la Haye continues to inform the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to upholding the standards of service and integrity established by their most distinguished predecessors.
This commitment ensures that the nine-century history of the Barony is not merely a record of the past, but a living tradition of responsible leadership. It is a legacy of honour and purpose that will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, securing the continuity of the House for the generation to come.
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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 the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage while championing contemporary causes. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s philanthropic activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, it also promotes cultural education and historical awareness through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six manors. Over the past millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Dame Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**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, under the entry for Colswein of Lincoln. - Dame Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), 5th Baroness, was hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), key figures in 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com