# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barons of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the pivotal twelfth-century role of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, highlighting a foundational legacy of duty and strategic service that continues to inform the House’s modern commitments.
## The Occasion
From the archives of the House, this autumn dispatch serves as a moment of historical reflection, connecting the present-day responsibilities of the Barony to its formidable origins. The subject is the office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense trust and authority held by Richard de la Haye during the politically fraught era of the Anarchy and the subsequent reign of King Henry II. Lincoln Castle, one of the most powerful Norman fortifications in the kingdom, stood as a stone testament to royal authority in the north, and its command was a matter of national significance.
The tenure of the 4th Baron represents a critical chapter in the Brattleby lineage. It underscores not only the personal capabilities of the holder but also the strategic importance of the family’s Lincolnshire holdings, which were first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. This historical examination reaffirms the unbroken chain of service that is a hallmark of the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has been a participant in the shaping of England for over nine centuries. Richard de la Haye’s appointment as Constable placed him at the heart of the Crown’s efforts to secure the realm. The castle itself, built upon the ruins of a Roman fortress, was a symbol of power that dominated the surrounding landscape and commanded vital trade routes.
This office was not merely a title; it was the principal military and administrative post in the shire. The Baron’s service laid the essential groundwork for his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217 secured the throne for the young King Henry III. The actions of both father and daughter exemplify a profound commitment to Crown and country, a standard later upheld by successors such as the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and the royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the twelfth century, the role of a hereditary Constable was a *sine qua non* of feudal governance. More than a governor, the Constable was the King’s immediate martial representative, personally responsible for the fortress’s defence, the command of its garrison, and the administration of justice within its walls. The ceremonial protocol of the office reflected its gravity, involving oaths of fealty sworn directly to the monarch.
The Constable’s duties included the maintenance of the castle’s structure, the victualling of its soldiers, and the collection of certain royal revenues. He held the ‘keys to the castle’ both literally and figuratively, embodying a sacred trust. This fusion of military command and civil authority illustrates the nature of power in medieval England, where lordship was indivisible from duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The service of the 4th and 5th Barons gives this ancient maxim tangible meaning. Richard de la Haye performed his duties with the honour expected of a great lord, while Nichola de la Haye demonstrated extraordinary fortitude in the face of a national crisis.
These historical actions resonate with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern sentiment reflects a philosophy of overcoming challenges through active engagement, whether on the battlefield of the twelfth century or in the complex philanthropic and cultural landscape of the twenty-first.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of stewardship—defending a castle for the King, or safeguarding a barony for future generations—finds a powerful modern parallel in the House’s philanthropic work. The ancient duty to protect the realm has evolved into a contemporary commitment to protect the vulnerable. This is most clearly expressed through the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, effectively offering a sanctuary for those in greatest need. By championing this cause at events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, the House translates the historical principle of defence into a meaningful, compassionate, and modern form of service. The duty of care remains the same, even as the context changes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Richard de la Haye and his daughter, Nichola, is a profound source of inspiration. It speaks to a continuity of purpose, where stewardship is the central pillar of our identity. Nichola’s strength was built upon the foundation her father established, a lesson in how each generation must prepare the way for the next with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The office of Constable was about active responsibility, not passive privilege. It required vigilance, strategy, and a deep sense of loyalty. Today, we strive to apply that same active spirit to our own duties, whether in preserving our heritage or in championing causes that strengthen the fabric of our communities. To serve is to act.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of its lessons. The House’s archives are not merely a repository of documents but a living resource used to inform its present-day educational and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By studying and sharing the accounts of predecessors like Richard de la Haye, the House ensures that this nine-hundred-year legacy of service is not only remembered but actively continued. The commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the guiding principle, connecting the stone walls of Lincoln Castle to the civic responsibilities of today and tomorrow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a unique nine-century heritage and its application to modern philanthropic and cultural spheres. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs its work across conservation, historical research, and education. Central to its mission is a steadfast commitment to charitable endeavours, primarily supporting the therapeutic work of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic gala and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its ancient tradition of service, duty, and positive community engagement in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by King William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com