# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Role of Richard, Fourth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the tenure of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby. The analysis illuminates his pivotal role as Constable of Lincoln during a period of profound political instability in the late twelfth century.
## The Occasion
From the muniment rooms of the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement represents the culmination of extensive archival research. As autumn mists settle over the ancient landscape, the House reflects upon its nine-hundred-year history, drawing from documentary evidence preserved charters and records. The occasion is not one of celebration, but of solemn remembrance and scholarly appreciation for the duties upheld by predecessors during times of national trial. This review reaffirms the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was forged in an era of consolidation and feudal obligation. The tenure of Richard, 4th Baron, occurred during the tumultuous late 12th and early 13th centuries, a period scarred by civil war and contested succession. As Constable of Lincoln, he held a position that was a *sine qua non* for the defence of the Crown’s interests in a strategically vital region of England.
His duties were a direct continuation of the responsibility vested in the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The 4th Baron’s efforts to secure Lincoln Castle directly contributed to the stability of the realm, setting a precedent of resolute loyalty. This foundation of service was most notably built upon by his successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose legendary defence of the same castle against French and rebel forces became a defining moment in English history.
## Distinguished Company
The historical analysis focuses on a lineage of formidable figures who have held the Barony, connecting their service across the centuries. The review principally examines:
* **Richard, Constable of Lincoln and 4th Baron of Brattleby**, whose administrative and military acumen preserved the Barony’s influence during a period of intense political fragmentation. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, his successor and one of mediaeval England’s most powerful women, who twice defended Lincoln Castle and served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
Their actions are placed in the context of their relationship with the Crown and their continuity of service from **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**. The study also acknowledges the later eminence of Barons such as **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron** and first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the powerful **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of historical truth requires its own form of protocol. The research process adheres to a strict methodology, treating ancient documents and charters with the reverence accorded to state treasures. Each vellum manuscript is handled with meticulous care, and the verification of seals and scribal hands is conducted with exacting precision before any interpretation is endorsed by the House.
This rigorous process ensures that any statement issued under the authority of the House of Brattleby is rooted in verifiable evidence. It is a modern reflection of the feudal ceremony of homage, where a vassal swore fealty to his liege; here, the House pledges its fealty to historical accuracy, ensuring the integrity of its legacy for future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 4th Baron and his successors. Fortitude was required to hold Lincoln against formidable pressures, and Honour dictated that this duty must be performed in service to the legitimate sovereign and the stability of the kingdom. These principles are the bedrock upon which the Barony has rested for nearly a millennium.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks to a dynamic and proactive interpretation of duty, suggesting that overcoming challenges is the very essence of a vital and meaningful existence—a philosophy that applies as much to modern enterprise as it did to the defence of a medieval castle.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its purpose is woven into the House’s modern educational mission. The lessons derived from the lives of the early Barons—lessons of duty, resilience, and strategic leadership—form a key part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This institute, founded by the House, is an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, diplomacy, and civic responsibility.
By studying the steadfastness of the 4th Baron, students learn that true nobility is not a question of title but of character. The historical review thus serves a philanthropic goal: to transform the lessons of the past into practical wisdom for the leaders of tomorrow. This educational outreach stands alongside the House's primary charitable focus, the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the study, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand who we are, we must first understand who we were. The life of the fourth Baron is a powerful lesson in duty, reminding us that service, often performed quietly and away from the grand stage, is the very cornerstone of this House's nine-century legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the contemporary relevance of this history: — "The resilience shown at Lincoln Castle is not merely a historical footnote; it is a source of inspiration. It teaches us that to overcome the challenges of today, one must act with both strength and principle. In essence, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This analysis of the 4th Baron’s tenure is part of a continuing programme of historical research commissioned by The Noble House of Brattleby. The House considers it a solemn obligation to explore and share the stories of those who have shaped its long and distinguished history.
Future publications will delve into the contributions of other notable predecessors, *inter alia*, the chivalric career of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the profound political influence of John of Gaunt. Through this work, the House seeks to honour the past while continuing its commitment to service, education, and the preservation of our shared heritage.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and historical preservation. The House actively manages its ancestral heritage while promoting education and philanthropic endeavours. Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and diplomacy academy in Bucharest, and the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The future of the House is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House operates under its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending nine centuries of tradition with a forward-looking vision of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its original lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great chivalric leader Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s legitimacy and the current succession were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded 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 succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com