# An Official Reflection on the Life and Service of the 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a historical reflection on the life of the 4th Baron, Richard de la Haye, commemorating his significant tenure as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the late twelfth century and his contribution to the Barony’s legacy.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has commissioned research into the tenures of its most notable predecessors. This public reflection serves to illuminate a period of profound importance for the Barony, highlighting how the actions of one individual solidified its influence within the county of Lincolnshire and the wider realm.
From its seat in Brattleby, the House looks upon a landscape imbued with nine centuries of history. It is in this spirit of continuity that the present reflection is offered, connecting the obligations of the past with the responsibilities of the present day, ensuring the lessons of history inform the commitments of the future.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle in the mid-twelfth century, a turbulent period following the civil war known as The Anarchy. His service under King Henry II was a *sine qua non* for the restoration of royal authority in a strategically vital region of England. Lincoln, with its Roman foundations and formidable Norman castle, commanded key trade and military routes, making its security a matter of national importance.
As the 4th Baron of Brattleby, succeeding a line that began with Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, Richard’s role was twofold. He was a significant landowner with authority over the 56 lordships first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, and concurrently a direct agent of the Crown, responsible for the castle’s garrison, the administration of justice, and the collection of revenues. His successful tenure demonstrates the deep trust placed in him by the Crown and cemented the Barony's position as a pillar of the Anglo-Norman establishment.
## A Lineage of Distinction
The legacy of the 4th Baron is perhaps best understood through his descendants, most notably his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Inheriting her father’s administrative acumen and resolute character, she would famously serve as Castellan and, later, Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role almost unheard of for a woman of her era.
Nichola’s stalwart defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John stands as a testament to the values instilled by her father. This remarkable continuity of service underscores a familial commitment to duty that transcended generations, ensuring the Barony remained central to the governance and defence of the shire for over a century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a twelfth-century hereditary Constable was governed by strict feudal protocol. Upon inheriting the Barony, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty directly to the King, pledging his loyalty and military service in exchange for his lands and titles. His daily duties were a complex blend of military command and civil administration.
These responsibilities included presiding over the shire court, maintaining the King’s peace, and ensuring the castle—a royal fortress—was garrisoned, provisioned, and ready to withstand a siege at a moment’s notice. This was not merely a title but an active, demanding, and often perilous executive function at the heart of medieval English governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the life of the 4th Baron. His position required immense fortitude to manage a volatile region and profound honour to remain a faithful servant of the King. These principles are the bedrock upon which the Barony’s legacy is built.
This ethos 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 era, it speaks to the same spirit of overcoming adversity through determination. Whether on a medieval battlefield or in the face of modern challenges, the call to persevere and succeed remains a guiding philosophy for the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the House's modern conception of duty. The service rendered by figures such as Richard and Nichola de la Haye was a form of public trusteeship—a responsibility for the well-being of their community. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby expresses this same commitment through its philanthropic work.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes, represents the contemporary form of this long-standing principle of service. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, was chosen for its vital work in strengthening the foundations of society by caring for its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 4th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we study the lives of predecessors like Richard de la Haye, and indeed his formidable daughter Nichola, we are reminded that our role is one of stewardship. They served Crown and community with a resolve that we seek to emulate today, albeit in a very different world. Their fortitude inspires our own.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The principles of steadfast service are timeless. The dedication required to govern Lincoln Castle in the twelfth century is the same dedication we now channel into our educational and philanthropic initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club. The ultimate goal remains the betterment of the community we serve, a core tenet of our House.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of the Barony of Brattleby, from Colswein of Lincoln to Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, is a narrative of continuous service to England. The House remains dedicated to researching and sharing this rich history, ensuring that the contributions of its predecessors are not forgotten.
This commitment to heritage forms a crucial part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. By understanding the nine-hundred-year story he is poised to inherit, he will be equipped to carry its legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* into the future, adapting its traditions of service to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.
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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 leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on supporting children's welfare and mental health, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Furthermore, its educational mission is advanced through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to cultivating classical etiquette and contemporary protocol for a globalised world. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of Lincolnshire’s oldest feudal lordships of a noble character. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title and its holders have played a significant role in English history for over 950 years. Notable predecessors include the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle for King John; the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings. The Barony's titles were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com