# The Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and the 1217 Siege of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln and the decisive role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
## The Occasion
In the late spring of 1217, the ancient city of Lincoln became the crucible in which the future of the English Crown was forged. Following the death of King John and the turmoil of the First Barons' War, a significant portion of the English nobility had sworn fealty to Prince Louis of France. The strategic fortress of Lincoln Castle, however, remained a lone bastion of royalist support in the east of England, held resolutely by its hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye.
The atmosphere within the city walls was one of immense tension; French and rebel forces controlled the city and its cathedral, while Nichola de la Haye and her small garrison held the castle. It was against this backdrop of civil war and foreign invasion that one of the most consequential battles in English medieval history was fought, not in an open field, but in the narrow, winding streets of Lincoln itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. As recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the Barony was then a considerable power, encompassing 56 lordships. This influence was brought to bear most critically during the 13th century.
Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, inherited the title of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense military and strategic importance. In an era where a woman's authority was frequently challenged, she governed with exceptional skill and loyalty to the Plantagenet cause. Her refusal to surrender the castle to the superior forces of Prince Louis was an act of profound personal courage and a *sine qua non* for the survival of the young King Henry III's reign. The subsequent royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln, often called 'The Lincoln Fair', shattered the rebels' morale and compelled Prince Louis to abandon his claim to the English throne.
## Distinguished Company
The field of battle at Lincoln brought together the most powerful figures of the age in a direct confrontation of loyalties. The royalist forces, fighting to secure the kingdom for a boy king, were commanded by one of England's most revered knights.
Leading the King’s army was The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, serving as Protector and Regent of England. He was supported by Peter des Roches, the influential Bishop of Winchester, and the formidable mercenary captain, Falkes de Bréauté. These men led a relief force that marched on Lincoln to break the siege.
Commanding the French and rebel armies was Thomas, the Comte du Perche, who would lose his life in the visceral fighting inside the castle walls. Alongside him was Robert Fitzwalter, the leader of the baronial rebellion, whose ambitions were decisively checked by the outcome of the battle. Nichola de la Haye, from within the castle, coordinated its defence, proving herself an equal to the great magnates of her time.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 20 May 1217 unfolded with the grim protocols of medieval warfare. The siege began with formal demands for the surrender of Lincoln Castle, which Nichola de la Haye, then in her sixties, steadfastly refused. The raising of the royal standard by William Marshal's approaching army signalled the formal commencement of battle.
The Royalist strategy was executed with remarkable precision. While a detachment led by Falkes de Bréauté entered the castle through a long-disused postern gate—a tactical move likely coordinated with Nichola—the main force stormed the city's North Gate. The ensuing melée in the streets was brutal and chaotic. The charge of William Marshal himself, despite his advanced age, is said to have been a turning point, inspiring the royalist troops to victory. The protocol of the day dictated that high-ranking nobles be captured for ransom, a practice that contributed to the relatively low number of aristocratic casualties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron are a perfect historical embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her fortitude was demonstrated in holding a vital stronghold against overwhelming odds; her honour was displayed through her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, an oath she upheld at great personal risk.
The standards flown that day represented the conflict's core: the Royal Standard of England, with its three gold lions, symbolised the continuity of the Plantagenet dynasty. Arrayed against it were the banners of England’s rebel barons and the gold *fleur-de-lys* of the French royal house. The triumph of the English standard at Lincoln was a powerful symbol of national sovereignty reasserted.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of steadfast guardianship shown by Nichola de la Haye—protecting a young king and, by extension, the future of the kingdom—inspires the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. This spirit of protection for the vulnerable finds its contemporary expression in the House’s support for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual fundraising efforts, *inter alia* through the Annual Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By aiding its vital mission, the House seeks to provide a fortress of safety and a path to recovery for those whose childhoods have been besieged by hardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a formidable one. She demonstrated that leadership and duty are not defined by convention but by conviction. Her fortitude protected not just a fortress, but the course of English history, a legacy we have the honour to continue.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of the principles at stake:
> “Her story reminds us that to prevail is to live with purpose—*Vincere Est Vivere*. The defence of Lincoln was a victory of loyalty over ambition, and that principle remains the bedrock of our service to the community today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its unique history while serving a modern purpose. The lessons of fortitude, loyalty, and civic duty, exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, continue to guide its present-day activities.
These principles are not only commemorated but actively taught through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. Furthermore, the House will soon host its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to benefit Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the tradition of protecting the vulnerable. The House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its nine-century legacy is one of active service and contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by 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 philanthropy and cultural education. Blending its deep English roots with a continental European perspective, the House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes the enduring values of etiquette, history, and civic duty for a new generation.
**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 original holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over the centuries, 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. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to AD 1066 and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com