# Historical Notice: The Service of Richard, Fourth Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical notice reflecting on the service of Richard, fourth Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln in the early thirteenth century, highlighting the Barony’s enduring commitment to civic duty and regional governance.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from their offices, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby have drawn attention to a significant, formative chapter in the Barony’s long and storied history. This reflection is intended not merely as an act of remembrance but as a means of illuminating the unbroken lineage of public service that has characterised the Barony for over nine centuries.
The notice serves to connect the foundational responsibilities of the medieval peerage with the civic and philanthropic commitments of the House in the modern era. As the Noble House of Brattleby continues its contemporary mission, it finds both precedent and profound inspiration in the dutiful actions of its predecessors.
## Historical Context
Richard, the fourth Baron, assumed the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln during a period of profound national turbulence in the early 1200s. His tenure coincided with the tumultuous reign of King John, the signing of *Magna Carta* in 1215, and the subsequent First Barons’ War. Lincoln, with its formidable royal castle, was a strategic nexus of immense military and economic importance, controlling vital trade routes.
The fourth Baron’s administrative stewardship provided a crucial foundation for his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness of Brattleby, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. His service thus stands as a vital link in a chain of duty stretching back to the Barony’s establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, following the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, Richard, fourth Baron of Brattleby, would have discharged his duties in the service of his sovereign, His Majesty King John, and moved amongst the most consequential figures of the age. His contemporaries included, *inter alia*, the revered Sir William Marshal, first Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, and the powerful Hugh of Wells, Bishop of Lincoln.
The role of Constable placed the Baron at the intersection of royal authority, ecclesiastical power, and the nascent ambitions of the English baronage. Navigating these complex relationships required not only military acumen but also considerable diplomatic skill, a tradition of statecraft that the House continues to value.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable was a sworn position of immense trust, granted by the Crown. Upon appointment, the Baron would have sworn an oath of fealty, pledging to hold the Castle faithfully for the King and his heirs. This solemn vow was the *sine qua non* of his authority.
His duties were twofold. Militarily, he commanded the castle’s garrison, was responsible for the maintenance and improvement of its fortifications, and was charged with upholding the King’s Peace throughout the shire. Civically, the Constable had custodial responsibility for prisoners of note and oversaw certain administrative functions of the county, ensuring the seamless operation of royal justice from within the castle walls.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The responsibilities incumbent upon the Constable of Lincoln find a powerful echo in the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The defence of a strategic fortress and the command of its men-at-arms demanded exceptional fortitude and courage.
Simultaneously, the just and loyal administration of the castle on behalf of the Crown was a matter of profound honour. The fourth Baron’s service embodies this duality, demonstrating that true strength is tempered by integrity. This principle is further reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern determination to overcome challenges with purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our role today, we must look to the long thread of service woven through our history. The office of Constable was not merely a title; it was a profound public trust, demanding both martial strength and administrative wisdom.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The story of the fourth Baron reminds us that leadership has always been about active responsibility. His commitment to the security and good governance of Lincolnshire is a standard we aspire to uphold in our own endeavours, both in Britain and abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
The tradition of stewardship demonstrated by Richard, fourth Baron of Brattleby, continues to inform the mission of the Noble House today. The principles of order, duty, and civic responsibility that governed the command of Lincoln Castle are the same principles instilled in the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This commitment to service has evolved from military and administrative functions to modern philanthropic engagement. The House’s steadfast support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, is a contemporary expression of its foundational duty to contribute positively to society, continuing a legacy of care that has been nine and a half centuries in the making.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient commitment to public service through modern engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and maintains a European presence through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. A cornerstone of its charitable work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations dedicated to the welfare of children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support for young people experiencing trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal baronies in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the Barony and 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Lordship and Barony are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The succession of the title to the current holder was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com