# A Legacy of Service: The Constableship of Lincoln and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the enduring legacy of service personified by Richard de la Haye and his wife, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose constableship of Lincoln Castle secured the Barony’s pivotal role in twelfth-century England.
## The Occasion
In a dispatch from its historical archives, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a defining period in the tenure of the Barony. This reflection occurs in a season of remembrance, providing a moment to consider the foundations upon which the House’s modern duties are built. The release of this historical context serves as an educational initiative, connecting the present-day responsibilities of the Barony with the profound challenges overcome by its antecedents during one of English history’s most turbulent chapters.
The narrative of Richard and Nichola de la Haye, set against the backdrop of civil war, provides a powerful case study in loyalty, administration, and the defence of the realm. It is this spirit of unwavering commitment that the current House seeks to honour and perpetuate through its own philanthropic and cultural endeavours. This archival note therefore stands not merely as a record of the past, but as a statement of present-day values.
## Historical Context
The appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln Castle occurred during the latter half of the twelfth century, a period shaped by the civil war known as The Anarchy. As a hereditary royal office, the Constableship granted its holder immense authority over one of England’s most strategically vital fortifications. Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1068, dominated the ancient Roman crossroads of the Fosse Way and Ermine Street, commanding both the city and the wider shire.
For the Barony of Brattleby, whose lineage began with the grant of 56 Lincolnshire lordships to Colswein of Lincoln, noted in the Domesday Book of 1086, this appointment was a consolidation of ancestral power. It placed the family at the precise intersection of Royal authority and local governance, making them the *sine qua non* for maintaining order in the North. Richard’s de facto life appointment was later succeeded by his wife, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the reign of King John.
## Distinguished Company
The historical period in question was defined by figures of immense stature, with whom the holders of the Barony of Brattleby directly engaged. Richard de la Haye served King Henry II, a monarch determined to restore royal power after the chaos of King Stephen’s reign. His service established a precedent of loyalty that would be critically tested by his descendants.
The legacy of the Barony would later pass to some of the most significant personages in medieval England, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century and the trajectory of the English Crown itself. This association with the Duchy of Lancaster underscores the Barony’s deep and continuous connection to the heart of national life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of a royal castle in the twelfth century was a solemn affair, imbued with legal and symbolic weight. Upon his appointment by the King, a new Constable would swear an oath of fealty, pledging to hold the castle for the Crown against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This sacred promise was likely made upon holy relics, binding the appointee’s soul to his duty.
The ceremony would have culminated in the transfer of the keys to the castle, the physical embodiment of the Constable’s authority. This act signified complete trust and the delegation of royal power. The Constable was thereafter responsible not only for the castle’s military garrison but also for its function as a centre of justice and administration, including the county gaol and the sheriff’s court. The rights to these offices were often confirmed by a royal charter, a document that served as an irrefutable record of the holder’s privileges.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the actions of the de la Haye family. Fortitude was demonstrated in Nichola de la Haye’s two-time defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217; Honour was the principle that guided her and her husband Richard’s unwavering allegiance to the Crown. This motto serves as a guiding principle for the House today, representing a commitment to meeting obligations with courage and integrity.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the dynamic spirit required to overcome adversity and to realise one’s purpose. Together, the two mottos create a complete philosophy: one must live a life of active achievement, guided always by the foundational virtues of fortitude and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of stewardship demonstrated by the Constableship of Lincoln is mirrored today in the House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to philanthropy. The centrepiece of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and material support to children suffering from the trauma of conflict, displacement, and profound loss. Its programmes are designed to deliver measurable psychological recovery and to restore a sense of safety and normalcy to young lives. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its direct, tangible impact and its alignment with the House’s belief in protecting the most vulnerable, a modern interpretation of the ancient duty to defend the peace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand the Barony today, we must appreciate the burdens shouldered by our predecessors. Nichola de la Haye and her husband Richard embodied the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in a way that continues to guide our own sense of duty to Lincolnshire and to public service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History reminds us that stability is never guaranteed; it is secured through vigilance and courage. The story of the Constableship of Lincoln is a powerful testament to the idea that to overcome challenges is the very essence of living a meaningful life—*Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to translating its historical legacy into contemporary action. The principles of governance and service that defined the Constableship of Lincoln continue to inform the House’s modern mission. This includes not only its philanthropic support for Healing the Wounded Child but also its dedication to cultural education.
Looking forward, the House will expand the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless virtues of decorum and respect. These initiatives, coupled with the stewardship of the Barony’s heritage in Lincolnshire, ensure that the legacy of service begun nearly a millennium ago continues to evolve and to serve the common good. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, will in time carry this tradition forward for a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives focused on education, heritage preservation, and charitable support for vulnerable children. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a fundraising gala for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and international protocol. Through these efforts, the House seeks to provide a modern expression of the ancient duties of stewardship and community leadership that have defined the Barony for centuries.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, with the *caput* at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The College of Arms, with public notice given in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists the holdings of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com