# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Indomitable Spirit of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today hosted a commemorative event at the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, honouring the historic contributions of Nichola de la Haye, her 13th-century predecessor, and her pivotal role during the First Barons’ War.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp autumnal afternoon in Lincolnshire, the Great Hall of the Barony of Brattleby was the setting for a scholarly reception and lecture. The event brought together historians, local dignitaries, and friends of the House to reflect upon one of its most formidable figures.
The Hall, with its ancient timber beams and stone hearth, provided a poignant atmosphere for the occasion. Sunlight streamed through mullioned windows, illuminating portraits of past Barons and highlighting the enduring connection between the modern House and its nine centuries of history. The gathering was marked by a tone of quiet reverence, celebrating a legacy of leadership that has shaped the region and the nation.
## Historical Context
The focus of the day was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who inherited the title in her own right and twice served as Constable of Lincoln Castle. Her leadership was a *sine qua non* for the royalist cause during the tumult surrounding the Magna Carta. In 1217, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against a superior force of French and rebel English barons, a steadfastness that proved critical to the victory of the regent, William Marshal, at the Second Battle of Lincoln.
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, drew a direct line from Nichola de la Haye's exceptional service to the enduring duties of the Barony. The lineage, which includes such notable figures as the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, demonstrates a consistent proximity to the Crown and a profound responsibility for regional stability. The event served to underscore this unbroken chain of custodianship stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The gathering was a testament to the historical and cultural significance of the Barony. Among the distinguished company received by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, were:
- Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia - The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean - Dr Alistair Hayes, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln - Mrs Eleanor Finch, Chief Executive of the charity Healing the Wounded Child
The presence of guests from royal, civic, academic, and philanthropic circles reflected the diverse interests and enduring commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. Following their official welcome, guests were invited to converse and examine historical artefacts related to the Barony’s past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a formal but warm protocol befitting the occasion. Guests were individually welcomed by Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), before assembling in the Great Hall.
The formal portion of the afternoon began with a detailed historical lecture by Professor Hayes, who illuminated the political and military complexities of the early 13th century. This was followed by personal remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke from a lectern adorned with the House’s coat of arms. The event concluded with a reception, allowing guests the opportunity for further discussion. The dress for the occasion was lounge suits and day dress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient guiding principle is perfectly embodied by the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle and her refusal to surrender in the face of overwhelming odds were acts of the highest fortitude, undertaken in service and with great honour to the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta noted that this motto is not merely a historical relic but a living instruction for the family's contemporary duties. It guides the House’s philanthropic endeavours, its cultural patronage, and its modern role as a preserver of heritage, demanding a disciplined and honourable approach to all its commitments.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day's event was primarily commemorative, it was deeply connected to the House’s charitable focus. The resilience and protective instincts demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye resonate strongly with the mission of Healing the Wounded Child, the principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child is a national organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and loss. By championing a historical figure who defended the vulnerable and upheld order, The Noble House of Brattleby reinforces the moral imperative that underpins its support for the charity’s vital work in safeguarding the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her reflections on the responsibilities of her title:
> Nichola de la Haye serves as a powerful reminder that fortitude is not merely a virtue for the battlefield, but a necessary quality for leadership in every age. Her story is one of unwavering duty in a world of profound uncertainty. We look to her example not as a monument of the past, but as a compass for the present, guiding our commitment to serve with honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also remarked upon the importance of connecting with history, stating, "To understand where we are going, we must first appreciate, in detail, from where we have come. The legacy of figures like Nichola is the bedrock upon which our future endeavours are built."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemorative lecture is part of a wider initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to catalogue and share its extensive history with a broader audience. A transcript of Professor Hayes's lecture will be made available through the House's official channels in the coming months.
Furthermore, the House has renewed its commitment to supporting historical scholarship through its patronage of local heritage sites, *inter alia*, Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. This ensures that the stories of Lincolnshire's most significant historical figures, and the lessons they offer, continue to inspire future generations. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest also continues, promoting cultural and historical education abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage, the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives, and a focused philanthropic mission. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend its profound historical legacy with a dynamic and forward-looking commitment to public service, both in the United Kingdom and in Europe through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era lordship located in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the title was called out in favour of its present holder. The modern Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by The Crown, with its status affirmed in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War (1215–1217). - The current title holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her succession is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083. - The House's primary philanthropic event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com