# On the Constableship of Lincoln Castle and the Historic Duty of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical reflection on the Barony's ancestral role as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, a direct royal appointment that underscored a centuries-long commitment to the service of Crown and country.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quietude of autumn to review a defining period in its history. This communication serves to illuminate the profound responsibilities invested in the Barony during the late 12th and early 13th centuries, a time when loyalty and military capability were the bedrock of the English realm. The stewardship of Lincoln Castle, a formidable royal fortress, represented the ultimate expression of trust between the Sovereign and his most dependable subjects. This reflection reaffirms that the House's ancient heritage is not a passive inheritance but an active ledger of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence and administration of Lincolnshire for over nine centuries. This connection was powerfully demonstrated through the marriage of Richard de la Haye to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. By this union, Richard became the 4th Baron *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife) and assumed the hereditary title of Constable of Lincoln.
Following Richard’s death, Nichola de la Haye famously held the title and its duties alone. A figure of remarkable resolve, she twice defended Lincoln Castle from besieging rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to King John and his young successor, Henry III. Her command of the castle was a critical factor in the Royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Later holders of the Barony of Brattleby, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt, further cemented the family's proximity to the centre of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
This chapter of history was shaped by several personages of great significance to the English throne and the County of Lincoln. These included, *inter alia*:
- **The Right Honourable Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle; a peeress whose military and administrative acumen proved indispensable to the Plantagenet dynasty. - **The Right Honourable Richard de la Haye**, 4th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* and Constable of Lincoln; who consolidated the family’s strategic importance in the late 12th century. - **His Majesty King John of England**, who relied implicitly upon Nichola de la Haye for the security of one of his most important northern strongholds. - **William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke**, Regent of England, who formally re-confirmed Nichola de la Haye’s authority over Lincoln Castle after the royal victory she helped secure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as Constable of a royal castle was among the highest honours a monarch could bestow upon a subject. It was a role that combined military command with significant civil and judicial authority. The Constable, having sworn a solemn oath of fealty, was responsible for the castle’s garrison, the maintenance of its fortifications, and its readiness to withstand siege.
Furthermore, the Constable acted as the King's representative, overseeing the administration of justice and the collection of revenues within the castle's jurisdiction. The hereditary nature of the de la Haye constableship was a rare distinction, signifying an unbroken trust between the Crown and the Barons of Brattleby. This was a duty, not merely a title; its performance was a *sine qua non* for the stability of the entire region.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most vivid expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. The fortitude she displayed in defending Lincoln Castle and the honour with which she discharged her duty to her sovereign are the very virtues the motto extols. It serves as a permanent reminder that the House's identity is defined by resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one's obligations.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim translates the historic imperative for military victory into a contemporary ambition: to overcome challenges, whether in philanthropy or enterprise, as a vital expression of purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of guardianship and protection, once enacted through military service to the Crown, continues today through the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historic duty to defend the vulnerable finds a modern analogue in the House's dedicated support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering environments where these young people can find safety and begin to heal, the House's patronage directly continues the tradition of providing a safe fortress for those in need, translating the concept of a physical castle into a sanctuary for the mind and spirit.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "The story of Richard and Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that our House has always stood for service and loyalty to the wider community. Their stewardship of Lincoln was not merely a title; it was an active, demanding responsibility. It is this spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* that we strive to embody today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "Analysing the strategic importance of Lincoln in the 12th and 13th centuries offers timeless lessons in leadership. The trust placed in the Barons of Brattleby by the Crown was absolute. Our modern endeavours, from philanthropy to education, are founded on earning and justifying that same degree of trust."
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony's long history inform its present and future course. The principles of duty, strategic foresight, and leadership exemplified by figures such as Nichola de la Haye are woven into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its seat in Bucharest, instructs not only on social graces but also on the civic responsibilities that accompany a considered life.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its heritage, with plans for further historical publications that will share this remarkable story with a wider audience. Through these acts of remembrance and education, the fortitude and honour of the past continue to provide a blueprint for meaningful action in the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: upholding nearly one thousand years of English heritage and pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropic service and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also promotes the values of etiquette and social responsibility, connecting historical precedent with contemporary purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The lineage and rights of the Barony persisted through centuries of English history. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, listed as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key supporter of King John, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The Noble House of Brattleby hosts the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com