# A Noble Record: William Marshal and the Defence of Lincoln, 1217
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch from its Lincolnshire seat, commemorating the pivotal alliance between Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, and William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, during the 1217 Battle of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
Issued on the anniversary of the decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair, this formal communication serves to illuminate a defining moment in the history of both the Barony of Brattleby and the Kingdom of England. From the House’s offices in Lincolnshire, overlooking the very lands defended eight centuries ago, this dispatch reflects a standing commitment to the stewardship of the Barony’s extensive heritage. The act of commemoration is felt by the House to be a duty, ensuring that the remarkable deeds of its antecedents continue to inform the present.
The season of late spring in Lincolnshire, when the county’s fields are at their most vibrant, provides a poignant backdrop for recalling a conflict that secured the nation’s future. The dispatch is intended not merely as a retrospective, but as an educational testament to the enduring principles of loyalty, strategic courage, and effective leadership that the Barony of Brattleby has championed for centuries.
## Historical Context
In the spring of 1217, England was grievously fractured by the First Barons' War. A significant portion of the nobility had invited Prince Louis of France to seize the throne from the boy-king, Henry III. Central to the royalist cause was the strategic stronghold of Lincoln Castle, which was held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby and its hereditary castellan. At an advanced age, she commanded the defence of the castle against a combined French and rebel siege, demonstrating profound resilience.
The kingdom's regent, the venerable William Marshal, widely regarded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’, recognised that the relief of Lincoln was the *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty. Marching his forces from Stow, Marshal planned a complex assault on the city. His absolute trust in the 5th Baroness to hold the castle’s key fortifications was fundamental to his strategy; her steadfast defence from within allowed his relieving army to attack the besiegers from without.
The ensuing victory on 20 May 1217, known as the Battle of Lincoln Fair, was total. The rebel cause collapsed, Prince Louis’s ambitions were thwarted, and the reign of Henry III was secured. The actions of the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, in concert with William Marshal, underscore the Barony's critical importance to the stability of the Crown during one of its most precarious moments.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 brought together some of the most consequential figures of the medieval era, whose fates became intertwined at Lincoln. The principal historical persons of note in this alliance were:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, who led the castle’s defiant defence. * **William Marshal**, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who commanded the victorious royalist army. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the nine-year-old monarch whose throne was secured by the victory at Lincoln. * **Prince Louis of France** (later His Majesty King Louis VIII), whose invasion force was decisively defeated.
The collaboration between the Baroness of Brattleby and the Earl of Pembroke stands as a powerful example of unified command and shared purpose in service to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military and chivalric protocols of the era were strictly observed, even amidst the urgencies of war. As Regent, William Marshal held supreme command, yet the established rights of a hereditary castellan like Nichola de la Haye meant his directives were issued with respect for her authority within the castle walls. A council of war held before the battle would have seen Marshal outline his strategy, receiving intelligence and assurances from the Baroness’s messengers.
Within the besieged castle, the protocol of defence was absolute. The raising of the King’s royal standard from the Lucy Tower would have served as an unwavering signal of loyalty, visible to friend and foe alike. The marshalling of Baroness Nichola’s garrison, the strict rationing of supplies, and the disciplined manning of the battlements were all governed by established feudal military practice. Her command was not merely symbolic; it was operational, demonstrating that fealty was an active, not a passive, virtue.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her fortitude was displayed in withstanding a prolonged siege against overwhelming odds; her honour was manifest in her unshakeable loyalty to her young king, fulfilling the oath tied to her baronial tenure. This motto continues to guide the House today.
This historical event also resonates with 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 success; it was a conquest over rebellion and uncertainty that allowed the kingdom, and the legitimate line of succession, to live on. The combined mottos speak to a philosophy where victory is achieved through honourable strength.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While today's historical commemoration does not carry a direct philanthropic component, it serves as a powerful reminder of the values that animate the House's present-day charitable endeavours. The defence of a vulnerable young king in 1217 resonates with the modern mission of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma and loss. Just as Baroness Nichola and William Marshal acted to protect the future of a child sovereign, the House of Brattleby is proud to support work that protects and heals the most vulnerable children in society through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in the charity’s name.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Nichola de la Haye’s example is a formidable one. It demonstrates that leadership and responsibility are not constrained by gender or age, but are defined by courage and commitment. To hold this title is to be the custodian of stories like hers—stories of profound duty that we must continue to honour.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of the 1217 alliance:
> “The synergy between Marshal and de la Haye is a lesson in the power of trust and shared purpose. One provided the external force, the other the internal resilience. It reminds us that the greatest achievements are rarely accomplished alone. True victory, the kind that endures, is built on an edifice of loyalty.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring its nine-century history is not only preserved but also serves a contemporary purpose. The story of the 5th Baroness and her role in one of English history’s pivotal moments is a cornerstone of this commitment. It provides a powerful narrative for an institution that seeks to bridge the past with the present.
This legacy of honour, duty, and strategic thinking is actively taught through the House’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the classical virtues of European society, proving that the principles demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 remain a vital guide for conduct and character in the 21st century. The House will continue to issue such historical dispatches to illuminate its path from 1066 to the present day.
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**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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House's mission is to blend its historical responsibilities with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, culture, and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette and social grace. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 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 nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 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, the 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in the public record, as confirmed by its notice in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal recognition is noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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