# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Historic Service of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical bulletin reflecting upon the life of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose twelfth-century appointment as Constable of Lincoln affirmed the Barony’s enduring strategic importance in a formative era.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby periodically shares insights into its long and storied lineage, which stretches back to the Norman Conquest. This bulletin serves not as a commemoration of a specific anniversary, but as part of an ongoing commitment to historical education. By illuminating the past, the House seeks to provide context for its present-day mission, which remains deeply rooted in the principles of duty, stewardship, and service that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
The selection of Richard de la Haye for this reflection is a deliberate one. His tenure as a senior crown officer during a period of profound national unrest—the civil war now known as The Anarchy—provides a compelling study in leadership. It underscores how the Barony has, for centuries, been intrinsically linked to the stability and governance of the realm.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his responsibilities during the tumultuous reign of King Stephen (1135-1154), a time of civil war against his cousin, Empress Matilda. As the Constable of Lincoln, a royal castle of immense strategic value, the 4th Baron was at the nexus of military and political power in a region frequently contested by warring factions. His appointment was a *sine qua non* for royal authority in the North, placing him in direct service to the Crown.
His service created a powerful precedent continued by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola would twice serve as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defend Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John, earning a formidable reputation that echoed across the kingdom. Richard's life thus forms a vital bridge between the Barony's founding by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, and its later association with great magnates such as John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, Richard de la Haye moved amongst the most powerful figures of his age. His duties would have brought him into the orbit of King Stephen himself, as well as the King’s formidable opponent, Empress Matilda. The security of Lincoln was a paramount concern for both sides of the conflict.
He operated in a landscape dominated by powerful magnates, *inter alia*, the ever-ambitious Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, whose own struggles for control of Lincoln Castle defined much of the local conflict. Navigating the complex loyalties and shifting alliances of these figures required immense political skill, military acumen, and unwavering fortitude, qualities that became hallmarks of the Barony’s leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of a medieval Constable of a royal castle was one of profound trust, conferred directly by the monarch. The appointment involved a solemn oath of fealty, whereby the Baron would pledge his life and honour to the defence of the castle and the upholding of the King’s peace within its jurisdiction. This was not merely a military command; it was a viceregal authority.
As Constable, Richard de la Haye was responsible for the castle’s garrison, the maintenance of its fortifications, and the administration of justice. He presided over the castle-court and was empowered to collect taxes and levies on behalf of the Crown. His authority was symbolised by the keys to the castle gates, a tangible representation of his complete charge over this vital instrument of state power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions and responsibilities of the 4th Baron are a perfect embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). To maintain order and loyalty amidst a civil war demanded exceptional fortitude, while the honest administration of the King’s justice and estates required unimpeachable honour. The role of Constable was the living expression of these ideals.
This legacy of resilience also resonates with the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For the Barony, survival through the strife of the twelfth century was a victory in itself, ensuring the continuation of a lineage that would influence English history for centuries to come. The symbols of the House are thus not static emblems but living principles demonstrated through action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to serve the community—was central to the role of a baron and a constable. Richard de la Haye's duty was to protect the people of Lincolnshire and administer fair justice. Today, the House of Brattleby continues this tradition of public service through a modern lens: targeted philanthropy.
This ancient duty of care is now expressed through the House's dedicated support for charitable organisations. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is a contemporary manifestation of this protective mandate. The focus has shifted from military defence to nurturing the well-being and future of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 4th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “In studying the life of Richard de la Haye, we are reminded that stewardship is not a passive inheritance but an active, daily responsibility. His fortitude during a period of national crisis set a standard of service that continues to guide our House. He demonstrated that true honour is found in upholding one’s duties, especially when the circumstances are most challenging.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is part of a wider initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to chronicle and share its remarkable history with a global audience. Future publications will explore other key figures and events that have shaped the Barony’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-year journey from the Domesday Book to the present day.
These efforts complement the House’s educational mission, most notably embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and the timeless principles of social grace and civic duty. By understanding its past, the House of Brattleby strengthens its commitment to a future defined by service, honour, and cultural stewardship.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes enduring values of service, etiquette, and social responsibility. Heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this noble lineage into the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Located at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony's legitimacy and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness 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 of 1086, which records the lands held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the Barony of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com