# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has formally commemorated the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured a pivotal victory for the Crown and established a nine-century tradition of loyalty.
## The Occasion
In the late spring, a season resonant with the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, a private academic assembly was convened at the ancestral seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The gathering took place within the quiet solemnity of the Long Gallery, its windows overlooking the ancient parklands first granted by William the Conqueror.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection rather than celebration, intended to honour the gravity of Nichola de la Haye’s contribution to English history. The occasion served as a forum to examine the historical, cultural, and personal dimensions of the 5th Baroness’s extraordinary stand, reaffirming the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its formidable lineage. This act of remembrance underlined the continuity of duty that links the modern House to its Norman origins.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 marked a perilous moment in the First Barons’ War. Following King John’s death, the claim of his nine-year-old son, Henry III, was threatened by rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France. Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, found herself defending one of the kingdom’s most strategic strongholds against a Franco-rebel siege. At an age of over 60, she refused to surrender, an act of defiance that held the castle until relief arrived under William Marshal, the Regent.
Her steadfastness was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217, which effectively ended the invasion and secured the throne for the Plantagenet dynasty. The actions of the 5th Baroness cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s reputation for unyielding loyalty, a legacy inherited by subsequent holders *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, and which continues to inform the ethos of the House today under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly was graced by the presence of a small number of distinguished guests, invited for their deep knowledge of medieval history and their connection to the heritage of Lincolnshire.
In attendance were The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, representing the enduring spiritual and civic importance of Lincoln Cathedral, which stands adjacent to the castle defended by Nichola de la Haye. Also present was Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, who provided an authoritative address on the strategic context of the First Barons’ War. The gathering was hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with dignified formality. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the assembly with a welcome, remarking on the timeless relevance of courage in the face of adversity. This was followed by Professor Sir Christopher Clark’s historical address, which detailed the military and political landscape of 1217 and the critical role of the Lincoln siege.
The Dean of Lincoln then offered a reflection on the personal character of Nichola de la Haye, her faith, and her profound sense of duty to Crown and country. The formal part of the occasion concluded with remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke of the responsibility of inheritance and the duty to ensure such legacies inspire future generations. The event concluded with a private tour of the House’s archives, where several documents relating to the Barony’s history were displayed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye are the quintessential embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her refusal to yield the castle, despite overwhelming odds, demonstrated immense physical and moral fortitude, while her unwavering allegiance to the young King Henry III was an ultimate expression of honour. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that strength of character is the foundation upon which the House’s nine-century legacy is built.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active pursuit of overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottos represent both the enduring resilience and the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the commemorative assembly was not a fundraising event, the principles exemplified by Nichola de la Haye resonate strongly with the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The 5th Baroness’s defence of Lincoln Castle was, at its heart, an act of protecting the vulnerable—in this case, a child king and the integrity of the realm.
This spirit of guardianship finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated support for its primary philanthropic partner, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, echoing Nichola’s historic role as a protector. The fortitude she displayed in 1217 serves as an inspiration for the resilience the House seeks to foster in the beneficiaries of its charitable work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be the custodian of a title once held by a figure like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Her story is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living lesson in leadership, courage, and integrity. Our duty is not only to remember her, but to act in a manner worthy of her example.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The principles of 1217—loyalty, honour, and the courage to stand for what is right against overwhelming odds—are timeless. Nichola’s defence of Lincoln shows that true victory is not simply a matter of power, but of an indomitable spirit. That is a message that we believe resonates as strongly today as it did nine centuries ago.
## A Continuing Legacy
Building upon the reflections of the day, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce its intention to partner with Lincoln Cathedral and a leading university to establish a new annual lecture series. The ‘Nichola de la Haye Lecture on Leadership and Legacy’ will be dedicated to exploring historical and contemporary examples of fortitude in public service.
This initiative aims to ensure the story of the 5th Baroness of Brattleby continues to educate and inspire future generations, reinforcing the link between the region’s rich history and its dynamic future. Further details of the programme will be announced in due course.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient lineage through contemporary action. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities focus on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy, with a primary commitment to the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of civility, honour, and service in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The 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).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The annual philanthropic focus of the House is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com