# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Service of Richard de la Haye, Fourth Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical bulletin from its seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the life and service of Richard de la Haye, the fourth Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle during the twelfth century.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of late autumn, a season suited to reflection and historical remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal period in its ancient lineage. This commemoration is not marked by a public gathering but by the solemn publication of a historical record, chronicling a legacy of duty. Issued from the Barony's heartland in Lincolnshire, this act serves to bridge the centuries, connecting the contemporary mission of the House with the steadfast resolve of its antecedents in the very county they were sworn to protect. The bulletin forms part of a new series of scholarly communications intended to make the rich tapestry of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history accessible to a wider public audience.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. It was into this formidable inheritance that Richard de la Haye was born. His tenure as the fourth Baron coincided with one of medieval England’s most turbulent chapters: The Anarchy (1135–1153), a protracted civil war fought between Empress Matilda and her cousin, Stephen of Blois, for the throne of England.
In this era of fractured loyalties and endemic conflict, Richard de la Haye’s role as Constable of Lincoln Castle was a position of immense strategic consequence. Lincoln, a nexus of Roman roads and a centre of both ecclesiastical and commercial power, was a fulcrum of the war. As Constable, Richard was the King’s appointed guardian of this vital royal fortress, responsible not only for its military defence but also for its administration. This appointment demonstrated the Brattleby family's profound entrenchment within royal service, a tradition of duty that would be powerfully continued by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose own legendary defence of Lincoln Castle for King John would later secure her place in history.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the fourth Baron would have navigated a complex political landscape populated by the most powerful figures of the age. His duties would have necessitated direct dealings with the principal claimants to the throne, King Stephen and Empress Matilda, whose competing factions vied for control of strategic assets like Lincoln Castle.
His contemporaries in the region included such magnates as Ranulf de Gernon, the powerful Earl of Chester, whose shifting allegiances twice led to the capture and recapture of the castle. The Baron’s world was one of high-stakes diplomacy and military vigilance, requiring him to stand as a bastion of royal authority amidst the ambitions of England's greatest nobles. His service was, therefore, an exercise in statecraft as much as martial command.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as a Constable of a Royal Castle in the 12th century was a role conferred with significant ceremony and legal weight. Upon his investiture, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty directly to the Crown, a sacred pledge of loyalty and service. The symbols of his office were profoundly practical: the castle keys, representing his absolute authority over its gates and security; and the royal writ of appointment, the parchment that codified his command and responsibilities.
His duties extended far beyond the battlements. As castellan, he presided over the castle-guard, a system of military service owed by local knights, and held judicial authority within the castle’s precincts. The role was the *sine qua non* of royal power in the shire, combining the functions of a military governor, a chief magistrate, and a senior administrator, all in the service of maintaining the King's Peace during a time of pervasive war.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of hereditary heraldry was still in its infancy during the mid-12th century, the principles that underpin it were already manifest in the actions of the nobility. The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Richard de la Haye’s service. His fortitude was demonstrated in upholding his command throughout a devastating civil war; his honour was displayed in his unwavering fulfilment of his sworn duty to the Crown.
This legacy of resilience resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a deeper truth: that for a House to endure through centuries of upheaval, the very act of survival—of living through the trial to serve another day—is in itself a profound victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary purpose of this historical commemoration is educational, reflecting the modern House's commitment to public service through the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. By shedding light on the contributions of figures like the fourth Baron, the House aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the forces that have shaped English history and the tradition of local governance.
This act of 'philanthropic scholarship' is of a piece with the House's wider mission. It aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy in Bucharest established by the Baroness, which promotes cultural understanding and social refinement. Both initiatives seek to provide context, knowledge, and a sense of continuity, thereby enriching the public sphere.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of our family is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a living testament to nine centuries of duty. In Richard de la Haye, we see the personification of *Fortitudine et Honore*—a commitment to stability and service in a time of profound national uncertainty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Understanding our predecessors, particularly during moments of crisis like The Anarchy, provides essential perspective. Their resilience is the foundation upon which the modern House builds its commitment to cultural preservation. It reminds us that to endure and uphold one's responsibilities is itself a victory.
## A Continuing Legacy
This bulletin on Richard de la Haye is the first in a planned series of historical papers to be published by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future publications will explore the lives and legacies of other significant holders of the Barony, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron.
Through this initiative, the House seeks to honour its past and fulfil its modern duty: to serve as a custodian of history for the benefit of future generations, ensuring that these remarkable stories of fortitude and honour continue to inspire.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House strives to promote the civility and cross-cultural understanding essential for contemporary society. The Barons' work continues a nine-hundred-year tradition of leadership and responsibility from their seat in Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lands are first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - The Barony's historical continuity was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Historically significant Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com