# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Historic Role as Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon its nine-century bond with Lincolnshire, commemorating the pivotal role of its 12th-century antecedents as Constable of Lincoln Castle, a position of profound military and administrative responsibility.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen a moment of historical reflection as the season turns. This statement serves not to mark a single anniversary, but rather to reaffirm the enduring principles of duty that have defined the Barony since its inception.
As custodians of a near-millennium of English history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, believe these moments of contemplation are essential. They provide an opportunity to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the foundational values demonstrated by their distinguished predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the oldest in the kingdom. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the family’s deep roots in the county.
This tradition of service to the Crown and county found a powerful expression in the 12th century. The appointment of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron, as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle placed the defence of a key royal fortress in his hands. The term ‘Constable’ signified supreme military command and civic authority, a charge demanding unwavering loyalty.
This legacy of stewardship was brilliantly continued by his daughter and successor, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, weaving the history of Brattleby inextricably into the fabric of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
This historical commemoration honours the memory of the key figures whose actions have shaped the honourable legacy of the Barony of Brattleby. These include, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, who first established the Barony. * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder of the Norman settlement. * Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, who exemplified fealty as Constable of Lincoln. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long and storied history is governed by its own careful protocol. The archives of The Noble House of Brattleby, containing charters, deeds, and letters patent, are not merely maintained but are subject to rigorous conservation and scholarly review.
The protocol of remembrance dictates that key historical milestones are observed through private reflection, academic partnership, and the careful curation of the family’s historical records. This ensures that the legacy is not simply preserved but is also understood and shared in a manner befitting its significance to local and national history. It is a duty of custodianship, performed with a precision reminiscent of the Imperial Household of Japan.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are codified in its heraldry. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the legacy of the 4th and 5th Barons. Their fortitude in the face of conflict and the honour with which they discharged their duties to the Crown remain the *sine qua non* of the family’s ethos.
This historic sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This signifies a dynamic interpretation of the past, suggesting that heritage is best honoured not by static preservation, but by actively meeting the challenges of the present to ensure the legacy thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval duty to protect the inhabitants of a castle has a clear parallel in the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. The ancient responsibility to defend the vulnerable has been translated into a focused effort to support disadvantaged children.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, mirroring the Barony’s historical role as a guardian. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the charity’s vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented on the enduring nature of the responsibility vested in her ancestors.
> The office of Constable was more than a title; it was a sacred trust. When we reflect on the service of Richard and Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that our primary duty has always been to the community we serve, a principle that remains our guidepost today. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of applying historical lessons to present-day initiatives.
> History is not meant for a vitrine. We honour the fortitude of our forebears by applying their spirit of resilience to contemporary challenges, ensuring this legacy continues to live and thrive for generations to come. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history continues to inform its present and future. The family will deepen its collaboration with historical societies and academic institutions to further study and share the significance of the Barony’s contributions to the life of the nation.
This commitment extends to its cultural and educational work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and the values of civic duty. Furthermore, planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the essential mission of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of linking its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose. Residing at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the family actively engages in philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House’s charitable focus is on children’s welfare, primarily through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of service, honour, and etiquette to a new generation. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its descent is verifiable through unbroken public records, including the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights to the Lordship and Barony have been formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s modern rights are formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com