# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Barony of Brattleby and the 1217 Siege of Lincoln
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the Second Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of their ancestor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in defending Lincoln Castle in AD 1217.
## The Occasion
On the 807th anniversary of the decisive battle fought on 20 May 1217, the House of Brattleby paused to commemorate a defining moment in its nine-century history. The setting for this reflection is Lincoln itself, where the formidable stone keep of the Castle still dominates the skyline. On a bright spring morning, much like the one that witnessed the clash of arms, the ancient walls stand as a silent testament to the strategic importance of the city and the courage of its defenders.
The Second Battle of Lincoln, also known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’, was a turning point in the First Barons’ War. The air of peaceful commerce that now fills the city’s Cathedral Quarter belies the memory of the fierce street fighting that once decided the fate of the English Crown, a destiny in which the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably involved.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history since its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086. On that occasion, the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as the holder of 56 lordships. By the early 13th century, this legacy of regional power and royal service fell to one of its most remarkable holders: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron.
In 1217, England was grievously divided. Following the death of King John, his nine-year-old son, Henry III, faced a formidable challenge from the French Prince Louis, who, with the support of rebel English barons, controlled London and much of the southeast. Lincoln Castle, held by the staunchly loyalist Nichola de la Haye in her capacity as hereditary castellan, became a strategic *sine qua non* for control of the north. Her refusal to surrender to the besieging Franco-baronial forces was an act of profound personal and political courage, directly protecting her young King and her family’s ancestral interests in Lincolnshire.
This tradition of service at the highest levels would continue through subsequent barons, including Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. Nichola de la Haye’s stand, however, remains a singular example of leadership under duress.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the age in a contest for the kingdom:
* His Majesty King Henry III of England, the boy-king whose throne was in peril. * His Highness Prince Louis of France, the Capetian contender for the English Crown, later His Majesty King Louis VIII. * The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England and commander of the royalist army. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle. * The Count of Perche, Thomas, commander of the French forces at Lincoln, who fell in the battle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a major royal castle followed a strict and unforgiving protocol. As castellan, Nichola de la Haye was responsible for ensuring the garrison was provisioned, the walls were defensible, and the Royal Standard flew defiantly from the keep. Her command was absolute within the castle precincts.
The relief of the siege by William Marshal on 20 May 1217 was a masterpiece of medieval tactics. While one contingent of the royalist army mounted a diversionary attack at the northern gate of the city, Marshal’s main force exploited a disused Roman entrance to the castle itself. Once inside, they threw open the castle’s east gate, allowing the full weight of the loyalist cavalry to charge down the hill and into the unprepared French and rebel forces, trapping them in the narrow streets between the Castle and the Cathedral.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baron resonate powerfully with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure expression of this principle; she demonstrated immense fortitude in the face of a superior enemy and upheld her honour through unwavering loyalty to her sovereign.
This ancient creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies the imperative to overcome challenges and to thrive through resilience and purpose—a spirit embodied by Nichola’s victory, which secured not only her life and lands but the very survival of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the vulnerable, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s protection of the young King Henry III, continues to inform the philanthropic ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby today. This historical duty finds its modern expression in the House’s steadfast support for charities dedicated to the welfare of children.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation committed to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for young people affected by trauma. The House views this work as a direct continuation of its foundational duty: to use its position and resources to protect and nurture the next generation, ensuring they have the fortitude to overcome their own adversities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye stands as a towering figure, not merely in our family’s history, but in the history of this nation. At a time when women with her authority were exceedingly rare, she demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not gender. Her story is a perpetual reminder that duty requires both courage and conviction, often against overwhelming odds.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of the event: > “The story of the 1217 siege is a lesson in strategy, loyalty, and the impact one individual can have on the course of history. It teaches us that to prevail—*vincere*—is not simply to win a battle, but to secure a future. It is our responsibility to carry these lessons forward, applying that same spirit to the challenges of our own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and promoting its unique historical narrative. This heritage is not a static relic but a living tradition that informs the House’s contemporary mission, *inter alia*, in its educational and cultural endeavours.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the values of honour, discipline, and social grace that have been its hallmark for centuries. By actively commemorating pivotal moments like the Siege of Lincoln, the House ensures that the lessons of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to inspire and instruct future generations.
---
**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 champions a modern mission rooted in its nine-century history. The House is dedicated to philanthropic service, with a particular focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, such as its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural and educational initiatives, including the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of duty, honour, and cultural diplomacy. Its dual English and Romanian heritage provides a unique platform for fostering international understanding, guided by its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony 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. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by some of England's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The historicity of the title and its descent to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s ancient rights and descent were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com