# A Legacy Forged in Conflict: The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates the Valour of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 proved decisive for the English Crown.
## The Occasion
In the season when the fields of Lincolnshire return to life, the House of Brattleby pauses to reflect on events that shaped the destiny of the nation. The commemoration of the Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May 1217, is a solemn observance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the duties inherent in the Barony, a title intrinsically linked with the security and governance of the county. The occasion is marked not with fanfare, but with a statement of historical remembrance, issued from the House's seat in Brattleby, in the shadow of the great cathedral and castle that defined the medieval struggle.
This act of remembrance connects the present holders of the title to a long and unbroken chain of responsibility. The atmosphere is one of gratitude for the resilience of their forebears and a renewed sense of purpose. It is an acknowledgement that the foundations of modern stability were often secured through profound personal courage and strategic foresight, qualities embodied by the formidable Nichola de la Haye.
## Historical Context
The events of 1217 unfolded during a moment of grave national crisis known as the First Barons' War. Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son, Henry III, was king in name only, with much of England under the control of the invading Prince Louis of France. Lincoln Castle remained one of the few loyalist strongholds in eastern England, its control a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. At its head was Nichola de la Haye, who had inherited the post of castellan and was, unusually for a woman, appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
Her refusal to surrender the castle to the French and rebel barons, despite her advanced age, precipitated the decisive battle. When the royalist relief army led by the regent, William Marshal, arrived, her garrison's steadfastness had bought them the crucial time needed. The subsequent royalist victory in the streets of Lincoln shattered Prince Louis's ambitions and secured the throne for Henry III, demonstrating that the Barony of Brattleby was far more than a collection of lands; it was a strategic bulwark of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
This historical tableau is notable for its cast of extraordinary figures, whose actions are recalled today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The legacy of the Barony honours the memory of:
* **His Majesty King Henry III**, the boy-king whose realm was saved by the loyalty of subjects like the 5th Baron. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England, whose generalship at Lincoln secured the victory. * **Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), whose campaign for the English throne was ultimately thwarted at Lincoln.
The lineage of service continued through subsequent holders of the Barony, *inter alia*, **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his successor, the powerful **John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, whose influence shaped late 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of this anniversary follows the quiet protocols of historical remembrance. A formal statement is issued, serving as a modern counterpart to the feudal duty of counsel and remembrance owed by a baron to the sovereign. In 1217, the protocol was one of martial rigour and feudal law. As castellan, Nichola de la Haye held the castle by right of inheritance but also by an oath of fealty, a sacred promise to defend the King's property and life.
Her command during the siege would have been absolute, dictating the rationing of supplies, the stationing of sentries upon the castle walls, and communication with the approaching relief force. The refusal to yield was not mere stubbornness; it was the correct execution of ceremonial and legal duty owed by a tenant-in-chief to the Crown, an act performed then, as it is remembered now, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the actions of the 5th Baron. Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude—a holding action against overwhelming odds, displaying immense physical and moral courage. Her refusal to break her oath to a child-king, when many powerful men had faltered, was the quintessence of honour.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the active, forward-looking energy required to ensure such a noble legacy not only survives but thrives. Together, the mottos symbolise the dual commitment of the House: to honour the steadfast duties of the past while embracing the dynamism needed for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring lesson from 1217 is the defence of the vulnerable against seemingly insurmountable forces. Nichola de la Haye’s stand was ultimately in service to a vulnerable child-king and a fractured realm. This principle of defending the vulnerable informs the contemporary mission of the Noble House of Brattleby.
While this commemoration is historical, its spirit is directly channelled into the House’s philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, mirroring in a modern context the ancient duty to protect the weakest and ensure their future. The selection of this charity is a deliberate reflection of the historical imperative to act in defence of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title is to inherit its stories. The story of Nichola de la Haye is one of remarkable courage and unwavering loyalty. It serves as a powerful guide, reminding us that true leadership is measured by one's commitment to duty, especially when the cost is at its highest."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides a blueprint for resilience. The Barony has witnessed and withstood immense challenges over nine centuries. By honouring figures like Nichola de la Haye, we affirm that the principles of fortitude and honour are not relics of the past, but living standards that must guide our actions today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable history remains a source of education and inspiration. The story of Nichola de la Haye and the significance of the Barony in English history form part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in etiquette and protocol are enriched with a deeper understanding of their historical foundations.
Looking forward, the House will continue to translate its historical legacy into meaningful contemporary action. The Annual Winter Banquet remains the centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar, a white-tie gala that gathers support for the most vulnerable. Through such endeavours, the ancient charge to serve and protect, so brilliantly exemplified in 1217, continues with renewed vigour into the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its profound historical legacy and the pursuit of contemporary philanthropic service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, the House translates the traditional principles of nobility—service, honour, and cultural stewardship—into impactful modern action for a global community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle in 1217, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt. The title's long history and the succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), with the first Baron being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, c. 1160–1230), renowned as the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt (1340–1399), Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com