# A Reflection on the Hereditary Governorship of Lincoln and the Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the twelfth-century appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln. This was a pivotal moment that solidified the Barony’s enduring role at the nexus of Crown authority and regional governance in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In an age defined by the consolidation of Norman power, the constableship of a major English castle was a position of immense strategic importance. Lincoln Castle, established by William the Conqueror himself in 1068, was a formidable stone fortress and one of only two castles mentioned by name in the *Domesday Book*. Its commanding position atop Castle Hill gave its holder military and administrative dominion over one of England's most significant cities and trade hubs.
The appointment of Richard de la Haye as its hereditary Constable, which occurred in the latter half of the twelfth century, cemented the family's status within the kingdom. It was an affirmation of trust from the Crown, granting the Barony of Brattleby the dual responsibilities of defending royal interests and dispensing justice throughout the shire. This act placed the family at the very heart of English mediaeval life.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest, with the *Domesday Book* of 1086 recording 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The subsequent marriage of his descendant into the de la Haye family brought the constableship into the Barony's sphere of influence. Richard de la Haye's appointment thus represented the continuation of a legacy of regional authority established generations prior.
This role became particularly renowned through the actions of Richard’s wife, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Following Richard's death, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, most notably during the First Barons' War. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown demonstrated that the responsibilities vested in her husband were discharged with a fortitude that became legendary, securing the family’s place in national history.
## Distinguished Company
As Constable, Richard de la Haye answered directly to the monarch, primarily King Henry II. His appointment was made amidst the backdrop of the Anarchy, a preceding civil war that had destabilised the kingdom. Henry II's reign was focused on restoring royal authority and the rule of law, making the appointment of loyal and capable castellans a *sine qua non* of his statecraft.
By entrusting Lincoln to Richard de la Haye, the King placed a key northern stronghold into the hands of a family whose interests were aligned with the stability of the Plantagenet dynasty. This placed the Baron and his family in the distinguished company of the great officers of state, such as the Justiciar and the Chancellor, who were collectively rebuilding the machinery of English governance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a hereditary Constable in the twelfth century would have been a solemn and binding occasion. The ceremony likely involved a formal oath of fealty sworn by Richard de la Haye to his sovereign, King Henry II, pledging his life and loyalty in the defence of the castle and the King's peace. This oath was the sacred bond upon which the entire feudal system rested.
The investiture would have been marked by the symbolic presentation of the castle keys or a royal charter, a tangible transfer of authority witnessed by other notables of the court or the county. This protocol underscored that the Constable's power was not his own but was held in trust for the Crown—a duty to be executed with the utmost diligence and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the lives of Richard and Nichola de la Haye. Richard’s steadfast administration and Nichola’s celebrated courage in defending Lincoln Castle embody the twin virtues of strength and duty that the motto extols. Their actions were not merely about holding territory; they were a public declaration of honourable service.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it echoes the same principle of active and purposeful determination—a belief that overcoming challenges defines a life of meaning, whether on a mediaeval battlefield or in modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy was unknown in the twelfth century, the role of Constable encompassed a foundational principle of public service that is its clear antecedent. This concept, later articulated as *noblesse oblige*, dictated that privilege comes with responsibility. Richard de la Haye's mandate was to maintain order, protect the populace, and ensure justice was fairly administered.
In holding the castle, the Baron was not merely a warlord but the guarantor of civic stability and economic prosperity for the people of Lincoln. This duty of care for one’s community is the historical thread that connects the mediaeval governance of the Barony to the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical appointment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> The appointment of Richard de la Haye was more than a strategic acquisition of power; it was the assumption of a profound responsibility. It demonstrates that from our earliest days, the Barony's legitimacy has been rooted in service—to the Crown, and to the people of Lincolnshire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> In Richard and later, in the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, we see the very essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. Their legacy is not merely one of land or title, but a testament to the resilience and commitment that we strive to uphold today through our own work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of governance and duty established by predecessors like Richard de la Haye informs the modern mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. Nearly nine centuries later, the commitment to service remains central, though its expression has evolved from military command to cultural and social enrichment.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, and the annual Winter Banquet in aid of charitable partners, the House continues its long tradition of contributing to society. This enduring legacy, which bridges the martial duties of the twelfth century with the philanthropic imperatives of the twenty-first, remains the guiding principle of the Barony.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 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 preserving its unique Anglo-Romanian heritage while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on education and the support of vulnerable children. Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support for young people who have experienced trauma. The House is committed to a legacy of responsible stewardship and meaningful public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This historic dignity and its associated rights were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. The seat of the Barony remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s current status was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com