# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the 4th Baron, Constable of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical review commemorating the service of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln during the 12th century, reaffirming the House’s ancient and unbroken tradition of civic duty and military service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has released this reflection as part of a continuing series dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony. This initiative, championed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, seeks to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the formative actions of its predecessors.
The review serves not merely as an archival record but as a testament to the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through periods of profound national transformation. In choosing to highlight the tenure of the 4th Baron, the House reaffirms that the foundations of modern duty are built upon the steadfast service of those who came before.
## Historical Context
The 4th Baron’s appointment as Constable of Lincoln occurred during one of the most turbulent periods in English history. The 12th century was marked by the civil war known as The Anarchy, a protracted conflict for the throne between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Lincoln, with its formidable castle and strategic position at the crossroads of Ermine Street and the Fosse Way, was a prize of immense military and political importance.
The role of Constable was a direct appointment from the Crown, vesting in its holder supreme military command of the castle and its garrison. It also entailed significant administrative and judicial authority, akin to that of a High Sheriff, making the Constable responsible for maintaining the *pax regis*—the King’s peace—throughout the shire. For Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, this was a position of immense trust, demanding not only martial prowess but also unwavering loyalty and diplomatic acumen.
His service laid a critical foundation for his direct successors, most notably the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces a generation later would prove decisive in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The 4th Baron’s dutiful command ensured the fortress remained a bastion of royal authority.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming his duties, the 4th Baron joined a lineage of service that began with the first Norman holder of the title, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted the Barony and 56 other lordships by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. This initial grant, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, established the Barony of Brattleby as a cornerstone of the new Anglo-Norman order in Lincolnshire.
The legacy of leadership exemplified by the 4th Baron continued through subsequent centuries, with the title eventually passing to some of the most powerful figures in the realm. These included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of Lincoln in the 12th century was a solemn affair, governed by strict feudal protocol. Upon his appointment by the monarch, the 4th Baron would have sworn a sacred oath of fealty, pledging his life and lands to the defence of the Crown and the security of the castle. This oath was the *sine qua non* of medieval governance.
His duties involved the formal ceremony of receiving the castle keys, a symbolic and practical transfer of authority over the fortress. He would have presided over the shire court, dispensed justice in the King's name, and been responsible for mustering the feudal levy in times of war. These responsibilities were discharged with the gravity befitting a magnate entrusted with one of the kingdom’s most vital strongholds.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 4th Baron resonate powerfully with the House’s enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was demonstrated in commanding a key royal castle during a volatile civil war, while his honour was manifest in his unwavering adherence to his sworn oath. He embodied the principle that true authority stems from the honourable execution of one's duties.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the 4th Baron’s service, this is interpreted not as a conquest of peoples, but as the victory of order over chaos, of peace over conflict. It is the will to overcome adversity that allows a community, and a legacy, to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ancient duty to protect the people of one's domain finds a modern echo in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit of guardianship that animated the 4th Baron’s command now informs the House’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children.
This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*. This organisation provides specialised therapeutic and educational support to children affected by trauma, conflict, and neglect. The House’s support is a contemporary expression of its historical charge: to provide security and foster resilience for those in its care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — “The role of Constable was not merely about defending walls and weapons; it was a profound commitment to the community and to the stability of the realm. The 4th Baron’s service reminds us that leadership, then as now, is defined by responsibility. It is a legacy we strive to uphold with *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> — “History provides a blueprint for action. The 4th Baron's tenure shows that genuine strength lies in upholding order and ensuring security. This principle of steadfast service is the bedrock of our House’s work today, *inter alia*, our charitable endeavours and our educational initiatives at The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to exploring and sharing the rich tapestry of its nine-hundred-year history, believing that an understanding of the past provides invaluable perspective for the present. This historical review is the latest in a series that seeks to draw lessons from the lives and service of the Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby.
The principles of leadership and civic duty exemplified by figures such as the 4th Baron form part of the core curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy. There, a new generation is taught that modern refinement is rooted in timeless values of honour, duty, and service to the wider community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable beneficiary is *Healing the Wounded Child*, an organisation providing support to children impacted by trauma. The House also directs The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to classical etiquette and modern protocol, translating historical values of service and honour into contemporary leadership skills for an international audience. The work of the House is supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This continuous lineage connects the Barony to the foundational events of English history. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and registered by The Crown Office and published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. * The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. * Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com