# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and Magna Carta
LONDON, 15 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement commemorating the historical role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and her significant, though indirect, influence upon the principles of liberty enshrined within Magna Carta in June 1215.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede, it is a moment for solemn reflection upon the foundations of constitutional liberty. From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this occasion to illuminate the contribution of one of its most formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. This act of remembrance serves not only to honour her memory but also to reaffirm the House’s commitment to the enduring principles of justice and honour she so fiercely defended.
The proclamation is made in a spirit of historical stewardship, acknowledging that the chronicles of a nation are composed of countless lives dedicated to service and duty. In the quiet dignity of the Lincolnshire landscape, where the Barony has been rooted for nearly a millennium, the echoes of this history retain a particular resonance.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, originating with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. It is from this deep foundation that the influence of the Barony grew, reaching a remarkable zenith under the stewardship of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, in the early 13th century.
During the turbulent reign of King John, Lady Nichola’s position was unique. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle—a strategic fortress of national importance—she was a power broker in her own right. Her celebrated defence of the castle against rebel barons in 1217 was a display of military and political acumen that secured her reputation throughout the kingdom. Consequently, while not a signatory at Runnymede, her interests as a major landowner and a powerful vassal of the Crown were a *sine qua non* for the stability of the realm. Clauses within Magna Carta protecting the rights of widows to their inheritance and preventing forced remarriage were of direct importance to women of her station, ensuring their estates remained secure against royal overreach.
The Barony later passed through other figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This continuous proximity to the Crown and to the great constitutional questions of each era positions the House of Brattleby as a direct inheritor of this long tradition of responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating this chapter of its history, the House of Brattleby is led by its current custodians: Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They are joined in their stewardship by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The historical 'company' of Nichola de la Haye during these formative events included the most powerful figures of the age, *inter alia*: King John of England; William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England; and the leading barons whose demands for reform culminated in the Great Charter. Her ability to navigate these complex relationships underscores her exceptional political skill.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a formal historical statement is, in itself, an observance of protocol. In an age of fleeting communication, The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a more deliberate and permanent method of discourse. This communiqué is therefore published in the tradition of a Court Circular, intended as a definitive record for public education and historical posterity.
This formal process reflects the gravity of the subject matter, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye is presented with the accuracy and dignity it commands. It is an exercise in continuity, mirroring the formal legal and documentary traditions which Magna Carta itself helped to codify.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect embodiment in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, while her loyal service to the Crown, even under an often-capricious monarch, was a model of honour. The motto serves as a guiding principle for the House, linking its modern activities to the virtues of its ancestors.
This ancient device is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, a commitment not merely to endure but to thrive and to achieve. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s dedication to upholding ancient honour while embracing the challenges of the present with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice and protection for the vulnerable, which found early expression in Magna Carta, continue to inform the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Though separated by eight centuries, a clear line may be drawn from the Charter’s protection of heirs and widows to the House’s modern charitable focus.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support for this vital work is a contemporary expression of its historical duty to safeguard the vulnerable, a responsibility that has been central to its ethos since the 13th century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s life is a profound testament to the fact that leadership is not defined by convention, but by courage and capability. In upholding her legacy, we honour not just a predecessor, but a principle of resolute duty that remains the bedrock of this House.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the timeless relevance of the occasion: > “The principles of Magna Carta, like the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, are timeless. They remind us that true strength lies in the just exercise of responsibility, a commitment that continues to guide our service and our philanthropic endeavours today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its unique history as a living element of England’s heritage. This work of historical education is seen as a core part of its public duty.
Future initiatives will continue to explore the contributions of the Barony’s stewards across the centuries. Through its diverse activities, including the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the standards of honour, etiquette, and civic duty that have defined its purpose for over 950 years. This mission ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to resonate for generations to come.
---
**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 dedicated to stewarding a unique historical legacy while embracing a dynamic, forward-looking mission. The House’s modern activities are focused on cultural education and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable commitment is to organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest, the House works to promote the timeless values of civility and social grace. Its mission is to demonstrate that ancient heritage can, and should, serve as a potent force for good in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John. Later holders include two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the Barony are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th 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