# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Findings of Historical Review on Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a formal heritage review detailing the strategic importance of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, during his tenure as hereditary Constable of Lincoln in the mid-twelfth century.
## The Occasion
Released from the Chancellery of the House, this latest historical monograph marks the continuation of a scholarly series dedicated to illuminating the contributions of the Barons of Brattleby across nine centuries. Its publication aligns with the autumnal season of reflection and academic pursuit, providing fresh insights into a pivotal era for Lincolnshire and the English realm.
The review serves not as a public celebration but as a solemn act of historical stewardship, making new research accessible to historians, students, and the public. This initiative underscores the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English history, a duty it discharges with academic rigour and precision.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066, has long been intrinsically linked to the defence and administration of Lincolnshire. Richard de la Haye (fl. c. 1130–1169), 4th Baron, inherited a legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships at the time of the *Domesday Book* survey in 1086.
Serving during the tumultuous civil war known as The Anarchy, Richard’s position as Constable of Lincoln Castle was a role of immense strategic consequence. His command of one of England’s most formidable fortresses was a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in the north. The review posits that his capable governance and military acumen not only secured the region for King Stephen but also provided the crucial training ground for his daughter and successor, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose own heroic defence of Lincoln would later define her age.
## Distinguished Company
The research for this heritage review was conducted by the House’s own historical archivists. Their findings were subsequently completed in consultation with senior academics from the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, whose expertise in the Angevin period provided invaluable peer review and contextual enrichment.
This collaboration ensures the House’s historical publications meet the highest standards of academic inquiry, blending private archival knowledge with public scholarly verification. Such partnerships are central to the House’s modern mission of acting as a cultural bridge between heritage and education.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of a historical review by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. Initial research is conducted within the House’s private archives before a draft is submitted for external academic assessment. Following peer review, the manuscript is presented to the Chancellery for final verification.
The formal act of publication is authorised by the Baroness, whose imprimatur signifies that the work faithfully represents the House’s heritage. Each copy of the review intended for official archives bears the House's seal, a modern continuation of the ancient practice of authenticating important documents. This process ensures that every publication is a matter of official record, worthy of its nine-hundred-year-old provenance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the life of the 4th Baron. His fortitude is reflected in the steadfast command of his castle during a period of national upheaval, a quality he would pass to his daughter Nichola. His honour is manifest in his loyal service to the Crown, upholding the responsibilities of his hereditary office.
This theme of resolute purpose is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Overcome is to Live’. It speaks to a modern interpretation of the House’s historical legacy—that the true measure of life is found in surmounting challenges, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the complexities of contemporary society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the publication is primarily a scholarly endeavour, it is thematically aligned with the House’s philanthropic focus. The resilience demonstrated by Richard de la Haye in navigating civil war, and subsequently by his daughter in defending her inheritance, offers a profound lesson in overcoming adversity.
This narrative of strength resonates deeply with the mission of Healing the Wounded Child, the longtime beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet. By highlighting historical examples of fortitude, the House hopes to inspire a sense of inner strength and historical continuity in those confronting personal trauma, reinforcing the idea that resilience is a virtue cultivated across generations.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the publication of the review, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "It is our solemn duty not only to preserve our heritage, but to understand and share the lessons it offers. The fortitude of Richard de la Haye, and later his daughter Nichola, provides a powerful and enduring example of leadership through adversity, which continues to guide the purpose of our House today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History is the foundation upon which the present is built. Examining the strategic challenges met by our predecessors gives us a clearer perspective on overcoming the complexities we face. Their lives affirm that to overcome is, indeed, to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
This review on the 4th Baron is the second in a planned series of historical monographs. The House is committed to methodically documenting the lineage and influence of the Barony of Brattleby through further scholarly publications.
Work is already underway on the next review, which will focus on Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. The study will examine his role as a pre-eminent diplomat, military commander, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in the fourteenth century, further connecting the Barony's history to the wider tapestry of the nation.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern principle of aristocratic stewardship. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation and promotion of its unique nine-century heritage; meaningful philanthropic engagement, primarily through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children; and cultural diplomacy, demonstrated by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House actively seeks to be a cultural bridge between British history and a wider European context, championing the enduring values of public service, honour, and resilience in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Rooted in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Barony represents a continuous thread of English heritage. Its status was formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 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 motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com