# A Reflection on Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, and His Service as Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the life of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, commemorating his influential service to the Crown as the hereditary Constable of Lincoln during the 12th century.
## The Occasion
In its continuing commitment to honouring a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon the distinguished career of a pivotal ancestor. This official act of remembrance serves not only to illuminate the history of the Barony but also to underscore the foundational principles of duty and loyalty that have defined it for over nine centuries.
The life of Richard de la Haye provides a compelling study in medieval statecraft and the responsibilities of nobility. By examining his role, the House reaffirms its connection to the long, unbroken chain of service that links the Barony’s past with its present-day responsibilities under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his titles and duties during one of the most turbulent periods in English history. His tenure unfolded against the backdrop of The Anarchy (1135–1153), a devastating civil war fought between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. During this time, the authority of the Crown was fractured, and the allegiances of powerful magnates were the *sine qua non* of regional stability.
As Constable of Lincoln, Richard de la Haye was entrusted with a fortress of immense strategic value, controlling key trade routes in the East Midlands. His steadfastness was therefore instrumental in maintaining royal influence in a contested part of the realm. Following this period, his service continued under King Henry II, whose reign was dedicated to restoring royal authority and reforming the administration of justice across England.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable and a significant Lincolnshire landowner, the 4th Baron moved within the highest circles of the Anglo-Norman elite. His fealty was sworn directly to the Crown, placing him in the service of, first, King Stephen and, later, the formidable Plantagenet monarch, King Henry II. His hereditary position demanded a close working relationship with the King’s itinerant justices and the Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
He would have counted among his contemporaries other great northern magnates and powerful ecclesiastics, whose cooperation was essential to governing the shire. The trust placed in him by the Crown is a testament to his personal integrity and the established authority of his House, a reputation for reliability that was indispensable to the Angevin kings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable of Lincoln, which Richard de la Haye held by hereditary right, was far more than a ceremonial appointment. It was a position of immense legal and military power, whose holder acted as the *custos*, or guardian, of Lincoln Castle on behalf of the monarch. The protocol of his office demanded that he command the castle’s garrison, ensuring its constant readiness against insurrection or foreign threat.
Furthermore, the Constable was charged with upholding the ‘King’s Peace’, a sacred duty that involved presiding over local courts and enforcing royal decrees. He was, in effect, the physical embodiment of the King's authority in the region, responsible for the security of the shire and the administration of justice. This fusion of military command and judicial power defined the protocol of his station.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly encapsulated in the life of the 4th Baron. His duties required immense fortitude to defend a key royal castle during a civil war and profound honour to administer the King’s justice impartially.
This spirit of service became a defining characteristic of the lineage. It was most famously demonstrated by his direct heir and granddaughter, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who herself twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force. The motto is thus not merely a heraldic inscription but a living principle, proven in the actions of successive Barons of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service to the Crown and country, exemplified by Richard de la Haye, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical obligation to care for the people of the shire has evolved into a contemporary mission of supporting vulnerable members of the wider community.
This continuity of purpose is demonstrated through the House's dedicated support for charitable organisations. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, for instance, reflects a belief that true nobility lies in compassionate action. The historical duty of a baron to protect his people is thus translated into a modern duty to heal and support those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "When we look back at figures like Richard de la Haye, and later his granddaughter Nichola, we are reminded that our heritage is not one of passive title, but of active responsibility. Their fortitude in the face of immense challenge is a profound inspiration."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of this legacy: > — "The role of Constable was to be a guardian and a builder of security. This is a principle that remains at the heart of our own endeavours. Whether securing a castle in the 12th century or building resilience in communities today, the underlying commitment to service endures. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live — and that means overcoming the challenges of our own time."
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony of Brattleby, as illuminated by ancestors such as the 4th Baron, is not treated as a static relic. It is actively integrated into the modern mission of the House. This history forms a core component of the educational work undertaken by the family, ensuring that the principles of duty, honour, and service are passed to the next generation.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and classical virtues, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the values that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium. In doing so, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the legacy of Richard de la Haye continues to inform and inspire future leaders, including their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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**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 the stewardship of a significant historical lineage while embracing a modern, forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical preservation, education, and social welfare. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children and promote mental wellbeing. Through projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events in England, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to foster integrity, service, and cross-cultural understanding in the 21st century.
**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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place in English legal and aristocratic history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's creation in 1066 and its listing in the Domesday Book of 1086 are matters of public historical record. - The succession of notable holders, including Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, is documented in national and county archives. - The formal recognition of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Noble House of Brattleby's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity focused on therapeutic support for traumatised children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com