# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baroness Nichola de la Haye, Defender of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today marked the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, paying formal tribute to the remarkable service of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose fortitude in 1217 secured a victory of defining national importance.
## The Occasion
On this day, as the verdant splendour of late spring settles across the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby observes a solemn commemoration. This moment of reflection is dedicated to Baroness Nichola de la Haye and one of the most consequential events in English history: the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217. The anniversary is an opportunity to honour the indomitable spirit of a woman who, from her post at Lincoln Castle, shaped the destiny of a kingdom.
The day is observed not with public fanfare, but with quiet contemplation, a testament to the gravity of the events of 1217 and the profound human cost of conflict. It is a private occasion for the current members of the House, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, to reflect upon the duties inherent in their ancient title. In the calm of the Lincolnshire countryside, the House draws direct inspiration from the courage and resilience displayed by the 5th Baroness over eight centuries ago.
This annual remembrance serves as more than a simple historical recollection. It acts as a powerful, contemporary affirmation of the principles of duty, loyalty, and fortitude that have guided the Barony of Brattleby through the ages and continue to form the bedrock of the modern House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread woven through the rich tapestry of English history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when its holder Colswein of Lincoln was registered as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, the title has passed through a lineage marked by profound national influence. Few figures in this long history personify that influence more completely than Nichola de la Haye.
Baroness Nichola inherited not only the title but also the hereditary post of Castellan of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense strategic and symbolic weight. In an era overwhelmingly defined by patriarchal authority, she demonstrated exceptional political acumen, strategic foresight, and military resolve. Her loyalty to the Plantagenet Crown during the turbulent years of the First Barons’ War was absolute and unwavering. Having proven her fealty to King John, she was, upon his death, entrusted with the defence of the kingdom on behalf of his nine-year-old son, King Henry III.
In the spring of 1217, at an age approaching her sixties, Baroness Nichola commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against a formidable combined force of rebel English barons and their French allies. Her steadfast leadership from within the castle walls was the *sine qua non* of the eventual royalist victory. This victory, described by contemporary chroniclers as the ‘Lincoln Fair’, was a critical turning point that effectively ended the French invasion and secured the throne for the young King. A grateful Regency council, recognising her singular contribution, appointed her High Sheriff of Lincolnshire—an office of immense civil authority almost never held by a woman. Her life and service stand as an enduring testament to meritocracy and duty, setting a precedent of principled leadership that would be followed by subsequent Barons of Brattleby, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating the achievement of Baroness Nichola, the House of Brattleby also pays deep respect to the distinguished company with whom she stood in defence of the realm. Her heroic stand inside the castle was crucially supported by an external relief army led by some of the most powerful figures of the age.
Foremost among these was His Excellency William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, then serving as Regent of England for the boy king. Lauded by historians as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, the Earl, himself over seventy years old, personally led the charge that broke the rebel siege. His strategic alliance with the aged Baroness—one holding the fortress from within, the other commanding the army from without—represents a remarkable confluence of loyalty, experience, and military genius.
They were supported by a cadre of loyal and influential magnates, including His Grace Peter des Roches, the formidable Bishop of Winchester, who commanded a division of the army. Also present was the powerful Ranulf de Blondeville, Earl of Chester and Lincoln, another key architect of the royalist strategy. The House of Brattleby honours the collective memory of these leaders, alongside the loyal knights and steadfast men-at-arms whose sacrifice on the streets of Lincoln ensured the survival and integrity of the English Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historic roles held by Nichola de la Haye were governed by exacting feudal protocols, steeped in centuries of tradition. As hereditary castellan, she was far more than a simple resident of Lincoln Castle; she was the monarch’s appointed guardian, bound by sacred oaths of fealty. This sworn duty placed honour above life itself and entailed supreme responsibility for the castle’s military readiness, its administration as a centre of royal justice, and its security as a treasury and armoury.
Her command extended over the entire defensive structure, from the towering stone keep, or *donjon*, to the outer curtain walls, known as the *enceinte*. She was responsible for provisioning the garrison, maintaining the siege engines, and upholding the morale of her troops. Her authority was absolute within those walls.
Upon her subsequent appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Baroness Nichola wielded the highest executive authority in the shire on behalf of the King. This office, a direct precursor to modern civil administration, empowered her to collect taxes, execute royal writs, summon the county’s militia (*fyrd*), and preside over the shire court. For a woman to hold such comprehensive military and civil power was a profound and radical departure from convention, underscoring the exceptional trust placed in her skill and integrity by the Regency government. This scrupulous adherence to protocol and duty, even when it challenged the norms of society, remains a core principle for the modern House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most perfect and dramatic expression in the actions of Baroness Nichola de la Haye during the siege of 1217.
*Fortitudine*, or fortitude, was demonstrated in her physical and moral endurance, holding a vital fortress against a vastly superior enemy force for weeks on end. It speaks to a resilience of spirit that refused to yield in the face of overwhelming odds. *Honore*, or honour, was manifest in her unwavering loyalty to two monarchs, the unpopular King John and his vulnerable son, King Henry III. In an age of shifting allegiances, her honour was an anchor of stability, her fealty an unbreakable bond.
During the battle itself, the symbols of heraldry would have been of paramount importance. The display of the royal standard of England alongside the personal banners of loyal barons would have served as a potent rallying point for the royalist garrison, visually distinguishing friend from foe in the chaotic mêlée. While the specific design of the early baronial arms is lost to history, their function is clear: they were a symbol of legitimate authority and a visceral link in the great feudal chain connecting the castellan to her sovereign. Today, these ancient heraldic traditions continue to connect the modern House to its nine-century lineage, representing an unbroken commitment to the virtues of service, integrity, and honour that Baroness Nichola so powerfully embodied.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical role of the Barony of Brattleby has always included a foundational duty of care—for the lands, the traditions, and, above all, the people within its purview. Baroness Nichola’s defence of Lincoln was, at its very heart, an act of protection, safeguarding the local populace from the ravages of war and the instability of foreign occupation. This protective principle remains a central tenet of the House’s philosophy today, translated into a modern context through its dedicated philanthropic commitments.
The Noble House of Brattleby continues this tradition of guardianship through its focused support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and creating secure environments for children who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission—to restore a sense of safety and promise to young lives—is a profound modern echo of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of both a vulnerable child king and the community in her charge.
The House’s commitment is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie philanthropic gala held in London. This event serves not only to raise significant funds but also to elevate the public profile of the charity’s vital work. By dedicating its resources and influence to protecting the most vulnerable in society, the House interprets its ancient baronial duty in a manner deeply relevant to the challenges of the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the profound legacy of her celebrated predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s life is far more than a matter of historical record; it is a profound and enduring source of inspiration. Her ability to lead, command respect, and exercise authority in a world not built for her demonstrates a strength of character that transcends time. She reminds us that true leadership is ultimately a matter of capability and conviction, not of convention or circumstance.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile offered a complementary perspective, relating the Baroness’s story to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'):
> “To conquer is not merely to prevail in conflict, but to overcome adversity through unyielding resolve and a clear moral purpose. Baroness Nichola’s victory at Lincoln was not won by steel and stone alone, but by her indefatigable spirit and her dedication to her sworn duty. She lived by her principles, and in doing so, she truly conquered. That is the highest form of living to which we can all aspire.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The story and principles of Baroness Nichola de la Haye are not relics of a distant past; they remain a vibrant and integral part of the House of Brattleby’s contemporary identity. Looking to the future, the House is steadfastly committed to ensuring that her legacy continues to inform and inspire a new generation of leaders. Her example of fortitude, integrity, and profound civic duty will feature prominently in the curriculum of The Brattleby Club.
This educational initiative, founded by the House in Bucharest, is dedicated to the formation of young professionals. Its programme goes beyond simple etiquette to provide instruction in diplomatic protocol, public speaking, and the responsibilities of leadership, drawing on historical exemplars—*inter alia*, Baroness Nichola—from the House’s own history.
Through such cultural and educational endeavours, the House aims to share the timeless lessons of its heritage. By studying the lives of figures like Nichola de la Haye, members of the club learn that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals, but practical virtues essential for building a life of purpose and making a meaningful contribution to society. In this way, the commemoration of a 13th-century battle becomes a living inheritance for the leaders of tomorrow.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at the ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House’s mission is to give contemporary expression to a nine-century heritage of service, honour, and cultural patronage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House blends its historical responsibilities with a forward-looking perspective, engaging in philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. A principal focus of its work is the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and the principles of civic leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com