# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical initiative celebrating its most significant predecessors, commencing with a focus on the life and service of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness of Brattleby and defender of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season of reflection and harvest, The Noble House of Brattleby inaugurates a programme of historical scholarship. This undertaking is dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its character. The initiative begins not with a single event, but with a sustained focus on the life of one of England’s most consequential medieval women.
The research and narratives will be shared through the House’s official channels and in partnership with academic bodies, aiming to bring a pivotal chapter of English history to a modern audience. This commencement honours a legacy of resilience that finds particular resonance today, celebrating a figure whose actions profoundly influenced the course of the nation.
## Historical Context
Nichola de la Haye (c. 1154–1230) inherited the Barony of Brattleby and the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln Castle during a period of profound national turmoil. Her tenure coincided with the First Barons' War, a civil conflict that erupted following King John’s rejection of *Magna Carta*. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty.
In 1217, at an age exceeding sixty years, she commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle during a great siege by rebel English barons and their French allies. Standing alongside the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, her strategic acumen and personal bravery were instrumental in the decisive royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. This victory secured the throne for the young King Henry III and ensured the long-term authority of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
In discharging her duties, the 5th Baroness kept the most distinguished, and indeed the most powerful, company in the realm. Her story is intrinsically linked with the great figures of her age, whose trust she commanded and whose policies she helped execute.
Chief among them was His Majesty King John, who entrusted her with Lincoln Castle, one of the kingdom’s most vital strategic assets. She served as a loyal vassal to his son and successor, His Majesty King Henry III. Her most notable peer was Sir William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, often called ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, with whom she jointly orchestrated the triumphant defence of Lincoln.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The authority wielded by Nichola de la Haye was underscored by the solemn protocols of her era. In an act of exceptional royal trust, she was twice appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role combining judicial, military, and administrative powers rarely bestowed upon a woman. This appointment would have involved a formal ceremony, swearing an oath of fealty and service directly to the King or his regent.
As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, her command was absolute within its walls. She would have received daily reports, dispensed justice, and overseen the garrison according to the strict military observances of the 13th century. Her orders during the 1217 siege carried the weight of royal authority, a protocol respected even by seasoned knights under her command.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness serve as the ultimate embodiment of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her unyielding fortitude was demonstrated in her defence of the castle against overwhelming odds; her honour was evident in her unwavering loyalty to her sovereign and her oath.
This spirit of determined resilience is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It speaks to a modern interpretation of the same principle—that to overcome challenges is the very essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the mottos represent a continuum of resolve from the 13th century to the 21st.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this initiative is primarily historical, it is deeply aligned with the House’s modern philanthropic and educational mission. The story of Nichola de la Haye provides a powerful lesson in leadership, duty, and civic responsibility. These are virtues that The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to promote through its various activities, particularly the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By celebrating such a powerful female role model, the House aims to inspire new generations to lead with integrity and courage. The dissemination of this history is an act of intellectual philanthropy, intended to enrich public understanding and highlight the timeless relevance of service to the community and the nation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Nichola de la Haye was not merely a historical footnote; she was the custodian of this Barony at a moment of national crisis. Her leadership reminds us that fortitude is timeless and that duty is perhaps the highest honour one can hold.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Lady Nicoleta added, “By bringing these foundational stories to a wider audience, we hope to illuminate the principles that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium. It is a legacy we feel a profound responsibility to preserve and to share.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Nichola de la Haye marks the first chapter in a continuing series from The Noble House of Brattleby. Over the coming months, the House will publish further scholarship on other key figures who have held the Barony.
Future features will explore the lives of Colswein of Lincoln, the original holder listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This long-term commitment will ensure the rich and varied history of the Barony of Brattleby is carried forward with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient pledge of service through modern means. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropic endeavours focused on education, cultural heritage, and support for vulnerable children. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to preserving its unique Anglo-Romanian heritage while contributing positively to public life in the United Kingdom and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights and dignities of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its current holders are officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The family seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com