# A Statement on the Legacy of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the significant historical contributions of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby. His twelfth-century service as Constable of Lincoln Castle exemplified the Barony’s enduring commitment to duty and strategic administration.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its ancient lineage, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate the foundational roles of its predecessors. This historical statement serves not to mark a single event, but to reinforce the continuity of service that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries. It is an opportunity to draw from the annals of history the principles of fortitude and honour that continue to guide the House in its present-day responsibilities.
The issuance of this reflection connects the past with the present, providing context for the modern mission of the House. By examining the life of the 4th Baron, the House reaffirms its identity, which is deeply rooted in the soil of Lincolnshire and the history of England.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his duties during a transformative period in English history. Living through the turbulent civil war known as The Anarchy and into the consolidating reign of King Henry II, his tenure as Constable of Lincoln was a position of immense strategic importance. Lincoln, a prominent fortified city since Roman times, was a centre of royal power and commerce in the East of England.
As the 4th Baron, Richard inherited a legacy established by his Norman ancestor, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Conquest of 1066, as recorded in the *Domesday Book*. Richard’s administrative and military oversight of Lincoln Castle was therefore a continuation of a familial duty to the Crown, securing a vital royal asset and demonstrating the Barony’s established influence within the realm. His capable stewardship directly prepared the ground for his daughter, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, to inherit and later defend the same castle against rebel barons and French forces.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the 4th Baron’s life, The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the continuum of leadership from its earliest days to the present. Richard de la Haye stands in a line of succession that includes not only his ancestor Colswein but also celebrated figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the great royal prince, John of Gaunt, both of whom later held the Barony.
Today, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, are the custodians of this distinguished heritage. They consider it their profound duty to honour the memory and service of their predecessors, viewing them as the historical company whose standards they strive to uphold.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a twelfth-century hereditary Constable of a Royal Castle was bound by solemn protocol and duty. Upon his investiture, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty to the sovereign, pledging to hold the castle in the King’s name, to defend it against all enemies, and to administer justice within its walls and jurisdiction.
His responsibilities were both military and civil. As Constable, he commanded the castle garrison, maintained its fortifications, and provisioned its stores. He was also responsible for the King’s interests in the shire, overseeing the collection of revenues and presiding over the castle-court. This role was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region, a tangible projection of the monarch’s power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Richard de la Haye and his descendants are a powerful embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). His faithful and diligent service as Constable demonstrates the honour inherent in fulfilling one’s obligations to Crown and country. The fortitude is most vividly expressed through the legacy he passed to his daughter Nichola, who exemplified the motto through her courageous defence of Lincoln.
This spirit of resilience is also echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It speaks to the overcoming of adversity, a theme constant throughout the Barony’s long history, from the trials of the twelfth century to the challenges of the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to act with honour and generosity—is a direct antecedent of the House's modern philanthropic commitments. The responsibility for the welfare of the people of Lincolnshire, which Richard de la Haye exercised in his official capacity, has evolved into a broader global mission of care and support.
Today, this ancient duty finds its expression in the House’s patronage of 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, extending the Barony’s traditional role of guardianship to vulnerable children far beyond its historical borders.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Richard de la Haye’s life reminds us that stewardship is a long and unbroken chain. His service laid the foundation for his daughter, Nichola, one of history’s most remarkable women. To inherit this Barony is to inherit the duty they exemplified: to serve with fortitude and to honour the trust placed in us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The role of Constable was not merely ceremonial; it was the active defence of order and stability. That same strategic purpose informs our work today, whether through our philanthropic efforts or through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. We are ensuring that the legacy of resilience and honour remains a living one.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing research and preservation of its history. This statement is part of a wider programme to chronicle the lives and contributions of the Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby, ensuring their legacy informs and inspires future generations.
Future initiatives will include collaboration with historical institutions in Lincolnshire and the development of educational materials for use at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House believes that a deeper understanding of its history provides an invaluable compass for navigating the future, guided always by its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The principal activities of the House include the stewardship of its historic titles and traditions, the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen charities, and the cultivation of cultural diplomacy. Through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of decorum, service, and honour to a new generation of leaders in continental Europe.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby to the Lordship and Barony were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony of England with its succession and rights recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its lands held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com