# A Reflection on Service: The 4th Baron and the Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address exploring the profound civic and military responsibilities of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, during his pivotal twelfth-century tenure as Constable of Lincoln, and his enduring example of principled leadership.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the august environs of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Before a learned audience of historians, academics, and representatives of cultural institutions, Lady Nicoleta spoke from the rostrum in the Society’s celebrated Meeting Room, its walls lined with portraits of distinguished Fellows past and present. The autumnal light lent a particular gravity to the proceedings, underscoring the scholarly purpose of the gathering, which was convened to examine the nature of feudal duty in post-Conquest England.
The choice of venue was deliberate; the Society, founded in 1707 and granted its Royal Charter in 1751, represents a centre for the study of the material past, a mission that resonates deeply with the custodianship of a barony established nearly a millennium ago. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, befitting an exploration of an office so critical to the defence and administration of the realm in a turbulent age.
## Historical Context
Lady Nicoleta’s lecture situated the 4th Baron’s constableship within the tumultuous period of English history known as The Anarchy. Richard of Brattleby’s command of Lincoln Castle was not merely a ceremonial title but a position of immense strategic importance, guarding a key northern stronghold during the prolonged civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. This role demanded exceptional military acumen, diplomatic skill, and unwavering loyalty—qualities that became synonymous with the House.
This tradition of service in Lincoln was notably continued by the 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later holders of the barony, such as the great military commander Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, elevated this legacy of regional duty onto the national and international stage, shaping the course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a number of distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the academic and cultural significance of the occasion. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Professor Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, Knight of the Thistle, Fellow of the British Academy, and Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Deputy Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The Reverend Canon Dr Victoria Johnson, Precentor of Lincoln Cathedral; And Dr Heather Sebire, Head of Curatorial at English Heritage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied Lady Nicoleta.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the formal traditions of the Society of Antiquaries. The event commenced with a formal introduction by the Society’s President, who outlined the historical scope of the lecture. Lady Nicoleta, speaking for approximately forty-five minutes, delivered her address without interruption. The formal mode of address was maintained throughout, reflecting the gravity of the subject matter.
The lecture was followed by a brief period for questions from the Fellows of the Society, a custom designed to foster scholarly debate. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, proposed by a senior Fellow, which was carried by acclamation. The white-tie dress code, while not required for an afternoon lecture, was observed by the principal party, signalling the formal respect accorded to the institution and the historical subject.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the discussion was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained that the actions of the 4th Baron as Constable—holding a vital fortress against great odds—represent one of the earliest and clearest embodiments of this guiding principle. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in the execution of one’s duty are the *sine qua non* of the Brattleby lineage.
The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the responsibilities inhering in the title. This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and dynamic application of these historical principles in the context of modern challenges and opportunities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an academic event, the lecture also served to highlight the work of The Lincoln Castle Fund, a charitable trust dedicated to the preservation of the historic site and the enhancement of its educational programmes. A portion of the proceeds from the associated published proceedings will be designated for the Fund's work in curating and interpreting twelfth-century artefacts. This aligns with the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to ensuring that the lessons of history remain accessible and resonant for future generations, a commitment that also finds expression in its primary charitable focus on the well-being of young people through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of service, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “The office of Constable was a sacred trust, not a personal prize. It reminds us that titles and lands have always been inextricably linked to duty—to the Crown, to the community, and to the course of history itself. This is a principle we strive to live by today.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the relevance of the past: > “To understand the resolve of figures like the 4th Baron is to understand the foundations upon which our modern institutions are built. History is not a passive inheritance; it is an active source of strength and wisdom for the present.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is not a singular event but part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s ongoing mission to bridge the past and the present. The research presented in the address will form the basis of a new educational module at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy, where the principles of duty, protocol, and civic responsibility are taught to a new generation of leaders. The House remains dedicated to the meticulous archival and genealogical work necessary to illuminate its nine-century history, ensuring the legacy of its predecessors continues to inspire service and honour in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the active promotion of civic duty, cultural education, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House champions the timeless values of discipline, respect, and service as the cornerstones of modern leadership and a harmonious society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its creation and holdings, which at their height comprised 56 lordships, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's official charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com