King John's Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa De La Haye by Sharon Bennett Connolly: A Book Review

King John’s Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa De La Haye

Author: Sharon Bennett Connolly

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography

Publisher: Pen & Sword History 

Release Date: 2023

Pages: 236

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: In a time when men fought and women stayed home, Nicholaa de la Haye held Lincoln Castle against all-comers. Not once, but three times, earning herself the ironic praise that she acted ‘manfully’.

     Nicholaa gained prominence in the First Baron’s War, the civil war that followed the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215. Although recently widowed, and in her 60s, in 1217 Nicholaa endured a siege that lasted over three months, resisting the English rebel barons and their French allies. The siege ended in the battle known as the Lincoln Fair, when 70-year-old William Marshal, the Greatest Knight in Christendom, spurred on by the chivalrous need to rescue a lady in distress, came to Nicholaa’s aid.

     Nicholaa de la Haye was a staunch supporter of King John, remaining loyal to the very end, even after most of his knights and barons had deserted him.

       A truly remarkable lady, Nicholaa was the first woman to be appointed sheriff in her own right.

      Her strength and tenacity saved England at one of the lowest points in its history.

     Nicholaa de la Haye is one woman in English history whose story needs to be told… 

     My Review: Nicholaa De La Haye was the first female sheriff in history. However, there was never a biography about her. In this first biography, Nicholaa De La Haye's accomplishments are finally brought to light. This biography also emphasizes Nicholaa’s loyalty to King John of England.

      Nicholaa De La Haye was the daughter of Richard de La Haye and Matilda. Richard was a constable and Sheriff of Lincoln Castle. When Nicholaa’s father died, she inherited his lands along with her two younger sisters. Nicholaa De La Haye was twice widowed with two children. In her mid-sixties, she was a staunch supporter of King John, and he made her Sheriff of Lincolnshire. She even endured a three-month siege at Lincoln Castle in 1217. Therefore, Nicholaa De La Haye was a very admirable and remarkable woman!

      Overall, this biography tells the story of a forgotten but extraordinary woman in history! Even though Nicholaa is a fascinating woman, this biography was not an enthralling read. It was very drawn out and repetitive. Over a third of this book is about her father and over a half is about King John. Even though it is Nicholaa’s story, she is rarely mentioned. The biography is also very disjointed and it also jumps around various topics that do not relate to Nicholaa. Even though it was a short read, it was very confusing especially when reading about an historical figure that I knew nothing about. It is a fact that there is not a lot of information about Nicholaa De La Haye enough to produce a book. Therefore, it would have been more enjoyable if it was a short history article or an historical fiction novel. Still, King John’s Right Hand Lady has brought attention to an incredible woman and has paved the way for more research! I recommend this book for those who are interested in women in medieval history. King John’s Right Hand Lady is perfect for fans of Kathryn Warner, Helen Castor, and Tracy Borman!

Rating: 2 ½ stars out of 5 stars