# The Constableship of Lincoln: An Enduring Legacy of Service
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection commemorating the profound significance of the Constableship of Lincoln, a role held by early Barons which cemented the House’s enduring commitment to the governance and security of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon a cornerstone of its nine-century history. As spring brings renewal to the ancient lands of the county, it offers a fitting opportunity to consider the foundational duties that have shaped the Barony’s character through the ages.
This formal statement serves not as a celebration of personal power, but as a deliberate acknowledgement of civic responsibility. It is an act of historical stewardship, aimed at chronicling the direct and tangible ways in which the Barony has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the region since its inception in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. It was through the marriage of his daughter, Muriel, to Richard de la Haye that the vital role of Constable of Lincoln became intrinsically linked to the family line.
This appointment, circa the mid-12th century, was far more than an honour. It vested in the holder the military command of Lincoln Castle, judicial authority, and executive power over the city, then a principal centre of commerce and governance in England. The position was a *sine qua non* of regional authority, ensuring the Barony was not merely a title but an active and indispensable agent of the Crown.
This legacy of authority and responsibility was most powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness. A figure of remarkable resilience, she inherited the Constableship and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John, a feat that secured her place as a pivotal figure in English history. Her fortitude echoes the later service of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose lives were defined by service to the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Constableship is shaped by a peerage of remarkable historical personages whose actions exemplify the Barony's ethos:
* **The First Baron, Colswein of Lincoln**, whose acquisition of the Lincolnshire lordships under William the Conqueror laid the territorial and strategic foundation for the Barony’s influence.
* **Richard de la Haye, Constable of Lincoln**, son-in-law of the first Baron, who formalised the link between the Barony and the military and civil governance of the city and its environs.
* **Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle**, whose command and defence of this critical Royalist stronghold demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to duty and sovereign loyalty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of Lincoln in the 12th century was a solemn and binding affair. The ceremony would have involved the appointee kneeling before the King or his duly appointed representative to perform an act of homage, placing his hands within the sovereign’s and swearing an oath of fealty.
This oath bound him to protect the King’s castle, uphold his laws, and safeguard his subjects within the jurisdiction. In return, the Constable would be invested with the symbols of his office: likely the keys to the castle gates and a ceremonial baton, representing delegated Royal authority. The entire proceeding was recorded in a charter, meticulously inscribed on vellum in Latin and affixed with the Great Seal of the Realm, a tangible record of a sacred trust.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its clearest historical expression in the actions of the early Constables. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in the face of a siege, and the honour with which her predecessors and successors discharged their duties, are not merely historical footnotes; they are the living spirit of the House.
This motto represents a dual commitment: the strength to withstand adversity and the integrity to act always with honour. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live')—which is interpreted within the family as a call to overcome challenges, whether personal, civic, or philanthropic.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical role of the Constable—to protect and provide for the security of the people—is a direct antecedent to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This foundational principle of protective duty, once expressed through military and judicial means, finds its contemporary expression in the House’s charitable commitments.
The primary beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true community strength is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable members, a direct parallel to the Constable's ancient charge.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The example of Nichola de la Haye serves as a constant reminder that stewardship is an active, demanding vocation. Her fortitude was not for personal gain but for the preservation of order and the good of the community. That is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*, a principle that inspires us greatly."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides the most profound lessons in leadership. The concept of service, exemplified by the Constableship, is a lesson we are keen to impart to our son, Mihai. Understanding that privilege comes with responsibility is the cornerstone of the education we wish for him, one which honours this remarkable lineage."
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of the Constableship continues to inform the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The focus on discipline, protocol, and civic responsibility is instilled through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating the next generation of community leaders.
As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, continues his education, he is being raised with a deep appreciation for this history of service. The House remains committed to ensuring that the legacy of its predecessors is not simply preserved, but is actively translated into meaningful contributions to society today. The commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* remains, as ever, the guiding principle.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through acts of contemporary relevance. Its mission focuses on philanthropic support for vulnerable children, the promotion of cultural and historical education, and the upholding of civic duty. Through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet and initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into tangible actions that serve the global community while honouring its profound attachment to Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This distinguished lineage connects the Barony to the very heart of English mediaeval history. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com