# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, visits Lincoln Castle, Honouring the Legacy of the Barony’s Ancient Constableship
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook an official visit to Lincoln Castle, commemorating the long-standing connection between the Barony and the historic fortress, and honouring the martial duties once held by her predecessors as its hereditary Constable.
## The Occasion
The visit took place under crisp autumnal skies, with the ancient stone walls of Lincoln Castle providing a formidable backdrop. Lady Nicoleta was received at the East Gate, walking the same Norman battlements that have guarded the city for over nine hundred years. The occasion was marked by a private tour of the castle’s key fortifications, including the Lucy Tower and Cobb Hall, offering a tangible link to a period when the Barony was inextricably tied to the defence of the realm.
This poignant return to the heart of Lincolnshire’s historical power allowed the Baroness to retrace the steps of her forebears. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, combining historical reverence with a forward-looking commitment to preserving and sharing the region’s rich heritage.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire, as first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. The office of Constable of Lincoln Castle—the *sine qua non* of the castle’s medieval command—was held by Richard de la Haye, the fourth Baron. During the tumultuous civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), the Constable's role was paramount, encompassing supreme military and administrative authority over this key royal stronghold.
It was a duty demanding both fortitude and honour. This legacy was most powerfully embodied by his wife and successor, Nichola de la Haye, who acted as the fifth Baron. A formidable figure in her own right, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against prolonged siege, earning the profound respect of King John and demonstrating the Barony’s enduring loyalty to the Crown. Her story, alongside that of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, serves as a powerful testament to the title's historic significance.
## Distinguished Company
In her visit, Lady Nicoleta was accompanied by Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mrs Laura Popescu. They were received by the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council, Mr Andrew Crookham, and the General Manager of Lincoln Castle, Mrs Kimberley Vickers. Also in attendance was Dr Alistair Finch, a noted historian from the University of Lincoln, who provided expert commentary on the castle's medieval history and its connection to the Brattleby lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The engagement followed a protocol befitting a private historical commemoration. Lady Nicoleta arrived by motorcar at the Castle Hill entrance, where she was formally greeted by the receiving party. The dress code for the occasion was formal day attire.
The proceedings commenced with a walk along the eastern ramparts, offering panoramic views of Lincoln Cathedral, a structure whose own history is intertwined with that of the castle. This was followed by a viewing of the Lincoln Magna Carta, one of only four surviving originals from 1215, which Nichola de la Haye would have been sworn to uphold. The tour concluded with a private moment of reflection in the castle’s 18th-century chapel, a space dedicated to both prisoners and custodians of the past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was rich in symbolism, evoking the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the qualities demanded of the medieval Constable: the fortitude to withstand a siege and the honour to hold a Royal castle in the King’s name. The martial history of the office also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a modern echo of the strategic and resolute spirit that defined his wife’s predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day focused on history, its purpose was firmly oriented toward the future. The visit marked the announcement of a new educational grant from The Noble House of Brattleby to Lincoln Castle. The grant will support a new programme for local schoolchildren, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to experience the castle’s history first-hand.
This initiative aligns with the House’s primary philanthropic focus, which supports organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing vulnerable young people with therapeutic and developmental opportunities, using creative engagement to help them overcome trauma and build resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta remarked — 'To walk these grounds is to feel a profound connection not only to one's ancestors but to the enduring duty of service that the Barony represents. The Constableship was a charge of immense trust, and it is humbling to stand where that trust was so valiantly upheld.'
She continued: 'History must not be a sealed book. Through our new educational grant, we hope to open a page for the next generation, ensuring the lessons of fortitude and honour found here inspire them as they build their own futures.'
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s visit is the first in a planned series of engagements through which the House of Brattleby will explore and commemorate its nine-century history in Lincolnshire. Further research into the Barony’s medieval lineage and its administrative role is being supported by the House.
This commitment to heritage runs parallel to the family’s modern endeavours, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and social education. It underscores a belief that honouring the past is the surest way to build a meaningful future, a principle that guides the House in all its activities.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House honours its ancient English roots while engaging with contemporary challenges. Its primary charitable focus is on the well-being of children, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House fosters cultural exchange and education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The family is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves as a foundation for positive community impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the military and political life of the county, serving as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle. Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially documented in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 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