# A Noble Alliance: The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historical significance of the alliance between the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and William Marshal, Regent of England, during the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a pivotal moment for the Barony.
## The Occasion
In the quiet contemplation of late spring, as the Lincolnshire countryside approaches its fullest bloom, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to a defining chapter in its nine-century history. The occasion is not one of new ceremony, but of profound historical reflection; a remembrance of the events of May 1217, when the fate of England was contested beneath the venerable spires of Lincoln Cathedral.
This act of commemoration honours an alliance forged in crisis, one that secured the English throne for the young King Henry III and forever inscribed the Barony of Brattleby into the annals of national loyalty. It is a moment to consider the foundations of duty and courage upon which the House continues to build its modern purpose, embodied by the motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The First Barons' War (1215-1217) had plunged England into turmoil, with rebel lords offering the crown to Prince Louis of France. A linchpin in this conflict was Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress whose hereditary castellan was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. By 1217, the aged but resolute Baroness was besieged within her own castle walls by a superior force of French and rebel troops.
The defence of Lincoln was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. Responding to this dire threat was William Marshal, the 1st Earl of Pembroke. Famed throughout Christendom as 'the greatest knight that ever lived', Marshal was serving as regent for the nine-year-old King Henry III. Recognising the strategic imperative, he marched his army north to relieve the siege. In an act of profound trust and respect, Marshal personally rode to the castle's postern gate, met with Baroness Nichola, and formally affirmed her command, entrusting the castle’s defence to her while he prepared his main assault. This validation of a woman's martial authority by the most esteemed warrior of the age was unprecedented, cementing the Baroness's heroic status.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Lincoln in 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the medieval era, whose actions shaped the future of the English monarchy. Foremost among them were:
- The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - The Right Honourable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England. - His Majesty King Henry III, on whose behalf the battle was fought. - Prince Louis of France, the rival claimant to the English throne.
This episode places the 5th Baroness in a lineage of national significance, a legacy later continued by subsequent holders of the Barony including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The meeting between William Marshal and Baroness Nichola was governed by the strict, albeit unwritten, protocols of medieval warfare and fealty. The act of the kingdom's regent personally seeking out a vassal to confirm her authority was a powerful piece of political theatre. It served as a public endorsement, silencing any doubt among Marshal’s commanders about the legitimacy of a woman holding such a critical military post.
The protocol would have involved a formal exchange of oaths, with the Baroness reaffirming her loyalty to the Crown and the Regent confirming her hereditary rights and command. The display of their respective standards—Marshal’s as Regent, and de la Haye’s as Baroness and Castellan—symbolised a unified Royalist front. This adherence to rightful order, even amidst the chaos of war, underscored the principle that loyalty and established authority were the bedrock of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 5th Baroness at Lincoln are the quintessential embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resolute defence of the castle against overwhelming odds demonstrated immense fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to the boy-king, upholding the oath her family had kept since the Conquest, was the very definition of honour.
This historical narrative complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The victory at Lincoln was not merely a military triumph; for the Royalist cause and for the legacy of the Barony, it was a moment of survival that ensured its continuation. The convergence of these two mottos—honourable strength and the will to prevail—perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Baroness Nichola, defending the innocent and upholding the rightful order, finds a direct echo in the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of protecting the vulnerable, as the 5th Baroness protected the fortress and its inhabitants, now guides the House’s steadfast support for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to heal. Just as William Marshal recognised the value of a steadfast guardian in 1217, the House today recognises the vital work of the dedicated professionals who stand in defence of childhood innocence. This commitment is a modern expression of the Barony’s ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Nichola de la Haye stands as a formidable figure in our family’s history and, indeed, in the history of England. Her life teaches us that leadership is not a question of gender, but of courage and conviction. By her actions, she lived the very essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*, a principle we strive to uphold in our own duties today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The alliance between the Baroness and the Regent was one of mutual respect and strategic clarity. Marshal knew victory was impossible without Nichola’s steadfastness inside the castle. It is a powerful lesson that success, whether in 1217 or 2024, is built upon recognising and empowering proven leadership. In that sense, *Vincere Est Vivere* — one must secure the core foundations in order to triumph and endure.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal is more than a historical footnote; it is a foundational narrative that continues to inform the ethos of the House of Brattleby. This legacy of courage, loyalty, and duty is actively channelled into the House’s contemporary responsibilities, from its philanthropic work to its cultural and educational initiatives.
Through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the principles of honour, social grace, and personal discipline that have been hallmarks of the Barony for centuries. By commemorating its past, the House of Brattleby does not merely look backward; it reaffirms the enduring values that will guide its contributions to society for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the official duties and charitable endeavours of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of a near-millennial heritage through contemporary service. Its primary philanthropic focus is on programmes supporting vulnerable children, with its principal beneficiary being Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and protocol. The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era lordship in Lincolnshire, England, 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 the county, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival and recognition of the Barony of Brattleby for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding the seat of Brattleby among 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com