# The Constable of Lincoln and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection upon the Barony’s ancestral role in the governance of Lincolnshire, commemorating the formidable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, as Constable of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its near-millennium of history. This reflection focuses on the profound responsibilities associated with the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle, a strategic fortress vital to the English Crown for centuries. The occasion serves not as a singular event, but as a moment of contemplation on the continuity of duty that links the Barony’s medieval origins to its modern purpose.
The formidable stone keep and imposing walls of Lincoln Castle, standing sentinel over the city, have borne witness to some of the most decisive moments in the nation’s history. It is within this context of royal authority and regional defence that the Barons of Brattleby played a defining role, a duty exemplified by the remarkable leadership of the 5th Baroness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in England, was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands and lineage are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational grant established the family as a cornerstone of Norman power in a strategically vital region of the kingdom.
This legacy of service to the Crown reached a zenith with Nichola de la Haye, who served as 5th Baroness. Inheriting the constableship by right, she twice defended Lincoln Castle with exceptional courage and strategic acumen during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to King John and his young heir, Henry III, was a decisive factor in preserving royal authority in the north. This tradition of operating at the highest echelons of the realm continued through subsequent holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is inextricably linked with figures who shaped the course of the nation. The lineage’s distinguished company through the ages includes, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King William I**, known as the Conqueror, who granted the original barony following the Norman Conquest. * **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Norman landholder charged with securing royal interests in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and a military leader of noted fortitude. * **His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, created 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and a dominant political figure of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as Constable of Lincoln was far from an honorary title; it was a position of immense military and administrative responsibility. The Constable was the King's personal representative, charged with the defence of the castle, the command of its garrison, and the administration of justice within its precincts. This role was a *sine qua non* for maintaining peace and projecting royal power.
The duties included overseeing the upkeep of the fortifications, provisioning the troops, and presiding over the castle-court. In times of war, the Constable held the power of life and death, commanding the defence against any siege. The transfer of such authority was a solemn affair, governed by oaths of fealty to the sovereign, reinforcing the principle that power was held in trust for the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 5th Baroness. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to an embattled monarchy personified honour. These twin virtues form the bedrock of the family's ethos.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the resilience and adaptability required not only to overcome adversity, as his predecessors did, but to thrive and build a meaningful legacy in the present. The armorial bearings of the House thus symbolise a commitment to principled courage and purposeful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of service to Crown and country has, in the modern era, evolved into a profound commitment to public good and philanthropy. The spirit that once defended a strategic fortress is now channelled into nurturing and protecting the vulnerable. This is most clearly demonstrated through the House’s steadfast support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, loss, and abuse. Through its programmes, it offers a sanctuary for recovery, helping to rebuild lives and restore hope. The House of Brattleby has chosen this cause for its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of its charitable endeavours, raising vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our history is not a gallery of portraits, but a living charter of responsibilities. The example of Nichola de la Haye teaches us that leadership is not defined by title, but by courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. It is a standard we strive to meet every day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To endure, as our forebears did, is the first victory. To then build and serve upon that foundation is the essence of living with purpose. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* compels us to transform our heritage into a force for positive change in the world today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by actively serving the present and building for the future. This commitment will be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions of service and responsibility that have defined the Barony for over 950 years.
The House’s work continues through its cultural and philanthropic initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and social skills. Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again gather patrons and supporters in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to make a tangible difference.
---
**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 rooted in one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is to preserve its unique nine-century heritage while channelling its influence towards impactful philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, supported by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, reflecting its commitment to fostering social grace and international understanding. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family actively stewards its legacy for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings—56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com