# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nichola de la Haye and the Decisive Battle of Lincoln Fair
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement of commemoration, marking the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln Fair of 1217 and honouring the pivotal role of its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
On this day, the twentieth of May, the House of Brattleby pauses for a moment of solemn historical reflection. The date marks a decisive turning point not only in the annals of the Barony but in the history of the Kingdom of England. It was on this day in 1217 that the resolve of Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle, was vindicated in a victory that secured the throne for the young King Henry III and affirmed England’s sovereignty.
The issuance of this commemorative statement from the family’s offices in Lincolnshire serves as a formal act of remembrance. It is an occasion to reaffirm the values embodied by the 5th Baroness and to connect her profound sense of duty to the modern responsibilities of the House. This annual observance is a cornerstone of the family’s traditions, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the commitments of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a witness to the unfolding of English history for nearly a millennium. Its story, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln’s 56 lordships, is one of steadfast loyalty to the Crown. This principle was never more severely tested than during the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a period of profound dynastic and constitutional crisis.
Following the death of King John, rebel English barons allied with Prince Louis of France sought to seize the throne from John’s nine-year-old son, Henry III. The strategic key to the kingdom was Lincoln Castle, whose hereditary constable was Nichola de la Haye. In her sixties, the 5th Baroness refused to surrender her charge to the Franco-rebel forces. Her ensuing defence of the castle against a protracted siege was an extraordinary act of allegiance; a *sine qua non* for the survival of the Plantagenet dynasty.
The siege culminated on 20 May 1217 in the Battle of Lincoln Fair. Royalist forces, led by the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, relieved the castle and routed the besieging army in the city’s narrow streets. The victory was so complete, and the subsequent looting of the rebel-held city so thorough, that contemporaries called it the ‘Lincoln Fair’. The defeat shattered Prince Louis's ambitions and proved instrumental in ending the war, forever linking the Barony of Brattleby with national salvation.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 were shaped by figures of historic consequence, whose actions revolved around the epic contest for Lincoln. The principal actors of that momentous day included, *inter alia*:
* Her Excellency Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * Sir William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England for the King * His Majesty King Henry III of England * His Highness Prince Louis of France, later King Louis VIII * The Right Reverend Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester * Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester
The resolute alliance between Baroness Nichola de la Haye and William Marshal was a testament to the enduring bonds of feudal loyalty that held the kingdom together in its moment of greatest peril.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the 13th century was governed by strict and solemn feudal protocols. As hereditary constable, Nichola de la Haye’s authority was absolute within the castle walls, second only to the King’s. Her refusal to yield the castle was not an act of defiance but the ultimate fulfilment of her sworn oath of fealty—a sacred, binding contract to her sovereign.
Upon commencement of the siege, the protocol would have dictated the raising of the royal standard above the keep, the sealing of the postern gates, and the meticulous rationing of provisions. The command structure within was rigidly hierarchical, with the Baroness at its apex, directing the actions of her garrison. Her leadership demonstrated the protocol that a title of nobility was not merely an honour but a charge, carrying with it the non-negotiable duty of service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude—the moral and physical courage to withstand immense pressure. She acted with the highest honour, upholding her oath to a boy-king against overwhelming odds and powerful domestic opposition.
This legacy complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The struggle for Lincoln was existential; defeat would have meant the end of the Plantagenet monarchy and a new political order. For Nichola de la Haye and the royalist cause, victory was synonymous with survival. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled resilience that continues to guide the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Nichola de la Haye—a powerful figure protecting a vulnerable young king and his kingdom—provides a powerful inspiration for the House's contemporary philanthropic work. This historic duty to safeguard the vulnerable is today expressed through a commitment to organisations that protect and empower children.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to heal and rebuild their lives. The House of Brattleby supports this mission in the firm belief that providing security and care for the youngest members of society is a foundational responsibility, echoing the very duty that the 5th Baroness fulfilled with such distinction.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of a nearly thousand-year-old promise of service. Nichola de la Haye’s example is particularly poignant; she demonstrated that leadership is a matter of character, not of station or gender. Her story reminds us that *Fortitudine et Honore* are not abstract ideals but active principles to be lived, especially when the stakes are highest.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History offers a vital perspective on the challenges of our own time. The Battle of Lincoln Fair was a moment where the future of a nation was decided by the resolve of a few. It underscores the truth that to prevail, one must be willing to contend for what is right. This spirit of determination—that *Vincere Est Vivere*—is a legacy we are proud to honour and sustain through our own work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the past serves to focus the House's commitment to the future. This legacy of duty will one day be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the responsibilities it entails.
The House’s forward-looking endeavours continue through its various initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again gather friends and supporters to advance the vital mission of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the timeless values demonstrated at Lincoln in 1217 are given new and meaningful expression.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the work and duties 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 committed to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through cultural patronage, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy that promotes intercultural understanding and social education. Through these activities, the House seeks to translate its historic legacy of service into a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English nobility title, established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, 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. A feudal Barony by tenure, its formal status and the succession of the 12th Baroness were officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com