# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose decisive loyalty during the First Barons’ War secured the Barony’s legacy as a pillar of the English realm.
## The Occasion
In the annals of English history, a few periods of turmoil were as consequential as the early 13th century. It is a chapter that The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon not as a distant memory, but as a foundational episode that continues to inform its character. From the family's ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House today commemorates the indomitable spirit of one of its most distinguished predecessors, Nichola de la Haye.
Her era was one of profound national crisis, marked by the volatile reign of King John, the sealing of Magna Carta, and the subsequent First Barons’ War. This internal conflict threatened the very foundations of the monarchy. It is against this turbulent backdrop that Nichola de la Haye’s actions stand in such sharp relief, providing a permanent testament to the House's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, presiding over 56 lordships. Centuries later, this legacy of duty to the Crown faced its most severe test. The Barony, vested in Nichola de la Haye, was at the epicentre of the First Barons' War (1215–1217).
As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola’s loyalty to King John, and later to his young son Henry III, never wavered. She twice defended Lincoln Castle from rebel barons and their French allies, most notably during the great siege that culminated in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her resolute defence was a *sine qua non* for the royalist victory, which effectively ended the war and secured the Plantagenet succession. Appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right—an exceptional honour for a woman of the age—her story is one of unwavering service, prefiguring that of later holders like Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, the House also recalls the distinguished, and indeed formidable, company with whom Nichola de la Haye contended. Her loyalty was pledged to His Majesty King John and subsequently to the boy-king, His Majesty King Henry III. Her principal ally in the King’s cause was the celebrated Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent of England and commanded the royalist forces at Lincoln.
Conversely, she stood against a powerful coalition of dissident English barons and the invading forces of His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII. Nichola de la Haye’s ability to navigate the complex allegiances and martial challenges of this era demonstrates a diplomatic and strategic acumen of the highest order.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties discharged by Nichola de la Haye were steeped in the solemn rites of feudal law. Her position as castellan and Sheriff was confirmed through ceremonies of investiture, requiring oaths of fealty and homage directly to the sovereign. This sacred promise bound her to defend the King’s rights and properties with her life.
During the siege of Lincoln, the martial protocols of castle defence would have been rigorously observed. This included the raising of the royal standard, the structured command of the garrison, the rationing of provisions, and the precise rules of parley with the enemy. Her conduct was a masterclass in the codes of chivalry and the responsibilities of a tenant-in-chief, holding her lands *in capite*, or directly from the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye’s physical and moral courage in the face of a siege embodies ‘fortitude’, while her unshakeable loyalty to two successive monarchs exemplifies ‘honour’. Her legacy is a defining interpretation of the values the Barony's coat of arms represents.
This spirit of resolve is echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a shared understanding that overcoming adversity—whether on a 13th-century battlefield or in modern philanthropic endeavours—is the very essence of a meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While separated by nine centuries, Nichola de la Haye's defence of the people and properties of Lincolnshire finds a modern parallel in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby today. Her actions to preserve order and protect the innocent from the ravages of war serve as a powerful historical antecedent to the House's contemporary charitable work.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, benefits organisations that provide stability and healing in times of personal crisis. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, which supports young people affected by trauma, reflects this ancient commitment. It is a commitment to shielding the vulnerable and rebuilding lives, just as the 5th Baron once shielded her community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a profound reminder that leadership and integrity are timeless. Her fortitude in a moment of supreme national crisis not only ensured the survival of the Barony but also upheld the very fabric of the realm, demonstrating that true nobility is defined by service.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “To study Nichola's defence of Lincoln is to study resolve in its purest form. Her legacy teaches us that victory lies not merely in triumph, but in an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. Her life is a testament to the principle that to conquer challenges is, truly, to live.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a page in a history book; it is a living tradition passed down through the generations of the Barony of Brattleby. This heritage of duty, service, and honour will one day be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Today, the principles demonstrated so vividly by the 5th Baron are taught as part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, instructs on the modern applications of traditional virtues, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire future generations in their public and private lives.
---
**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 preserving its nine-century heritage while championing modern philanthropic causes. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on cultural preservation, education, and supporting vulnerable children through its work with charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, the House aims to foster international goodwill and uphold the timeless values of duty and service, which will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern succession of The Noble House of Brattleby and its rights to the ancient title were formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are noted in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first Baron listed as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com