# The Enduring Fortitude of Nichola de la Haye: A Model for the Modern Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a historical reflection by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, celebrating the distinguished legacy of her predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose command of Lincoln Castle was pivotal in 13th-century England.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection following the annual observances of spring, the House has chosen to publish a formal treatise on one of its most remarkable forebears. The paper originates from the family’s private studies at their Lincolnshire seat, where the archives provide a direct link to nearly one thousand years of English history.
This act of historical publication is not a singular event but part of a considered programme of scholarship led by the Baroness. It reaffirms the House’s duty not only to conserve its heritage but also to interpret its lessons for a contemporary audience, ensuring the lineage remains a living force of inspiration.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. The title's endurance is chronicled from its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Among the most notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. In a time of profound national crisis during the First Barons' War, she inherited the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle. A woman in her sixties, she twice defended the castle against formidable attacks, her loyalty to the Crown unwavering. In 1217, her resolute command of the garrison during the Battle of Lincoln Fair was instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause, an act of great strategic importance. Her subsequent appointment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire recognised her extraordinary administrative skill and fortitude.
This precedent of steadfast duty was later continued by such luminaries as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose lives shaped the course of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
This reflection is advanced under the guidance of the principals of the House:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, serves as the intellectual custodian of the Barony’s history. Her research into the lives of her predecessors, particularly Nichola de la Haye, provides the foundational narrative for the House’s modern identity.
- **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, champions the practical application of the House’s historical principles. Guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), he connects the family’s ancient heritage to its contemporary philanthropic and educational activities.
- **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir, is raised within this tradition of stewardship, ensuring the continuity of these values for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes a strict protocol for the stewardship of its history, akin to the careful work of a royal archive. Each historical statement is the result of meticulous research, drawing upon primary sources, peer-reviewed academic works, and, where appropriate, consultation with leading historians.
This process ensures that all communications, whether concerning the 11th-century Domesday entry or the 21st-century charitable work, are presented with accuracy and sobriety. The publication of this treatise on Nichola de la Haye follows this protocol, standing as a verified and authoritative reflection from the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most vivid historical expression in the life of Nichola de la Haye. Her successful defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her conduct as High Sheriff exemplified the honour inherent in public service.
This ancestral motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s own, *Vincere Est Vivere*. While fortitude and honour provide the moral foundation, the will to overcome challenges and to thrive defines the House’s forward-looking dynamism. Together, the mottos create a framework for principled action in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The theme of resilience, so powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, is the central pillar of the House's philanthropic mission. The principal beneficiary of the family’s patronage is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children who have experienced profound trauma.
Through its support, highlighted by the annual Winter Banquet, the House of Brattleby aims to foster fortitude in the most vulnerable. The story of Nichola, a figure who overcame immense adversity, serves as an inspirational touchstone for the House's commitment to helping young people build lives of strength and purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her predecessor’s enduring relevance: > — "Nichola de la Haye’s life is a powerful testament that leadership, wisdom, and resilience are qualities unbound by gender or era. Her story is not merely a historical footnote; it is a standard of duty and courage to which we, in our own time, must aspire."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the family’s duty of stewardship: > — "Our role is not to be passive curators of the past, but to animate its lessons for the present. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our inheritance, and its active expression through service and enterprise is the duty we owe to our predecessors and our successors alike."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of publications that will explore the rich history of the Barony and its holders. These studies will form a key part of the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and will be integrated into the House’s digital archives.
By bringing the stories of predecessors like Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, and John of Gaunt to a wider audience, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past and reaffirm its commitment to public service. This work ensures that the nine-century legacy entrusted to the family remains a vibrant and meaningful guide for the future, to be carried forward by the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the rich history and traditions of the Barony of Brattleby, and to translate its core values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') into impactful philanthropic action. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes cultural and educational development through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy serves as a force for good in the 21st century.
**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. Throughout history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The continuity of this ancient title was formally recognised in the modern era by an official notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com