# The Enduring Link Between William Marshal and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of the Barony in the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217), underscoring the enduring alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, and William Marshal.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary month of one of English history’s most decisive, yet least-known battles, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its integral connection to the events of 1217. The Second Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20 May of that year, was a turning point in the First Barons' War. The steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle by the 5th Baron of Brattleby provided the crucial anchor for the royalist victory.
This formal reflection serves not as a mere recitation of history, but as an affirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries. It is an opportunity to illuminate how past acts of loyalty and courage continue to inform the House’s present-day commitments to public service and cultural preservation, in keeping with its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has long been entwined with the destiny of the Crown. This was never more apparent than during the crisis following King John’s death in 1216. With the nine-year-old King Henry III on the throne and rebel English barons supporting an invasion by Prince Louis of France, the kingdom’s fate was precarious.
At this critical juncture, two figures proved indispensable: William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, acting as Protector of the Realm, and Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. Despite immense pressure, Nichola de la Haye refused to surrender the castle to the French and rebel forces. Her defiance provided Marshal with the strategic necessity — a royalist stronghold in the north — from which to launch his counter-attack and secure the English throne for the young Plantagenet king.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together several of the era’s most significant historical figures, whose actions shaped the future of England:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, the formidable 5th Baron of Brattleby and a rare female hereditary Constable of a major royal castle. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, acclaimed as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ and serving as the sagacious Protector for King Henry III. * **The young King Henry III**, whose reign was saved by the victory at Lincoln. * **Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), whose ambitions to seize the English crown were decisively thwarted.
The alliance between Marshal and de la Haye stands as a testament to personal loyalty and strategic necessity, a partnership that preserved the continuity of the English monarchy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by a strict protocol of fealty and command. As hereditary Constable, Nichola de la Haye held Lincoln Castle not as a personal possession, but as a sacred trust from her sovereign. Her refusal to yield to the besieging army, even when faced with overwhelming force, was the ultimate expression of this sworn duty.
The subsequent relief of the castle by William Marshal’s forces followed the established rites of medieval warfare. Marshal, carrying the papal legate’s banner, absolved his soldiers before battle, framing the campaign as a holy cause. The strategy — a pincer movement involving a main force at the north gate and a crossbow detachment entering through a recently unblocked postern — was executed with a precision that reflected Marshal’s unparalleled military experience. Nichola de la Haye’s role was to hold the fortress at all costs until that relief arrived, a duty she performed with exemplary fortitude.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron at the Siege of Lincoln are the quintessential embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s steadfastness in the face of rebellion and invasion demonstrated immense physical and moral courage, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown was the highest expression of honour.
This historical legacy of resilience is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s ancient spirit, suggesting that true vitality lies in overcoming challenges and actively shaping one's destiny, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern arenas of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby’s deep appreciation for its history directly informs its contemporary philanthropic activities. The story of the child-king Henry III, his kingdom secured by the loyalty of his subjects, resonates with the House’s commitment to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, seeking to provide them with the security and stability that are every child’s right.
Understanding the fragility of the social fabric, as demonstrated by the crisis of 1217, reinforces the House's conviction that protecting the most vulnerable members of society is a duty of the highest order. The fortitude shown in defending a kingdom then is mirrored in the compassion required to heal a community now.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “Nichola de la Haye’s resolve is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of station, but of profound character. Her fortitude in 1217 secured not only a castle, but the future of a kingdom. It is this specific legacy of steadfast service we strive to honour today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. The alliance between Marshal and de la Haye was a partnership built on trust and shared purpose — a principle that remains the *sine qua non* of our own endeavours today, *inter alia*, through diplomacy and philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and promoting the remarkable nine-century history of the Barony. This legacy, passed down from figures such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), is not a static heirloom but a living tradition.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the enduring lessons of history, etiquette, and civic duty to a new generation. By foregrounding the principles of fortitude and honour, the House ensures that the spirit which secured Lincoln in 1217 continues to inspire meaningful action in the 21st century.
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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 the stewardship of a unique historical legacy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House embodies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House maintains a contemporary European outlook, bridging its ancient English heritage with continental initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the principles of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship 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 in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The title's succession to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com