1217: The Woman Who Saved England Twice – Nicola de la Haye

Join us as we explore the world of King John, King Louis, William de Longchamps and the wars that swirled around the Magna Carta. If Nicola had lost the Battle of Lincoln, England would probably have had a French monarchy. It may be the second-most important battle in English history.

 

1217: The First Barons War tears England apart. At Lincoln Castle, hereditary constable Nicola de la Haye commands the defence against overwhelming siege forces, just as she did in 1191 when Richard the Lionheart’s chancellor tried to seize this strategically vital fortress. After William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, England suffered through the Norman War of the Brothers from 1087-1106, The Anarchy, Henry II’s dynastic fights with his sons and the church… only to think it had found a time of comparative peace and tranquility. It had not. Join us as we explore the world of King John, King Louis, William de Longchamps and the wars that swirled around the Magna Carta. If Nicola had lost the Battle of Lincoln, England would probably have had a French monarchy. It may be the second-most important battle in English history. Grab a coffee, sit back & relax as we tell you the story of the woman who’s an inspiration for Brienne of Tarth, in Game of Thrones.

 

In this episode:

  • How Nicola became hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle
  • The 1191 siege that defeated William Longchamp’s month-long assault
  • King John’s key-jangling ceremony asking Nicola to keep defending
  • The Second Battle of Lincoln (1217) that turned the First Barons War
  • Why William Marshal needed Nicola’s tactical knowledge to win

 

Secret Bonus Facts for Viewers Who Read Descriptions:

  1. We told you about two major sieges, but technically there were three. She got besieged twice in 7 months. In early 1216, rebel barons took Lincoln city and besieged the castle. Nicola paid them to leave – preserving the castle without battle. Until everyone realized Lincoln was too strategic to abandon.
  2. While “castellan” could technically be inherited by women, most were forced to relinquish control to male relatives or husbands. Nicola’s refusal to step down and her successful defence of the “key to the north” made her the most prominent female military official of her day.
  3. After the 1217 victory, Nicola was stripped of her position FOUR DAYS later and replaced with the Earl of Salisbury. She traveled to court (age 67+, during wartime) and demanded her rights back. She won.

 

You’ve gone too far. There’s nothing interesting this low down… but since you’re here: Nicola spelled her own name at least five different ways in surviving documents. Medieval spelling was… creative. Also, if you want to know more about Nicola (even the current historian preferred spelling!), check out Sharon Bennett Connolly’s excellent book on her. She’s the world expert and it’s superb.