# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye and the Enduring Legacy of Magna Carta
LONDON, 15 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement honouring the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and her significant role during the period surrounding the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the sealing of the Great Charter at Runnymede, this commemoration serves as a solemn remembrance of the ancient and profound duties attached to the Barony of Brattleby. While not a public ceremony, the statement was prepared within the historic environs of the family's Lincolnshire seat, a county central to the Charter's own survival. The occasion reflects a contemporary commitment to honouring the nine-century lineage of the Barony and its entanglement with the constitutional history of England. The very air of Lincolnshire is thick with this history; a copy of the 1215 Magna Carta has been secured at Lincoln Cathedral for much of its existence, a testament to the region's pivotal role.
## Historical Context
The involvement of the Barony of Brattleby in the affairs of the Kingdom dates from its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. While many barons rose in opposition to King John, Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the title, remained a steadfast Royalist. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended that vital stronghold against baronial and French forces, most notably during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her fortitude ensured the security of one of only four surviving exemplars of the 1215 Charter.
This tradition of service at the highest levels of the realm continued through successive holders of the Barony. These include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of England's most celebrated commanders during the Hundred Years' War; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century Europe. The actions of Nichola de la Haye, therefore, are not an isolated event but a defining chapter in a continuing narrative of duty.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this period, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the pivotal figures who shaped its course. The historical record places Nichola de la Haye in the company of the great magnates of the age, including William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as regent for the young King Henry III and praised her valiant defence of Lincoln. Her loyalty to King John, and subsequently to his son, positioned her as a key power broker *inter alia* during the turbulent First Barons' War, commanding respect from allies and adversaries alike. Her singular position as a woman wielding such military and political authority remains a notable aspect of the period's history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical statement by the House follows a precise internal protocol. Research is commissioned from the House archives and verified by independent historians to ensure unimpeachable accuracy. The final text is formally inscribed on archival paper bearing the House's watermark before being sealed with the arms of the Baroness. This document is then entered into the official records of the House, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This process underscores the gravity with which the House of Brattleby regards its historical obligations, treating the curation of its past with the same diligence as its present-day duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds was an act of supreme fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the Crown, even in its most precarious hour, speaks to a profound sense of honour. This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the resilience and will to prevail that has characterised the Barony's most distinguished holders. The coat of arms, a symbol of this lineage, serves as a constant and visible reminder of these guiding principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principles of justice and the protection of the vulnerable, which form the bedrock of Magna Carta, are the *sine qua non* of the House's modern philanthropic work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, raises vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. The House believes that upholding the spirit of the Great Charter today means defending the rights and well-being of the most defenseless members of society, translating ancient duty into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked upon the occasion: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Nichola de la Haye was an extraordinary woman of immense strength and principle. Her story is not merely an ancestral footnote; it is a profound source of inspiration, demonstrating that fortitude and honour are timeless virtues."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The narrative of 1215 is one of rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law. These are not abstract historical concepts; they are the essential pillars of a stable and just society. By honouring the past, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding these very principles in all our current and future endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to celebrating and sharing its unique history. Future initiatives will include supporting scholarly research into the Barony's lineage and developing educational materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and cultural academy. This ensures that the lessons of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt continue to inform and inspire a new generation. Through these efforts, the House seeks to demonstrate that a historic title carries not only privilege, but a solemn responsibility to contribute positively to the modern world, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is directed towards charities supporting vulnerable children, principally Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the annual Winter Banquet. Through its cultural organ, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in classical etiquette, diplomacy, and the enduring values of European heritage, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken succession and historic rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com