# The House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle
LINCOLN, 20 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today led a solemn commemoration at Lincoln Castle, marking the anniversary of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln and honouring the pivotal role of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, in securing a decisive royalist victory.
## The Occasion
Within the ancient curtain walls of Lincoln Castle, a site of national importance for over nine hundred years, the Noble House of Brattleby conducted a private act of remembrance. On a bright spring morning, echoing the season of the momentous battle fought in 1217, an air of quiet solemnity pervaded the castle’s inner bailey. The ancient Norman stones, which have borne silent witness to centuries of English history, provided a powerful backdrop for the occasion.
The observance was purposefully conceived not as a celebration of conflict, but as a formal recognition of the extraordinary courage, loyalty, and sense of duty displayed by the 5th Baroness in a time of national crisis. It was a moment for quiet reflection on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the motto that has long defined the character and purpose of the House of Brattleby.
The ceremony took place near the base of the Lucy Tower, the castle’s formidable 12th-century keep, a structure Nichola de la Haye would have known intimately as she organised its defence against overwhelming odds. This choice of location served to connect the present day directly with one of the most consequential moments in the history of the Barony and, indeed, the Kingdom of England.
## Historical Context
The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, was the decisive engagement of the First Barons' War. Following the death of King John, the realm was perilously divided. A significant faction of rebel barons had allied with Prince Louis of France, who had invaded England and controlled much of the south-east. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon the loyalty of a few key figures holding firm for the nine-year-old King Henry III.
Foremost among these loyalists was Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle—a role of immense strategic importance. A woman of remarkable tenacity and advanced years, she had already defended the castle during a siege in 1216. In 1217, her steadfast refusal to surrender to a superior combined force of French troops and rebel barons was the *sine qua non* of a famous victory. Her fortitude held the castle long enough for the royalist army, led by the celebrated knight William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, to arrive, relieve the siege, and rout their opponents in the city’s narrow streets.
This victory effectively ended the French invasion and secured the throne for Henry III, placing the Barony of Brattleby, first granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, at the very epicentre of English history. As the contemporary chronicler Matthew Paris noted in his *Chronica Majora*, her actions were those of a noble and spirited woman worthy of lasting admiration.
## Distinguished Company
In this formal act of remembrance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their presence together underscored the shared commitment of the House's modern leadership to stewarding its profound heritage. The legacy they uphold will one day pass to their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In attendance to mark the historical and civic significance of the day were The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, and Ms Kate Mavor CBE, Chief Executive of English Heritage. The Dean's presence signified the enduring spiritual life of the city and the historic relationship between Lincoln Cathedral and its neighbouring Castle. As Chief Executive of English Heritage, the national custodian of Lincoln Castle, Ms Mavor's participation represented a shared commitment to the preservation and interpretation of the history that continues to shape the United Kingdom's national identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremony was conducted with a dignified simplicity befitting the solemnity of the occasion. The small party proceeded from the castle’s East Gate to the inner bailey, where the formal observance began.
Proceedings were opened by the Dean of Lincoln, who read a passage from the *Chronica Majora* of Matthew Paris. The selected text paid tribute to Nichola de la Haye’s remarkable spirit and her unyielding defence of the castle on behalf of her young sovereign. This reading from a contemporary medieval source served to bridge the 807 years separating the event from its commemoration.
A formal Minute of Silence followed, allowing for a moment of quiet reflection on the themes of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice. Overlooking the city that was the scene of her triumph, the attendees honoured the memory of the 5th Baroness and all those who upheld the cause of the Crown.
To conclude the observance, Lady Nicoleta laid a wreath at the base of the Lucy Tower. The wreath, a simple, hand-tied circlet of white English roses and fresh rosemary, was rich in symbolism. The white rose signifies loyalty and fealty, while rosemary has been an emblem of remembrance since antiquity. The private nature of the ceremony was intended to mirror the personal and deeply felt sense of duty that has inspired the leadership of the House of Brattleby for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye provides a living embodiment of the Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Her unyielding defence of Lincoln Castle against a vastly superior force is a definitive example of ‘Fortitude’—not merely physical courage, but moral resolve in the face of extreme adversity. Her steadfast loyalty to her embattled, nine-year-old king perfectly encapsulates ‘Honour’ as it was understood in the feudal age: an unbreakable oath of allegiance to one’s rightful sovereign. These virtues remain the guiding principles for the modern House.
This spirit of determined struggle also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This phrase speaks to the conviction that overcoming profound challenges is the essence of a meaningful existence. For the 5th Baroness, victory in 1217 was not an act of aggression but of survival, ensuring the continuation of her king’s reign and the integrity of the kingdom. Her story demonstrates that to prevail against existential threats is to affirm life itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
To give this historical commemoration a tangible, forward-looking purpose, the House of Brattleby is pleased to announce a new grant to English Heritage. The funds are designated for the development of new educational programmes at Lincoln Castle, focusing specifically on the life of Nichola de la Haye and the significance of the 1217 battle. These resources will enable English Heritage to create more engaging interpretive materials for visitors, particularly for schools and young people.
This initiative seeks to ensure that the inspiring example set by the 5th Baroness is brought to a wider audience, highlighting timeless themes of leadership, resilience, and civic responsibility. It forms part of the House's wider philanthropic work, which *inter alia* includes its unwavering support for the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, the sole beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet. By investing in education, the House aims to use history as a tool to inspire future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: >To stand within these walls is to feel the profound continuity of service that defines this Barony. Nichola de la Haye's example teaches us that leadership is not a matter of status, but of resolve in the moment of trial. Her fortitude is a standard we strive to honour, not merely in memory, but in our present-day commitments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: >The story of the Barony is one of resilience woven into the fabric of England's history. In commemorating the 5th Baroness, we reaffirm the principle that honouring the past provides the firmest foundation upon which to build the future. Her legacy is a reminder that our greatest challenges are met with courage and unwavering principle.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration at Lincoln Castle is an integral part of the House of Brattleby's ongoing commitment to the active stewardship of its unique heritage. This work extends beyond simple acts of remembrance to a comprehensive engagement with history as a source of contemporary inspiration, learning, and civic virtue. The House operates on the principle that its legacy is not a treasure to be guarded, but a living tradition to be advanced.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the historical principles of honour and service into practical skills for modern leaders. The story of Nichola de la Haye, a woman who led with conviction and strategic acumen, serves as a central case study in its curriculum. This educational mission is complemented by a philanthropic schedule centred on the annual white-tie Winter Banquet.
Ultimately, the work of the House is dedicated to ensuring its nine-hundred-year history remains a vital force for good. The education of the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to ensuring this tradition of service, rooted in *Fortitudine et Honore*, endures for centuries to come.
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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 stewarding a unique historical inheritance for contemporary purpose. The House's modern mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education, championing the enduring values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also provides instruction in classical etiquette and protocol, fostering an appreciation for the civility and personal discipline that underpin a well-ordered society. Their work seeks to bridge past and present, making history relevant for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. It is one of the feudatories continuously traceable to the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its holder commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed to some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to its current holder was formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, an establishment of tenure documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1150s–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The modern House of Brattleby's activities include the annual Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com