# On the Hereditary Stewardship of Lincoln Castle: A Historical Reflection by The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle. The communication reflects on the strategic military and administrative duties undertaken by previous Barons of Brattleby in service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a spirit of historical continuity, this statement serves to illuminate a defining aspect of the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-hundred-year history. It is issued from the House’s seat in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, situated mere miles from the formidable ramparts of Lincoln Castle, which for centuries was central to the Barony’s identity and obligations.
This reflection is prompted by the House’s ongoing archival research, which seeks to connect the duties of the present day with the enduring principles of the past. It underscores a commitment to ensuring that the legacy of service, entrusted to the Barony since the Norman Conquest, remains understood and honoured.
## Historical Context
The office of Constable of a royal castle was far more than a ceremonial title in medieval England; it was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the shires. Appointed directly by the Monarch, a Constable was a trusted military commander, chief administrator, and judicial officer, responsible for the security and governance of a strategic region.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this responsibility was hereditary for significant periods, most notably through the De la Haye family line. This hereditary trust placed the family at the centre of national affairs. The most distinguished example remains Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against Crown enemies, most famously during the First Barons' War. Her command at the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 secured the throne for the young King Henry III, a pivotal moment in English history. Later holders of the Barony, including His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and His Grace John of Gaunt, further cemented the Barony's proximity to the Sovereign.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the individuals who upheld its duties to the Crown and nation. The lineage of service, from which the current House draws its inspiration, includes, *inter alia*:
* The Lord Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, a formidable military and political figure. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * His Grace John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of Lincoln Castle was a solemn and binding act. It involved a sworn oath of fealty directly to the King, promising to hold the castle in his name against all enemies. The ceremony would have included the symbolic presentation of the castle keys, representing the transfer of both immense power and profound responsibility.
The Constable’s duties were constant and varied. They were charged with maintaining the castle garrison, overseeing the administration of royal justice from the castle court, and collecting revenues for the Exchequer. In times of war, the Constable was the supreme military authority in the region, with the power to muster the local fyrd, or militia, in defence of the realm. This fusion of military, judicial, and administrative power made the office foundational to the stability of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is directly embodied by the actions of its predecessors. The fortitude shown by Lady Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and the honour with which she discharged her duties to an embattled Crown, provide the ultimate expression of this creed. It speaks to a legacy of courage married to integrity.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through initiative, resilience, and strategic purpose. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge from a past defined by military service to a present dedicated to civic leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Where the Barons of Brattleby once ensured security through military strength, The Noble House of Brattleby now directs its principle of service toward philanthropic endeavours. The ancient duty of care for the people of the shire has evolved into a modern commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
This ethos is realised through the House's dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by conflict and trauma. By championing this cause, the House translates the historical imperative to defend and protect into a tangible, compassionate mission for the twenty-first century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely an anecdote from the thirteenth century; it is the foundational spirit of this Barony. Her fortitude reminds us that stewardship is an active, not a passive, duty. Our responsibility today is to embody that same honour in our own commitments."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The martial strength of the past finds its modern parallel in resilience and strategic philanthropy. *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live — now means overcoming social challenges and building a future worthy of such a profound heritage."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to honouring its extensive heritage while meeting the demands of the present. The principles of duty and service that defined the office of Constable continue to guide the House's contemporary activities, from its philanthropic work to its cultural initiatives.
Through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to transmit the timeless values of honour, discipline, and social grace to new generations. By drawing inspiration from the past, The Noble House of Brattleby works to build a meaningful and enduring legacy for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by their motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of civic duty, cultural preservation, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing to vulnerable children. The House also seeks to promote the values of etiquette and social grace through its academy, The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is committed to honouring its nine-century history while actively contributing to a better society in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. One of the oldest continuous titles in the United Kingdom, the Barony has been held by several of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The peerage title, Lordship and Barony of Brattleby, received formal recognition from the Crown and was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in British legal and aristocratic history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and His Grace John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com