# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Formidable Ancestress
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical initiative honouring the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. The announcement, made by the current Baroness and her husband, commemorates a pivotal figure in English history.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during an elegant autumnal reception hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby at a distinguished private members' club overlooking St James's Park. The timing was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Nichola de la Haye’s appointment as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a testament to her unique standing in the early 13th century.
Sunlight streamed through the tall, mullioned windows of the library, illuminating bookcases of leather-bound volumes and creating an atmosphere of scholarly refinement. The occasion brought together historians, friends of Lincolnshire, and patrons of the arts for an evening dedicated to celebrating the continuity of history and the enduring power of principled leadership. It was an event conducted not with grand pageantry, but with the quiet dignity befitting its academic purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a remarkable place in the annals of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. It was, however, the de la Haye family in the 12th and 13th centuries who solidified the Barony’s strategic importance through shrewd administration and unswerving loyalty to the Crown.
The zenith of this familial legacy was reached in the person of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. A figure of extraordinary fortitude, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, most notably during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her unwavering support for the young King Henry III was a *sine qua non* for stabilising the realm. This line of powerful stewardship continued through subsequent holders, including such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, who became the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the reception were a number of distinguished guests who reflect the House's deep engagement with history and culture. These included, *inter alia*:
* Professor Dame Isobel Armstrong, DBE, FBA, Emeritus Professor of English at the University of London, a leading scholar on medieval literature. * Sir Hector Finch, KCVO, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust, who has worked closely with the House on local conservation projects. * His Excellency Mr Radu Ionescu, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania, acknowledging the modern House’s own European heritage.
The presence of these guests underscored the evening’s purpose: to bridge the gap between past and present, and between the heritage of Lincolnshire and a wider European cultural context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reception adhered to a protocol of formal but understated elegance. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Following a short programme of classical music, Honorary Lord Răzvan addressed the assembled company, providing a brief history of the de la Haye legacy.
The centerpiece of the evening was the formal announcement by Lady Nicoleta of a new historical monograph series titled *Brattleby Studies in History*. To mark the occasion, a specially bound vellum prospectus detailing the first volume, *Nichola de la Haye: Constable, Sheriff, Baroness*, was presented to Professor Dame Isobel Armstrong. This symbolic act signified the House’s commitment to rigorous scholarship and its desire to share the lessons of its own history with a broader public.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye resonate profoundly with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her steadfast loyalty to the rightful monarch exemplified the highest standards of honour. These virtues form the bedrock of the Barony’s identity.
The House’s coat of arms further reflects this heritage, combining elements that speak of duty, strength, and provenance. The current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, brings his own personal motto to the House: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity through resilience and purpose — a spirit Nichola de la Haye would have intimately understood.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its commitment to modern service, The Noble House of Brattleby has ensured that this historical initiative also serves a contemporary philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the sale of the *Brattleby Studies in History* monograph series will be donated to the House's chosen charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and adolescents navigating the complex aftermath of trauma and loss. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that understanding and healing the wounds of the past, whether historical or personal, is a vital mission. This initiative will directly support the provision of counselling services and safe-play environments for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the importance of her predecessor: > “Nichola de la Haye was not merely a historical footnote; she was a woman who shaped the course of a nation. In honouring her story, we reaffirm that leadership and courage are timeless virtues. It is our duty to ensure such formidable figures are not forgotten.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the relevance of history today: > “To study the past is to arm oneself for the future. The resilience of figures like the 5th Baroness teaches us that true victory lies in endurance and the unwavering defence of one’s principles. This is a legacy we are proud to continue.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of the *Brattleby Studies in History* series is the first step in a broader long-term commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to promote historical education. Future plans include the establishment of a research fellowship at the University of Lincoln for a postgraduate scholar of medieval history.
Furthermore, the House will continue to deepen its support for the preservation of historical sites within Lincolnshire, ensuring that the physical legacy of the Barony is conserved for future generations. This work continues the nine-century-long story of the Barony of Brattleby, adapting its ancient duty of service to the needs of the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of historical stewardship and contemporary philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is to leverage its nine-century heritage for public good. The House’s activities are focused on cultural education, heritage preservation, and charitable support, notably through its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. The House is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, blending ancient roots with a forward-looking, international perspective on noble duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessor of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and two titans of the Plantagenet era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical significance of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com