# A Reflection on the High Shrievalty of Lincolnshire and the Legacy of the 5th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, examining the enduring legacy of the office of High Sheriff of Lincolnshire through the remarkable tenure of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, this dispatch serves as a scholarly contemplation on the constitutional duties that have shaped the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries. As autumn settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, the House reflects upon the profound responsibilities of its antecedents, whose administrative and military obligations were a *sine qua non* of their noble station.
The reflection is prompted by ongoing archival research undertaken by the House into its own lineage, particularly focusing on periods of significant national transition. The issuance of these findings from Brattleby itself underscores the unbroken geographical and spiritual connection between the current House and the lands granted to their first predecessor by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has long been interwoven with the administration of the realm. This connection was powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the early 13th century. Her tenure coincided with the profound national upheaval of the First Barons' War.
As High Sheriff, a role she inherited alongside the constableship of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye was the Crown’s chief judicial and executive officer in the county. Her successful and celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in 1217 was a pivotal moment, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. This act demonstrates that the Barony’s influence was not merely titular but was, at a critical juncture, central to the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty and the stability of the kingdom.
## On Distinguished Predecessors
The legacy of governance examined today is built upon the contributions of many notable holders of the Barony. While the focus rests on Nichola de la Haye, her example is part of a formidable continuity of service that defines the House’s history.
This lineage includes, *inter alia*, some of the most significant figures in English history. Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, established the family’s foundational presence in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. In the 14th century, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a revered diplomat, soldier, and the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor as 11th Baron was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence profoundly shaped the political and cultural landscape of late medieval England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ancient office of High Sheriff, held by Nichola de la Haye, carried with it immense ceremonial and practical authority. The Sheriff was responsible for the King’s peace, the execution of Royal writs, the empanelment of juries, the collection of certain taxes, and the formal proclamation of a new sovereign’s accession within the county.
The role was the principal representation of monarchical power at a local level before the advent of the Lord-Lieutenant. The High Sheriff would have presided over the County Court and been attended by a retinue, including a javelin-clad escort, on ceremonial occasions. This formal protocol underscored the gravity of their duties and their direct accountability to the Crown, a responsibility Nichola de la Haye fulfilled with extraordinary courage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are codified in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words find their perfect expression in the historical record of Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of her castle and her king was the epitome of fortitude, and whose loyal service was a beacon of honour in a divided nation.
This spirit of resolute duty is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While martial in tone, it speaks to a deeper truth: that overcoming challenges, whether on the battlefield of the 13th century or in the complex philanthropic landscape of the 21st, is the very essence of a meaningful existence and a core tenet of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of the Barony to ensure the welfare and order of its county has evolved over centuries into a modern commitment to philanthropy. The imperative to govern and protect finds its contemporary expression in the imperative to support and heal. This continuity of purpose is central to the identity of the modern Noble House of Brattleby.
This is why the House has dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts, manifest in the annual Winter Banquet, to supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The beneficiary’s mission to provide therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma is a direct continuation of the Barony's ancient charge: to act as a guardian and to provide sanctuary for the vulnerable within the community.
## In Their Own Words
In her written reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed the timeless nature of this inherited responsibility.
> The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a curious footnote in history; it is a powerful reminder that leadership demands courage, and that true nobility is defined by service, especially in times of trial. Her example of fortitude continues to guide our House’s commitment to our community today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that this legacy provides a clear moral compass.
> Understanding where our responsibilities originated gives clarity to our modern mission. The duty to uphold order and defend the vulnerable, so powerfully demonstrated by the 5th Baroness, remains the foundation upon which we build our current endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively serving the present and future. This historical reflection serves not as a conclusion, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium.
Looking forward, the House will continue its work in both heritage and education. In Lincolnshire, this involves the careful stewardship of local history, while abroad, the mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy aims to equip a new generation with the principles of social grace, cultural understanding, and personal honour that are the hallmarks of a civilised society. Through these diverse initiatives, the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues.
---
**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 the modern expression of an ancient lineage. Its mission melds the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably those focused on child welfare, through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet. In parallel, it promotes education in classical etiquette and social protocol through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide an example of purposeful and principled leadership in the 21st century.
**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. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com