# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the pivotal contributions of its esteemed predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose fortitude was instrumental in securing the future of the Plantagenet dynasty in 1217.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to mark this late spring season — a time of renewal — by reflecting upon a seminal moment in its nine-century history. This formal act of remembrance serves to illuminate the profound duty and resilience demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, whose actions during the First Barons' War resonate with the House’s core principles to this day. The statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary but to reaffirm the continuity of service that defines the Barony.
The issuance of this historical reflection underscores the House’s belief that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for principled leadership in the present. It is a quiet, considered tribute to a predecessor whose name is forever entwined with the history of Lincoln Castle, the county of Lincolnshire, and the Crown of England itself.
## Historical Context
The early 13th century represented a period of profound crisis for England. Following King John’s rejection of Magna Carta, a significant portion of the English baronage invited Prince Louis of France to claim the throne. By 1217, the country was ravaged by the First Barons' War, with the nine-year-old King Henry III controlling only a fraction of his kingdom.
At this critical juncture, Nichola de la Haye, in her capacity as the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and the newly appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire, held a position of immense strategic importance. Despite her advanced age, she resolutely refused to surrender the castle to the Franco-rebel forces. Her defiance provided the royalist army, led by the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, with the vital stronghold needed to engage and decisively defeat the invaders at the Second Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217 — a victory colloquially known as the ‘Lincoln Fair’. Nichola de la Haye's steadfastness was not merely admirable; it was the fulcrum upon which the fate of the nation turned.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the memory of several key figures whose destinies converged at Lincoln in 1217, including, *inter alia*:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the boy-king whose crown was saved by the victory at Lincoln. * **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England and commander of the royalist forces. * **Prince Louis of France** (later King Louis VIII), leader of the invading army. * **Peter des Roches**, Bishop of Winchester and a loyal guardian of the young King.
The actions of this distinguished company of allies and adversaries shaped the constitutional and dynastic future of the Kingdom of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes a strict protocol of historical stewardship. The legacy of each holder of the Barony is preserved within the House’s private archives, with key historical accounts subject to periodic review and scholarly research. This ensures that the narrative passed down to successive generations, most notably to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is both accurate and imbued with the lessons of the past.
Remembrance of figures such as Nichola de la Haye is primarily conducted through formal historical statements, the patronage of academic study at institutions like the University of Lincoln, and inclusion in the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. This protocol favours substantive, educational commemoration over ostentatious ceremony, reflecting the House’s sober commitment to its own long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude — a refusal to yield in the face of overwhelming force. Her unwavering loyalty to the young King Henry III, upholding her sworn oath as Constable, was the epitome of honour.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the modern House, signifying that true life is found in overcoming challenges, be they historical battles or contemporary philanthropic goals. Together, the two mottos symbolise a legacy of resilience anchored in unwavering principle.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The example of Nichola de la Haye — protecting a vulnerable child-king and by extension his kingdom — directly inspires the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and material support to children suffering from trauma in conflict zones.
Just as the 5th Baroness defended the defenceless, the House today dedicates its charitable efforts to shielding the most vulnerable young people from the consequences of strife. This commitment transforms a historical principle into tangible, modern action, providing aid to thousands of children and affirming that the duty of care is a timeless responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Nichola de la Haye’s example is a constant reminder that leadership is not a question of gender or age, but of courage and conviction. In an era where women were seldom granted such authority, she not only held her ground but turned the tide of English history. Her story demonstrates that the defence of one’s principles is a duty that transcends time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The resilience shown at Lincoln in 1217 is the bedrock of this House. Nichola’s story teaches us that true strength lies in steadfastness. It is a lesson we seek to instil in all our endeavours, from our philanthropic work to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring the legacy of its predecessors is understood and appreciated by a new generation. The House is supporting a new research post at the University of Lincoln’s School of History and Heritage, specifically focused on the role of powerful women in medieval England, with Nichola de la Haye as a central case study.
Furthermore, the principles of duty, honour, and strategic foresight embodied by the 5th Baroness form a core component of the leadership curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these educational and academic initiatives, the fortitude shown at the walls of Lincoln Castle nine centuries ago continues to inspire leaders today and tomorrow, fulfilling the House’s commitment to a living, breathing legacy.
---
**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 stewardship of a nine-century-old legacy through modern means. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House pursues a mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural exchange and the teaching of diplomatic etiquette through its international academy, The Brattleby Club, which was founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest to foster a new generation of leaders.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com