# A Legacy Forged in Loyalty: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal tribute commemorating the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This announcement highlights her pivotal role in securing the Barony’s prominence during a formative medieval period.
## The Occasion
In a season of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to recognise and celebrate one of its most distinguished predecessors. This formal commemoration serves to illuminate a crucial chapter in the Barony’s nine-century history, focusing on the leadership of the de la Haye family during the 12th and early 13th centuries.
The act of remembrance is centred spiritually at the Barony’s ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a landscape that has borne witness to the lineage’s triumphs and trials since the Norman Conquest. The occasion reaffirms the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and its duty to honour those who shaped its destiny.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in the county. While this established its ancient foundation, it was the tenure of the de la Haye family that cemented its strategic importance. Through shrewd administration and unwavering loyalty to the Crown, they elevated the Barony to a position of significant influence.
This legacy culminated in the formidable figure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Inheriting the title in a period of great national turmoil, she twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her most celebrated act was the steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 during the First Barons' War, holding it for the young King Henry III against rebel barons and their French allies. Her resolve ensured that the Barony, and indeed the wider region, remained loyal to the Plantagenet cause. This echoes the vital contributions of later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record of the period places Lady Nichola and the de la Haye family in the company of several of the most influential figures of the age. Their duties and allegiances were sworn directly to the Crown, bringing them into the orbit of, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King John of England - His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, later His Majesty King Louis VIII - The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England
The interactions with these personages underscore the Barony’s central role in the high politics and military conflicts that defined early 13th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
This commemoration is a formal act of historical observance, entered into the official archives of The Noble House of Brattleby. It follows the House’s established protocol for honouring significant anniversaries and ancestral legacies. While no public ceremony is held, the tribute is marked by this official issuance and the commissioning of new research into the de la Haye tenure.
This process ensures that the contributions of past Barons are not merely remembered but are actively studied and integrated into the continuing narrative of the House. It is an act of due diligence and reverence, conducted with the precision befitting the Barony’s long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the definitive embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her defence of Lincoln Castle in the face of overwhelming odds was an act of supreme fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her sovereign was the very essence of honour in the medieval code.
This guiding principle complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Where one signifies the will to prevail, the other speaks to the strength and integrity with which one must act. Together, they form a complete philosophy of noble conduct, rooted in the Barony’s past and enacted in its present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The values of duty, resilience, and the protection of one’s domain, so powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, continue to animate the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical ethos finds its contemporary expression in the House’s philanthropic commitments.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the centrepiece of these efforts. Its current beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, is dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is a direct reflection of the ancient duty to protect the vulnerable—a principle that has been a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s charge for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable figure not only in the history of our family but in the annals of England. Her fortitude reminds us that stewardship is not a passive title, but an active, often demanding, duty. We have a responsibility to honour such legacies."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The story of the de la Hayes is a lesson in strategic vision and unwavering loyalty. They understood that influence was built over generations. Their legacy, particularly Nichola's defence of Lincoln, is a *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony's resilience through the centuries."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing stewardship of its unique heritage. This commemoration marks the beginning of a renewed focus on the Barony's medieval history, with plans for scholarly publications to further illuminate this period for a wider audience.
Furthermore, the values exemplified by Nichola de la Haye are promoted through the House’s modern initiatives. The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest, seeks to instil the principles of honour, poise, and social responsibility in a new generation, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its mission balances the preservation of English history with a distinct Continental perspective, focusing on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate its historical values into meaningful contemporary action, promoting honour and social responsibility for the 21st century.
**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 existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The transfer of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com