King John's Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye

Nicholaa de la Haye was a 13th-century noblewoman who defended Lincoln Castle against all-comers three times, earning herself the ironic praise of acting "manfully." She gained prominence in the First Baron's War and endured a three-month siege in 1217, resisting English rebel barons and their French allies. Nicholaa was a staunch supporter of King John and the first woman to be appointed sheriff in her own right. Her strength and tenacity saved England at one of its lowest points in history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In a period when men engaged in warfare and women remained confined to their homes, Nicholaa de la Haye stood resolute at Lincoln Castle, defending it against all adversaries. Not once, but three times, she earned the ironic accolade of acting "manfully," a testament to her courage and determination. Nicholaa rose to prominence during the First Baron's War, the civil strife that erupted after the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215. Despite being recently widowed and in her sixties, in 1217, Nicholaa courageously faced a siege that lasted over three months, steadfastly resisting the English rebel barons and their French allies. The siege culminated in the historic battle known as the Lincoln Fair, where the legendary William Marshal, hailed as the Greatest Knight in Christendom, came to Nicholaa's aid, driven by a noble desire to rescue a distressed lady. Nicholaa remained unwavering in her loyalty to King John, standing by him even as most of his knights and barons deserted him. Her unwavering strength and resilience saved England during one of its darkest moments in history. Nicholaa de la Haye is a remarkable woman in English history whose story deserves to be recounted and celebrated.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526756060