# A Baroness in Command: The House of Brattleby Archives Illuminate the Historic Appointment of Nichola de la Haye
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical brief from its archives, illuminating the context surrounding the 1216 appointment of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, as the first female High Sheriff of Lincolnshire during a time of national crisis.
## The Occasion
From the muniment room at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this dispatch emerges not from a public ceremony but from the quiet and meticulous work of historical preservation. The publication represents the culmination of months of archival research, undertaken amidst the hushed atmosphere of a library housing documents that trace an unbroken line of stewardship back to the Norman Conquest.
The study draws upon vellum charters, Pipe Rolls, and private correspondence, some still bearing the faded wax seals of medieval England. This scholarly endeavour, conducted under the personal supervision of the current Lord and Baroness, is intended to share the profound heritage of the Barony with a wider audience, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history.
## Historical Context
The appointment of a woman to the shrievalty—the office of High Sheriff—was an exceptionally rare event in the 13th century, a measure of last resort for the Crown. The brief situates the appointment of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, squarely within the turmoil of the First Barons' War (1215–1217), a civil war that pitted King John against a powerful faction of his nobles.
As a hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola’s loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* for royal authority in the region. Her steadfast defence of the castle against rebel and French forces was a testament to her administrative and military prowess. This act of fealty by a predecessor of the House of Brattleby was pivotal, securing a strategic stronghold for the royalist cause and demonstrating the Barony's enduring importance to the stability of the realm, a legacy first established by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in the county by William the Conqueror as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The research and verification for this historical brief were conducted with the valued counsel of several distinguished authorities in the field of medieval studies. The Noble House of Brattleby gratefully acknowledges the contributions of, *inter alia*:
* The Regius Professor of History at the University of Oxford * A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London * The Keeper of Western Manuscripts at the British Library * A Senior Lecturer in Palaeography at the University of Cambridge
Their expertise was instrumental in cross-referencing the Brattleby archives with national records held at Kew, ensuring the highest standard of academic rigour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing access to and publication from the House of Brattleby’s private archives is one of careful conservation. Documents are handled only in a climate-controlled environment, with archivists employing traditional methods of manuscript preservation. Each folio consulted for this brief was subject to a formal process of scholarly review before its contents were approved for inclusion.
This disciplined approach reflects the same sense of order and duty that would have defined the formal investiture of a High Sheriff in the 13th century. The appointment, made by Royal Writ, conferred upon the holder immense judicial and administrative power, a responsibility the 5th Baroness accepted with the gravity appropriate to the office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye in 1216 serve as a powerful historical embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her resilience in the face of a siege represents a literal interpretation of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to her sovereign is a defining example of honour.
This guiding principle continues to inform the House’s mission. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the proactive and determined spirit required to ensure such a legacy not only survives but thrives in the modern era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this publication is primarily educational, it is guided by the same spirit of public service that animates the House’s philanthropic activities. The proceeds from subscribed copies of the full historical monograph, to be released next year, will be directed to the House's principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding specialist care programmes, the House helps the charity give vulnerable young people the fortitude to overcome adversity and build lives of dignity and honour—a modern-day reflection of the House’s own foundational values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> One feels a profound connection to history when holding a document that a figure like Nichola de la Haye may have touched. Her story is not simply one of gender; it is a lesson in leadership and the resolute performance of one’s duty, whatever the circumstances. It is our responsibility to ensure such legacies are not forgotten. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History is not a static record; it is a living manual of conduct and courage. The Barony has been a feature of the English landscape for nearly a millennium, and understanding the challenges overcome by those like the 5th Baroness—and indeed, later by John of Gaunt—strengthens our own resolve to serve with purpose today. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical brief is the first in a planned series of publications that will explore the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby and its incumbents. Future dispatches will examine the tenure of notable figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
These efforts run parallel to the House's ongoing cultural and educational work, including the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and a forthcoming series of lectures in London and Lincoln. Through these initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to make its nine-century heritage a source of inspiration and learning for future generations, ensuring the thread of duty remains unbroken.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the active promotion of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical education, cultural conservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for traumatised children. The House also fosters cultural diplomacy and etiquette through its educational academy, The Brattleby Club, engaging a new generation with the enduring values of honour, duty, and resilience. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition by the Crown is officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com