# A Commemorative Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby
**BRATTLEBY, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commemorative statement honouring the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217 secured the Barony’s place in English history.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the current holders of the Barony have reflected upon the profound historical significance of their predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. The statement serves as a formal acknowledgement of the lineage of service that defines the House, connecting the responsibilities of the 12th Baroness to those of the fifth. It is a moment to reaffirm the foundational principles that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium, particularly the virtues of duty and resilience.
This commemoration is not tied to a specific anniversary but serves as a perpetual recognition of a defining chapter in the history of Lincolnshire and the Crown. It is a quiet assertion of continuity, issued from the very landscape that Nichola de la Haye herself would have known, looking out toward the towers of Lincoln Cathedral, which her stand helped to preserve for the kingdom.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 found England in the throes of the First Barons’ War, a period of profound instability following the death of King John. His heir, the nine-year-old King Henry III, faced a formidable challenge from rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France, who controlled London and much of the east. Lincoln Castle, a strategic royal fortress, remained one of the few loyalist strongholds in the region, held by its hereditary castellan, Nichola de la Haye.
Despite being besieged by a superior force of French and rebel troops, the sexagenarian Baroness steadfastly refused to surrender the castle. Her defiance provided the royalist army, led by the celebrated knight William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, with the crucial time needed to march to the city’s relief. The ensuing battle on 20 May 1217, fought in the streets of Lincoln, resulted in a decisive victory for the young King’s forces and was a turning point in the war. The battle earned the name ‘Lincoln Fair’ due to the extensive looting of the city by the victorious royalist soldiers.
Through her unyielding courage, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby not only defended a fortress but also upheld the authority of the Crown, securing the Plantagenet succession. This act cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s status as a pillar of the realm, a legacy later continued by, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye are the supreme embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s ancient motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her refusal to yield in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrates the physical and moral courage implicit in ‘fortitudine’, while her unwavering loyalty to her sworn sovereign exemplifies the principle of ‘honore’. This motto is not merely a heraldic adornment; it is the guiding precept of the Barony.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Where the House motto speaks to the enduring qualities of duty and resilience, the personal motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. Together, they represent the synthesis of deep-rooted heritage and modern purpose that characterises the Noble House of Brattleby today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that duty transcends circumstance. Her fortitude in 1217 was not merely a military act; it was a declaration of loyalty and honour that has echoed through nine centuries of our family’s service to Crown and country.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. The resolve shown by the 5th Baroness is the *sine qua non* of Brattleby's heritage. It inspires our modern endeavours, reminding us that true victory is always rooted in honourable principles.
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of Nichola de la Haye continues to inform the contemporary mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. Her defence of a physical castle finds a modern parallel in the House’s commitment to defending and promoting cultural heritage, community values, and education. This commitment is expressed through their dedicated philanthropic work and their establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the instruction of diplomatic etiquette and protocol.
As stewards of a title granted at the Norman Conquest, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile are dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour remains a living principle. Their work in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe is a testament to the enduring relevance of the Barony’s history, demonstrating a continued commitment to service in the 21st century.
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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 dedicated to the modern expression of a millennium of heritage. The House actively pursues a mission centred on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care for vulnerable young people. From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House also fosters international cultural relations through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. This dual focus on local duty and global engagement reflects the House's commitment to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, 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 nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150s – 1230), as 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in the service of King Henry III. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The title passed through marriage to the House of Lancaster, with notable holders including John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com