# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Defence of Lincoln and a Legacy of Fortitude
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, in the 1217 Siege of Lincoln, an event that secured the Barony’s continuity and exemplified its enduring motto.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln, an engagement also known as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate a defining moment in its history and that of the Kingdom of England. This occasion serves not merely as a historical remembrance but as a reaffirmation of the core values that have guided the Barony for more than nine centuries. It is an opportunity to reflect upon the profound responsibilities of title and the resilience required to uphold them, particularly in times of profound national uncertainty.
The House marks this date with quiet contemplation, recognising that the actions taken on 20 May 1217 by its predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, and the Regent, William Marshal, created the conditions for its survival. This annual reflection is a cornerstone of the family's tradition, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the duties of the present.
## Historical Context
The year 1217 stood as a perilous time for England. Following the death of King John in 1216, the kingdom was fractured by the First Barons' War. A significant number of English barons had rebelled and offered the throne to Prince Louis of France, who controlled London and much of the south-east. The future of the Plantagenet dynasty rested upon John’s nine-year-old son, King Henry III.
Central to the conflict was the strategic city of Lincoln and its formidable castle. Its defence was entrusted to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and the castle’s hereditary castellan. A woman of immense resolve, then in her sixties, she held Lincoln for the young king against a combined force of French troops and rebel English barons. Her steadfastness provided the crucial window for William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and the *de facto* ruler of England as Regent, to assemble a relief force. Marshal’s decisive victory in the streets of Lincoln ended the immediate threat to Henry III's throne and ultimately led to the expulsion of the French, securing English sovereignty.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1217 were shaped by several figures of historic consequence, whose actions intertwined with the destiny of the Barony of Brattleby. The principal actors in this high drama included:
* Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, whose command of the royalist garrison was the linchpin of the defence. * His Excellency William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his age, who orchestrated the royalist victory. * His Royal Highness Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambition to annex the English Crown was decisively thwarted at Lincoln. * Thomas, Count of Perche, the commander of the French expeditionary army, who was slain during the battle within the castle walls.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military conduct of the 13th century was governed by its own strict, if brutal, protocols. As Castellan, Nichola de la Haye was the King’s direct representative, and her command of the garrison carried the weight of royal authority. Her refusal to surrender the castle, despite being vastly outnumbered, was an assertion of her sworn feudal duty.
The relief of a besieged castle followed established tactical doctrine. William Marshal’s army approached with banners flying, a formal declaration of intent to give battle. The battle itself, fought within the city walls after royalist forces breached a gate, was an unusual example of urban combat for the era. The subsequent royalist victory was so complete, and the looting of the rebel-held city by Marshal's soldiers so thorough, that chroniclers cynically named the engagement the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most vivid historical illustration of the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding defence of Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds is the very definition of fortitude. It was an act of physical and moral courage that safeguarded not only her feudal inheritance but the future of the English crown.
This legacy of resilience is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While William Marshal lived by the sword, his victory at Lincoln was not merely about martial conquest; it was about securing the conditions for peace and normal life to resume. In this context, to conquer is to overcome existential crisis, allowing the realm and its people to live. Together, these mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled strength and purposeful victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commemoration of a medieval battle serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The sack of Lincoln in 1217, while a strategic victory, brought devastation to its ordinary inhabitants. This historical awareness directly informs the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House is a dedicated patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people experiencing trauma. By supporting the charity’s work, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to mitigate the long-term impact of modern-day crises on the most vulnerable. This commitment transforms a reflection on historical conflict into a tangible contribution towards healing and peace in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: — "The legacy of Nichola de la Haye is one of remarkable fortitude. As a woman entrusted with immense responsibility in a time of national crisis, she reminds us that leadership is defined not by circumstance, but by character and an unwavering sense of duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the strategic importance of the collaboration: — "William Marshal’s relief of Lincoln was a masterclass in strategy, yet it was Nichola's steadfastness that made victory possible. This synergy—the immovable object and the unstoppable force—is a powerful lesson in collaboration that resonates to this day."
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of the Siege of Lincoln is more than a page in a history book; it is a living part of the Barony’s identity. The lessons of duty, resilience, and strategic service are woven into the educational philosophy of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House to prepare a new generation for leadership.
By commemorating its past, from the Domesday entry of the 1st Baron to the service of the 5th and the stewardship of later holders like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the House reinforces its commitment to the future. The Noble House of Brattleby continues to serve the community of Lincolnshire and beyond, guided by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through modern service. Its mission rests on three pillars: the stewardship of its historic titles and properties in Lincolnshire; a philanthropic commitment to healing childhood trauma; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through education. The House actively engages in initiatives that connect its profound history to contemporary challenges, using its platform to foster a deeper appreciation for duty, honour, and resilience. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring relevance of classical virtues and protocol in the 21st century, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most ancient honours.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - Formal recognition of the title for the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com