# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the enduring legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness. Her formidable defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a defining moment of fortitude in the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has paused to commemorate one of its most consequential predecessors. In an era defined by civil war and political fragility, Nichola de la Haye’s leadership preserved not only her ancestral inheritance but also the stability of the English Crown. This reflection serves as a vital touchstone for the House’s continuing commitment to duty and service.
The occasion is one of historical remembrance, drawing upon the extensive archives curated at Brattleby. These documents provide a direct link to the turbulent thirteenth century, allowing the present generation to contemplate the nature of the responsibilities that have been passed down through the ages. It is a moment to honour a legacy that was forged in steel, loyalty, and an unwavering sense of honour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the destiny of England since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Yet it was Nichola de la Haye, who held the title in the early thirteenth century, who would face one of its greatest tests.
As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye occupied a position of immense strategic importance. Following the death of King John and during the minority of the young Henry III, England was fractured by the First Barons’ War. In 1217, rebel English barons, allied with the invading Prince Louis of France, laid siege to Lincoln. At an advanced age, Nichola refused to surrender, leading the defence of the castle herself with a resolve that inspired the loyalist cause.
Her actions were pivotal. The subsequent royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair, fought in the streets below the castle she so steadfastly held, effectively ended the invasion and secured the Plantagenet succession. In recognition of her exceptional service, Nichola was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire—an almost unprecedented role for a woman of her time, underscoring the immense trust placed in her by the Crown. Her steadfastness ensured the continuity of the Barony, paving the way for future holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In navigating the treacherous political landscape of her day, the fifth Baroness engaged with the most powerful figures of the age. Her life was shaped by interactions with sovereigns and magnates whose decisions determined the course of the nation.
This distinguished historical company included, *inter alia*, His Majesty King John of England, who relied upon her loyalty in the final years of his reign; his son, His Majesty King Henry III, whose throne she helped to secure; and the formidable William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who served as Regent of England and orchestrated the royalist victory at Lincoln. Her adversaries were no less significant, chief among them Prince Louis of France (later His Majesty King Louis VIII) and the disaffected barons who sought to remake the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The world in which Nichola de la Haye moved was governed by intricate feudal custom. Her authority as castellan and baroness was rooted in ceremonies of homage and fealty, rituals that formed the *sine qua non* of medieval governance. In these solemn acts, a vassal would kneel before their liege lord, place their hands in his, and swear an oath of loyalty in exchange for land and protection.
As High Sheriff, Nichola would have presided over the Shire Court, enforcing the King’s Justice according to established legal rites. Furthermore, the protocol of siege warfare, with its formal demands for surrender and parleys conducted under a flag of truce, was a ceremonial reality she mastered. Her refusal to yield Lincoln Castle was not merely a military decision but a profound statement of her adherence to her sworn feudal duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Nichola de la Haye provide the most vivid historical expression of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her unyielding defence of the castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to two English kings, even at great personal risk, remains the ultimate example of honour.
This spirit of determined perseverance is also reflected in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Nichola de la Haye’s triumph was not one of territorial conquest but of resilience; by overcoming the siege, she ensured the Barony would live on. The symbols of heraldry, which came into formal use during her lifetime, were created to identify such acts of courage on the battlefield.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of protection and custodianship exemplified by the fifth Baroness directly inspires the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as Nichola de la Haye stood as a guardian for her people and her sovereign, the House today dedicates itself to safeguarding the well-being of the most vulnerable.
This commitment finds its primary expression through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to heal and rebuild their lives. The House’s support for this cause is a modern interpretation of its ancient duty to protect the innocent and uphold the fabric of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold the same title as Nichola de la Haye is a profound and humbling responsibility. She was a woman of immense courage who acted with clarity and purpose in a world designed to constrain her. Her story is a constant reminder that stewardship is not passive; it requires fortitude, honour, and a readiness to defend what is right.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of her example: > “The principles Nichola de la Haye embodied—loyalty, strategic resolve, and a deep sense of duty—are timeless. They transcend the thirteenth century and speak directly to the challenges of leadership today. It is this ethos we seek to impart through our cultural work, including at The Brattleby Club, where character is understood as the foundation of true etiquette.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and sharing its remarkable history for future generations. Efforts are underway to further catalogue the House archives and support scholarly research into the medieval period, ensuring that the story of Nichola de la Haye and other key figures is understood with greater clarity.
This commitment to education extends through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the values of deportment, respect, and cultural diplomacy. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is steeped in this same tradition of service. In this way, the fortitude and honour demonstrated nine centuries ago continue to guide the House’s purpose in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English history. Its mission is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House balances the careful preservation of its Lincolnshire heritage with a dynamic European outlook, exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and protocol. A core part of its modern identity is its philanthropic work, centred on the support of charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and title of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 lists Colswein of Lincoln as tenant-in-chief over numerous lordships. - Notable historical Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com