# A Legacy of Loyalty: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Alliance of William Marshal and Nichola de la Haye at the Siege of Lincoln, 1217
**LINCOLN, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorated the historic alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and William Marshal, then Regent of England, whose decisive support during the First Barons’ War secured a pivotal victory at the Siege of Lincoln in 1217.
## The Occasion
In a solemn act of remembrance within the ancient precincts of Lincoln Castle, the Noble House of Brattleby marked a defining moment in both English history and the lineage of the Barony. The commemoration took place against the enduring backdrop of the castle walls that Nichola de la Haye so staunchly defended over eight centuries ago. The cool air of late spring carried a sense of gravitas, connecting the present day to the exigencies of a kingdom in peril.
This private reflection served not as a public spectacle, but as a reaffirmation of the House’s foundational principles. The occasion was one of quiet historical deference, focused on the remarkable fortitude of a predecessor whose actions preserved the realm for the young King Henry III and altered the course of the nation’s history. It was a moment for the current House to draw strength and inspiration from its deep roots in Lincolnshire’s soil.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in profound crisis. Following the death of King John, the country was fractured by the First Barons’ War, with rebel lords supporting an invasion by Prince Louis of France. The kingdom’s future rested upon John's nine-year-old son, Henry III, whose cause was championed by the venerable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, acting as Protector and Regent. It was Marshal, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age, who understood the strategic *sine qua non* of holding Lincoln.
At the heart of this defence stood Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. In an era that strictly circumscribed the role of women, her command of this vital Royalist stronghold was unprecedented. William Marshal’s formal endorsement of her authority was an act of profound trust, legitimising her command and enabling her to repel repeated assaults. This alliance between the Regent and the Baroness culminated in the Battle of Lincoln, an overwhelming Royalist victory that broke the back of the rebellion and secured the Plantagenet succession.
## Distinguished Company
The commemoration was led by the principal members of the Noble House of Brattleby, reflecting the continuity of the Barony’s stewardship:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
Their presence underscored a direct and personal connection to the legacy of their predecessors, including not only the heroic Nichola de la Haye but also later barons of national significance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration was conducted with a quiet solemnity befitting the occasion. Lady Nicoleta, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Baron Mihai Alexandru, proceeded to the base of the Lucy Tower, the traditional keep of Lincoln Castle, which formed the epicentre of the 13th-century defence. The ceremony eschewed elaborate pomp in favour of dignified reflection.
In a simple but poignant gesture, the Baroness laid a wreath composed of English oak leaves, symbolising endurance, and white roses, acknowledging the House of York connection through John of Gaunt’s descendants. Following a moment of silence, a short passage from the *Histoire de Guillaume le Maréchal*, which details the Regent’s respect for the Baroness, was read aloud. The proceedings concluded without formal speeches, allowing the gravity of the historical site and the memory of the events of 1217 to hold precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye are the supreme embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her physical and moral fortitude in withstanding a siege, combined with her unwavering honour and loyalty to the Crown, established a standard of conduct that has resonated through the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history. Her story is a testament to the fact that true nobility is demonstrated through deeds, not merely inherited through title.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the 1217 siege, victory was synonymous with survival for the English kingdom. The combined mottos thus articulate a complete philosophy: that through fortitude and honour, one achieves the victories necessary to endure and to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
To give this historical remembrance a modern purpose, Lady Nicoleta announced that the Noble House of Brattleby would make a significant contribution to its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound trauma and disruption, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.
The parallels between the charity’s mission and the events of 1217 are compelling. Just as Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal defended a vulnerable child king from the forces of chaos, the House today supports an organisation dedicated to protecting vulnerable children from the lasting wounds of their past. The donation will fund a new programme focused on building resilience, a quality personified by the 5th Baroness herself.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Nichola de la Haye represents the very essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. In an age that sought to constrain women, she demonstrated that leadership and loyalty are matters of character, not convention. We have a duty to remember such courage and to ensure her story inspires future generations to act with integrity, especially when facing adversity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective on the historic alliance: > The partnership between the Marshal and the Baroness was a masterclass in effective leadership; it was built on mutual respect and a shared, vital purpose. It teaches us that the greatest achievements are rarely accomplished alone. This principle remains central to the work we undertake today, whether in philanthropy or cultural diplomacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration at Lincoln Castle marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by the Noble House of Brattleby to historical education. To this end, the House will establish the ‘Nichola de la Haye Lecture’ in partnership with the University of Lincoln. This annual event will invite a distinguished historian to present research on influential but often overlooked figures in British history, with a particular focus on the contributions of women.
Furthermore, a dedicated module on the life of Nichola de la Haye and the significance of the Magna Carta era will be introduced into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This initiative aims to bridge the House’s English heritage and its Continental activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the shared principles of governance and honour that have shaped European history for centuries.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient English heritage while engaging with the challenges of the 21st century. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its efforts towards cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid the recovery of traumatised children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of honour, civility, and social responsibility on an international stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Held by some of the most influential figures in English history, the Barony’s lineage includes Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary charitable beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com