# A Commemoration of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and Sheriff of Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement commemorating the remarkable life and service of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby, whose tenure as Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the 13th century remains a powerful precedent of female leadership.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, it provides a fitting season for reflection upon the long continuity of English history. From its seat in Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to commemorate one of its most distinguished predecessors, whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the county and the nation. This act of remembrance serves to honour a heritage of service that has defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
The occasion is not marked by a singular event, but by a continuing commitment to uphold the principles exemplified by figures such as Nichola de la Haye. The House acknowledges its role as a custodian of this history, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform its responsibilities in the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has been party to the evolution of the Realm for centuries. Among its most notable holders was Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), the 5th Baron in her own right. In an era when such authority was seldom entrusted to a woman, she inherited her father's titles and responsibilities, including the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle.
Her unwavering loyalty to King John during the First Barons' War was instrumental. In 1217, at an advanced age, Nichola de la Haye successfully defended Lincoln Castle against a siege by French and rebel English forces, a pivotal moment leading to the decisive loyalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. In recognition of her exceptional administrative skill and steadfast allegiance, she was appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a position she held with distinction. Her story remains a profound example of leadership and civic duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide a vivid, historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle was an archetypal act of fortitude, demonstrating immense personal courage and strategic resolve under extreme pressure. Her subsequent service as Sheriff, governing the county on behalf of the Crown, was the embodiment of honour.
This guiding principle has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony through the ages, observed equally by later holders such as the pious warrior Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful statesman John of Gaunt. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that strength of character is the foundation upon which honourable service is built. It connects the present House to its nine-century lineage of duty to Crown and country.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of civic duty demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye—protecting her community and upholding justice—finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House believes that nobility carries with it a profound responsibility to serve the wider community, particularly its most vulnerable members. This duty is enacted through dedicated and sustained charitable engagement.
The principal beneficiary of the House's support, notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma. By focusing on this vital work, the House translates its historical pledge of protection and service into a tangible, contemporary mission to safeguard and nurture the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable figure not merely in our family’s history, but in the history of England. Her fortitude reminds us that leadership is a matter of character and duty, not of convention. To be a custodian of a title she once held is a profound honour and a constant inspiration." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of service: > "The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* has been the golden thread of this Barony for nine centuries. Nichola’s life was its embodiment; our modern duty is to ensure that same spirit of honourable service continues to define our purpose, whether in preserving history or in our charitable endeavours." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique heritage for future generations. This work involves the meticulous conservation of its historical archives and active educational programming. Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, seek to impart the values of decorum, honour, and social grace that are central to its tradition.
Looking forward, the House will continue to balance its historical responsibilities with a forward-facing vision of public service. This enduring legacy of custodianship will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the ancient duties of the Barony of Brattleby are carried forth with relevance and dedication into the future. *Vincere Est Vivere*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of historical custodianship and targeted philanthropy. The House actively works to preserve its near-millennial heritage while engaging in contemporary cultural and charitable initiatives. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, funded in part by its annual Winter Banquet. Through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of honour, etiquette, and civic duty, ensuring its historical legacy remains a vibrant and positive force in the modern world, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the Barony 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 Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore*, meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com