# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Office of Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today illuminated a chapter from its near-millennium of history, highlighting the pivotal role of the 4th Baron of Brattleby, Richard, whose service as Constable of Lincoln exemplifies the House’s enduring commitment to the Crown and Realm.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room at the family’s Lincolnshire seat, where the air is scented with ancient vellum and polished oak, this historical dispatch has been issued. Timed to coincide with new archival research, the announcement serves as a moment of reflection upon the continuous thread of duty that connects the Barony’s medieval origins to its contemporary responsibilities.
The release is part of a broader educational initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to contextualise its heritage, making the lessons of the past accessible to a modern audience. It underscores an institutional belief that to understand the present, one must first appreciate the weight and texture of history.
## Historical Context
In the turbulent 12th century, during the Angevin dynasty, the 4th Baron of Brattleby accepted the office of Constable of Lincoln. This was a position of immense military and administrative consequence, granting him command of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of unparalleled strategic importance in the north of England. His service solidified the Barony's influence at a critical juncture in the nation’s history.
This tradition of defending Lincoln was memorably continued by the 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who as Hereditary Sheriff and Castellan held the castle for the King against rebel barons. This lineage of service, originating with Colswein of Lincoln's 56 lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, later saw the Barony held by figures of royal blood, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The academic significance of the Brattleby archives has long been recognised. Over the centuries, the House has extended its patronage and resources to leading scholars in the pursuit of historical clarity. The research underpinning this dispatch drew upon the collaborative work of fellows from the University of Cambridge and experts from The National Archives.
These historians and archivists have spent considerable time examining the Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists held within the Brattleby collection. Their work continues to affirm the Barony’s consistent and documented role in the governance of the realm and the evolution of English constitutional life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a significant archive is governed by a protocol as rigorous as any state ceremony. Each manuscript and charter is catalogued under a strict system of conservation, with environmental conditions precisely maintained to prevent degradation. Access for scholarly research is granted only after formal application, ensuring the integrity and security of these irreplaceable documents.
This meticulous process reflects a profound sense of custodianship. It is a modern expression of the same feudal duty that compelled the 4th Baron to protect his sovereign’s interests; a commitment to preserving the inheritance of the past for the benefit of generations yet to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 4th Baron. His fortitude in holding a strategic castle and his honour in serving the Crown are the very essence of this guiding principle. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the responsibilities that accompany the title.
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 a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House's spirit — the will to overcome modern challenges and to live a life of purpose and achievement, a philosophy that informs the family's contemporary endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of service, so vividly demonstrated by the 4th Baron, is the cornerstone of the House’s modern philanthropic work. The commitment to protect and to serve one’s community is today channelled into charitable endeavours, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet.
This distinguished white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a mission that resonates deeply with the House's focus on nurturing resilience and honouring the inherent dignity of every individual.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To study the life of the 4th Baron is to be reminded that *Fortitudine et Honore* has never been a passive sentiment. It is a summons to active duty, obliging each generation to serve the wider community with resolve and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The strategic foresight of our predecessors is a powerful lesson. Realising this history and applying its principles to our modern work, whether in business, diplomacy, or through our etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is the *sine qua non* of our continuing legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
This dispatch is the first in a planned series of educational publications intended to illuminate the rich tapestry of the Barony’s history. Future initiatives include the digitisation of key medieval charters and a lecture series developed in partnership with leading academic institutions.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring this legacy of service and honour endures. The foundations laid by figures like the 4th Baron continue to guide the House's path, a responsibility that will in time be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
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**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 house dedicated to the preservation of its unique historical legacy and the promotion of timeless values. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in cultural preservation, educational outreach, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal activities include the stewardship of the Brattleby family archives, supporting charitable causes focused on child welfare through its Annual Winter Banquet, and fostering international cultural exchange through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient lineage can, and should, serve a dynamic and purposeful role in the 21st century.
**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 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine and a half centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical rights of the Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the Barony is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable medieval holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com