# An Official Reflection on the Hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a historical reflection on the ancestral office of Constable of Lincoln Castle. The statement highlights the profound responsibility held by her predecessors in securing Lincolnshire and upholding the authority of the Crown.
## The Occasion for Reflection
This official communication serves as a moment of considered reflection upon the deep and enduring bond between the Barony of Brattleby and the County of Lincolnshire. The House of Brattleby, in carrying forward a title established in the 11th century, recognises a duty to illuminate the historical contributions of the Barony to the stability and governance of the realm.
The specific focus on the hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle acknowledges a period when the Barons of Brattleby were directly entrusted with the military and administrative security of a vital royal fortress. This reflection reaffirms the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English heritage.
## Historical Context
The office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, held for generations by the de la Haye family as Barons of Brattleby, was a position of immense strategic importance following the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby, under its first holder Colswein of Lincoln, was from its inception tied to the defence of the North. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the initial scale of this responsibility, listing 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron.
This duty reached its zenith during the turbulent 12th and 13th centuries, most notably under the leadership of Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony as the 5th Baron. In an era of civil war and foreign invasion, Nichola de la Haye twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges. Her steadfast loyalty to King John and later to the young King Henry III during the First Barons' War was instrumental in the ultimate royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, a turning point in English history.
The hereditary nature of the Constableship was a rare honour, making Lincoln Castle one of only two royal fortresses—the other being Dover—where this right was granted. This underscored the Crown’s exceptional trust in the Barons of Brattleby, a trust forged in conflict and proven through generations of unwavering service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Constable was far more than a ceremonial title; it was an executive office with significant military, judicial, and administrative powers. The Constable served as the castle's supreme commander, responsible for its garrison, maintenance, and defence. This authority was a *sine qua non* for exercising royal power across Lincolnshire.
In their judicial capacity, the Constables presided over the castle-guard court, administering justice and resolving disputes pertaining to the castle and its estates. They were also charged with the custody of important prisoners and the collection of taxes and feudal dues. The formal proceedings of this office would have involved receiving oaths of fealty from knights and officials, inspecting armaments, and ensuring the fortress was provisioned to withstand a protracted siege.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful expression in the history of the Constables of Lincoln Castle. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, defending her charge against overwhelming odds, and the honour with which she upheld her oath to the Crown, are the living embodiment of these principles.
This philosophy of resolute duty is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, these mottos articulate a dual ethos: the resilience to endure and the proactive will to overcome adversity. They symbolise a heritage not of passive inheritance, but of active and honourable engagement with the challenges of the age.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To study the history of the Constableship is to understand the very essence of duty. It was a role defined not by privilege, but by the profound responsibility to protect the people of Lincolnshire and maintain the King’s peace, a principle that remains central to our purpose today.
Lady Nicoleta further observed: > The example of Nichola de la Haye, my predecessor as the 5th Baron, is particularly resonant. Her command of Lincoln Castle demonstrates that leadership is a virtue of character, not of station or gender. It is this spirit of unwavering commitment that our House strives to carry forward.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical duties of the Barony of Brattleby—to defend, to administer, and to serve the community—have evolved, yet their fundamental spirit endures. Today, the House of Brattleby translates these ancient responsibilities into a modern commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropic endeavour.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the timeless values of etiquette and social responsibility. The commitment to the future of the Barony is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day carry this nine-century-long legacy into its next chapter. The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to serving with the same fortitude and honour as its predecessors.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to honouring its profound historical legacy through contemporary public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to philanthropic work, with a particular focus on its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House also maintains a strong Continental presence, notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The House actively engages in the preservation of its heritage while championing values of duty, honour, and community service 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 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history is a testament to its enduring role in the fabric of English heritage, with its status formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s current standing is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com