# A Statement on the Historical Stewardship of Lincoln Castle by the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony’s ancestral stewardship of Lincoln Castle, particularly during the tenure of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, in the 13th century.
## The Occasion
In its capacity as the custodian of nearly a millennium of English history, the House of Brattleby regularly consults its archives to illuminate the foundational principles that continue to guide its modern purpose. This reflection on the Office of Constable of Lincoln, held by direct predecessors of the Barony, serves as an educational initiative to underscore the enduring values of duty, strategic leadership, and service to the Crown and nation.
The statement is released from the House’s historical office in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancient seat of the Barony. It connects the stone-and-mortar realities of a medieval fortress with the unbroken chain of responsibility that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony's connection to Lincoln Castle represents a pivotal chapter in its long history. Following its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony was inextricably linked with the defence and administration of Lincolnshire. This bond was powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the de jure Barony and the hereditary post of Constable of Lincoln Castle in the late 12th century.
During the turbulent reign of King John and the subsequent First Barons' War, Nichola de la Haye’s command was no mere sinecure. She famously and successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217, an act of loyalty and military acumen that proved decisive at the Battle of Lincoln and secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her fortitude demonstrated the Barony’s profound integration into the political and military structure of the Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In executing her duties, Baroness Nichola moved among the highest echelons of the Angevin court and its challengers. Her unwavering loyalty to the Crown placed her in the trusted circle of King John, who reconfirmed her authority as Constable in his own right.
Following the King’s death, she served alongside one of the great figures of the age, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who acted as regent for Henry III. Her resolute defence of Lincoln against the rebel barons and their French ally, Prince Louis, positioned her as a key strategist and a peer of the most powerful magnates in England. Her service contrasts with a lineage of other formidable forebears, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose influence was felt on a European stage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Office of Constable was one of the most significant ceremonial and practical roles in medieval England. As Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye held supreme command of the castle garrison, a vital military responsibility in a strategically critical city. The protocol of her office demanded the security of the fortress, the administration of the King’s justice within its walls, and the maintenance of the physical structure as a symbol of Royal authority.
The role was a fusion of military command and civil administration, as the Constable often held the concurrent post of Sheriff of Lincolnshire. This gave the office-holder power over law enforcement, tax collection, and judicial proceedings throughout the county—a clear testament to the trust placed in the Barony by the monarch.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds few greater exemplars in the family’s lineage than Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle in the face of overwhelming odds was a masterclass in fortitude, while her steadfast loyalty to two successive kings was the very essence of honour.
This historical credo is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a more dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of fortitude—one focused on overcoming modern challenges and building a legacy of positive impact, translating ancient defensive duties into proactive present-day service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty that defined the Barony's historical stewardship of a physical fortress is today expressed through a profound commitment to modern philanthropy. The solemn responsibility to protect the vulnerable, once demonstrated by defending castle walls, has been transmuted into a mission to safeguard the well-being of children in need.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma, a cause Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan believe reflects the highest calling of the principle of *Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "Our history is not a static collection of records; it is a living lesson in duty. The resilience of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye reminds us that stewardship—whether of a castle or of a community’s welfare—is our foremost responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > "The challenges evolve, but the principles of courage and strategic foresight remain unchanged. The spirit that defended Lincoln then is the same spirit with which we must now build and protect the future for the most vulnerable."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and sharing its remarkable history. This work is undertaken not only through archival research but also through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and historical understanding.
The legacy of service, from the 1st Baron to the 12th Baroness, is vested in the future. The continuity of this nine-century-old institution is assured through the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who will one day inherit this sacred trust of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the principle of ‘service through stewardship’. Its mission is twofold: to preserve and curate nearly one thousand years of English heritage, and to leverage its platform for impactful philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House bridges its historical legacy with a commitment to contemporary social responsibility, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The rights of the present holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s current status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as overseeing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and Constable of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com