# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Honour Ancestral Legacy at Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby today undertook a private visit to Lincoln Castle in Lincolnshire, paying tribute to the enduring nine-century legacy of their predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness and defender of the Castle in 1217.
## The Occasion
Set against the rolling landscape of Lincolnshire, the imposing Norman fortress of Lincoln Castle provided a significant backdrop for the day’s engagement. Their Lordships arrived as late spring cast a gentle light upon the ancient battlements, which have stood witness to some of the most pivotal moments in English history. The atmosphere within the castle walls was one of quiet reverence.
The visit was arranged to connect the modern stewardship of the Barony with its deep historical roots, particularly its direct lineage to the Castle’s most celebrated castellans. Lincoln Castle, commissioned by William the Conqueror shortly after the Conquest, remains a powerful symbol of authority and resilience in the East of England. It is also one of the world's most important repositories of liberty, holding an original 1215 Magna Carta.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this site is woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony and its associated lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. The *sine qua non* of this historical continuity, however, remains Nichola de la Haye.
As the fifth holder of the title and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye masterfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her victory in the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions embodied the Barony’s commitment to duty and sovereign service, a principle later upheld by subsequent Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Upon their arrival at the Castle’s East Gate, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were formally received by Ms. Kimberley Vickers, the Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust. Ms. Vickers accompanied Their Lordships throughout the visit, providing expert historical commentary.
Also present for a portion of the tour was Dr. Erik Pieterse, Head Curator for Medieval History, who offered detailed insights into the specific contributions of Nichola de la Haye and the de la Haye family to the architectural and strategic development of the Castle during the 13th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with the formal precision befitting the occasion. Following the official welcome, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were guided on a private procession along the complete circuit of the Medieval Wall Walk, from which they observed the City of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside—the historic heart of the Barony's lands.
The tour included a visit to the cells of the Victorian Prison, a stark reminder of the Castle’s continuous use as an instrument of justice, before culminating in a private viewing of the Lincoln Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest. The viewing took place in the David P. J. Ross Magna Carta Vault, where Their Lordships spent time in quiet contemplation of the documents that have shaped principles of liberty and governance for over eight hundred years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit powerfully underscored the meaning behind the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in holding Lincoln Castle against a superior force, and the honour with which she served her monarch, are the very virtues the motto extols. Her legacy serves as a perpetual inspiration for the Barony.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the resilience and spirit required not only to overcome external challenges but also to master oneself in service to a greater cause. Together, the mottos reflect a profound commitment to principled leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The story of Nichola de la Haye—defending a vital stronghold on behalf of a vulnerable young king—resonates deeply with the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is a committed supporter of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma.
The charity works to build resilience in children, helping them to overcome profound adversity and secure their own futures. The unwavering defence of the weak by a strong guardian is a theme that bridges the history of the Barony with its contemporary charitable mission, translating a medieval principle into modern, impactful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the visit, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To stand within these walls is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Nichola de la Haye was a woman of extraordinary courage, and her story reminds us that stewardship is not merely about preservation, but about active duty to the legacy we inherit."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The principle Nichola demonstrated—that of defending something precious against overwhelming odds—is timeless. It is the same spirit of fortitude we see in the young people supported by our patronages, who show immense resolve in their own lives every day."
## A Continuing Legacy
Inspired by the visit and in honour of their ancestor, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce a new educational partnership with the Lincolnshire Heritage Trust. The House will establish The Nichola de la Haye Bursary, an annual grant to support postgraduate research into the role of women in medieval English governance.
This commitment seeks to ensure that the stories of formidable historical figures like the fifth Baroness are not only preserved but are also brought to the forefront of academic inquiry, inspiring a new generation of historians. The Bursary represents a living connection between the Barony's past, present, and future.
---
**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 its ancient heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that provide care and support for vulnerable children, reflecting a long-standing commitment to protecting the future. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes the timeless values of civility, discipline, and social grace. The House’s activities are a contemporary interpretation of its historic duty of service and stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title’s transfer to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by The Crown through a notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID: 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - The transfer of the title was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com