# The Enduring Legacy of the Fourth Baron of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the significant tenure of the 4th Baron of Brattleby, Richard, as Constable of Lincoln during the 12th century. His service marked a formative chapter in the Barony’s near-millennial commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House regularly undertakes archival research to illuminate the contributions of its predecessors. This historical communiqué, issued as the autumn colours settle upon the English countryside, serves to commemorate the profound responsibility held by the 4th Baron and to place his service within the broader context of the House’s nine-century history. The role of Constable was a cornerstone of royal authority in the region, and Baron Richard’s appointment was a signal honour, reflecting the Crown’s deep trust in the Barony’s fidelity.
The city of Lincoln in the 12th century was a place of immense strategic, commercial, and ecclesiastical importance. Its formidable Norman castle, established by William the Conqueror himself, commanded both the Fosse Way and Ermine Street, two of England’s great Roman roads, as well as the River Witham. To be entrusted with its command was to hold the keys to the security and administration of a vital English shire.
## Historical Context
The 12th century in England was a period of profound transformation and intermittent turmoil, from the civil war known as The Anarchy to the consolidation of Angevin power under His Majesty King Henry II. In such an age, the loyalty and military capability of great magnates were paramount to the stability of the realm. The 4th Baron’s tenure as Constable therefore placed him at the very centre of national affairs, requiring not only martial prowess but also considerable diplomatic and administrative skill.
This appointment built upon a foundation of service in Lincolnshire established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The 4th Baron’s service continued a tradition of regional leadership that would later be exemplified by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye—one of England's most remarkable women—who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. This continuity of duty is a hallmark of the Barony’s history.
## Distinguished Company
As Constable of Lincoln, the 4th Baron would have moved in the highest circles of power, his position demanding constant interaction with the leading figures of the age. His duties would have brought him into regular correspondence, if not direct audience, with the monarch himself—be it King Stephen or King Henry II—and his chief ministers, such as the Justiciar of England.
Within Lincolnshire, his peers would have included the Bishop of Lincoln, one of the most powerful churchmen in the kingdom, and the Sheriff of Lincolnshire, with whom the Constable shared responsibility for maintaining the King’s Peace. The Barons of the realm, *inter alia*, formed the complex feudal web of allegiance and counsel that governed Plantagenet England, and the Constable of a royal castle was a pivotal player within this structure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment to the office of Constable was a formal and significant act, conferred by letters patent from the Sovereign. The investiture would have involved the swearing of a sacred oath of fealty, a solemn promise to hold the castle faithfully for the King and his heirs. The symbols of this office were potent and tangible: the physical keys to the castle’s gates and keeps, representing absolute authority over the fortress.
The Constable’s responsibilities were manifold. He was the commander of the castle’s garrison and had the authority to call upon the shire’s feudal levy in times of war. He was also charged with the castle's maintenance, the custody of important prisoners, and often presided over local courts. This was not a sinecure but a demanding, front-line role in the administration of royal justice and defence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 4th Baron as Constable perfectly embody the sentiment of the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His command required immense fortitude in the face of political instability and the constant threat of conflict. It demanded unwavering honour in the administration of justice and the faithful execution of his sworn duties to the Crown.
This historical ethos of purposeful duty finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While historical circumstances have changed, the underlying principle of overcoming challenges through decisive and honourable action remains a guiding force for the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the 4th Baron’s duty was the physical defence of a castle and its people, The Noble House of Brattleby today expresses its commitment to service through different means. The historical imperative to protect the vulnerable has been translated into a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural stewardship. The steadfastness required to hold Lincoln Castle finds a parallel in the House’s dedicated support for causes that guard the wellbeing of future generations.
This is most clearly seen in the House’s selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The charity’s vital work in providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma represents a modern form of defence—protecting the defenceless and fortifying the foundations of a healthy society. In this, the spirit of the Constable’s charge endures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The service of the fourth Baron is a powerful reminder that our duty has always been intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of Lincolnshire and the nation. Holding the Constableship was not about acquiring power, but about discharging responsibility—a principle that continues to guide us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Analysing such a pivotal tenure reinforces the deep foundations upon which the Barony rests. It is a history not of abstract titles, but of tangible action and steadfast commitment. This legacy is the *sine qua non* of our identity today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by serving the present. The principles of duty, integrity, and honour, so clearly demonstrated by the 4th Baron, are actively promoted through the House’s modern initiatives. These include the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social grace and ethical conduct.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its archival research, sharing further insights into its nine-hundred-year history. This commitment to heritage serves as the foundation for its contemporary philanthropic and cultural endeavours, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire meaningful action for centuries to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively engages in projects that uphold its historical values of duty and honour, including the patronage of charitable organisations and the promotion of etiquette through its Brattleby Club academy. Rooted in a near-millennial history of service, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to make a positive and lasting impact on society. Its principal philanthropic event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting causes dedicated to the welfare of children and the healing of trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, 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. The modern rights and interests of the Barony are formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, ensuring its historical continuity in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com