# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Ancestral Service at Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historical service of Richard, the fourth Baron, following a private visit by the current Baroness and Lord of Brattleby to Lincoln Castle, underscoring the family’s nine centuries of civic duty in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In the quiet light of an autumn afternoon, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, undertook a private tour of Lincoln Castle. The visit was a moment of deep historical resonance, intended to honour the legacy of their predecessors who were entrusted with the stewardship and defence of this formidable Norman fortress.
Amid the ancient stone of the curtain walls and the imposing Lucy Tower, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby paused to contemplate the pivotal role the castle has played in the history of England and, indeed, the history of the Barony itself. The site, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1068, offers commanding views across the landscape—a strategic perspective that would have been intimately familiar to the fourth Baron in his capacity as Constable.
## Historical Context
The focus of the visit was the tenure of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, who served as Constable of Lincoln in the early 13th century. This was a period of profound political turmoil during the reign of King John. The position of Constable was no mere sinecure; it entailed supreme military and administrative command over one of the realm’s most important strategic assets. The Constable was responsible not only for the castle's garrison but also for upholding royal authority throughout the shire.
This tradition of stalwart service was notably embodied by Richard’s successor, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable heiress who exercised the powers of the 5th Barony. As hereditary castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, securing a decisive victory for the royalists at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. The service of both the fourth and fifth Barons illustrates a seamless commitment to crown and country that transcended simple land ownership, defining the Barony through its active participation in national governance.
## Distinguished Company
While the visit was of a private nature, the occasion brought to mind the distinguished company of forebears intrinsically linked to the castle and the Barony. The lineage traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in the county by William the Conqueror himself, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Later centuries saw the Barony held by some of the most significant figures in English history who also had connections with the castle, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. He was followed by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose vast influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century Europe. The visit served as a powerful link in this unbroken chain of historical stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In reflecting upon the fourth Baron’s duties, one recalls the solemn protocol of his age. The installation of a Constable involved a formal conferral of authority, symbolised by the handing over of the castle keys. This act represented the transfer of immense responsibility, from managing supplies and munitions to presiding over the castle-gate court, which administered local justice.
The daily life of the garrison would have been governed by a strict ceremonial rhythm: the raising of the standard at dawn, the changing of the guard at the East Gate, and the securing of the fortress at dusk. These were not simply routines but rituals that reinforced discipline and the Constable's absolute authority, ensuring the castle remained a bastion of order and royal power in a frequently unsettled region.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principle of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed finds its ultimate expression in the actions of ancestors like the fourth Baron Richard and Nichola de la Haye. Their steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle required immense fortitude, whilst their loyalty to the Crown was the very definition of honour.
This guiding philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to strive for excellence in all pursuits, from cultural preservation to philanthropic endeavour. Together, the mottos articulate a vision of principled action rooted in history but focused on the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is a principle that the fourth Baron would have understood implicitly. His service as Constable was a duty to his sovereign and his community. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues this tradition of service through its dedicated philanthropic work.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable event. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To stand within these ancient walls, where my predecessors bore such great responsibility, is a profoundly humbling experience. It is a tangible reminder that our heritage is not merely a collection of titles and dates, but a living legacy of service that we must carry forward *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The strategic foresight required to command this castle in the 13th century provides a powerful lesson for today. Stewardship, whether of a fortress or a nine-hundred-year-old legacy, requires constant vigilance, active engagement, and a clear vision for the future. It is a responsibility we take to heart.
## A Continuing Legacy
The visit to Lincoln Castle served to reaffirm the deep and abiding connection between The Noble House of Brattleby and the County of Lincolnshire. It was an act of remembrance and a renewal of the family’s long-standing commitment to preserving its unique heritage while contributing to contemporary society.
This duty of stewardship will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Through its philanthropic initiatives and cultural projects, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of fortitude, honour, and service that defined its past will continue to illuminate its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century history of one of England’s oldest baronies while channelling its legacy into purposeful, modern action. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural education, and philanthropy. Its principal activities include the stewardship of the family’s heritage, the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy based in Bucharest. The House operates with professional standards of communication and organisation befitting its ancient lineage and contemporary responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. As a feudal barony by tenure, its existence is a matter of historical record. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noticed by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com