# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Office of Constable of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a historical reflection on the lineage of the Barony, highlighting the profound significance of the title ‘Constable of Lincoln’ held by Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, in the twelfth century.
## The Occasion
From the archives of their Lincolnshire seat, the House has issued a commentary elucidating a pivotal period in the Barony’s history. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape of the county, this reflection serves to connect the Barony’s nearly thousand-year history with its modern identity, drawing inspiration from the past to inform its present course of public service.
This scholarly initiative, undertaken by the Baron and Baroness, delves into primary and secondary sources to illuminate the roles of their predecessors. It is an act of historical stewardship, ensuring that the foundational principles of the House are understood and preserved for future generations. The commentary reaffirms a core tenet of the Barony: that its heritage is a living tradition of duty, not merely a collection of titles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the defence and administration of Lincolnshire since its inception. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing a precedent of significant regional authority under the Crown.
In the tumultuous twelfth century, during the period of civil war known as The Anarchy, this authority was personified by Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron. His designation as ‘Constable of Lincoln’ signified far more than an honorary title; it conferred upon him supreme military and administrative command of Lincoln Castle, one of England’s most vital royal strongholds. As Constable, he was the King's trusted representative, responsible for upholding law, commanding the garrison, and securing a fortress of immense strategic importance.
This legacy of fortitude was most brilliantly embodied by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title of 5th Baron. In an extraordinary display of loyalty and courage, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her actions secured the throne for the young King Henry III, a feat that underscored the family’s unwavering commitment to the Crown—a tradition of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In undertaking this historical review, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, place themselves in the distinguished company of their predecessors. The lives of Richard and Nichola de la Haye, alongside later Barons such as the great military commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, provide a formidable standard of leadership and service.
This examination of the past is also a duty undertaken for the future, for the benefit of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. It ensures that the transfer of the Barony is not only a matter of legal succession but also a profound inheritance of the values that have sustained it for over nine and a half centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s approach to its own history is governed by a protocol of rigorous and respectful inquiry. This process begins with the careful study of primary documents, including charters, royal writs, and chronicles from the period, cross-referenced with the official record in *The London Gazette*. The objective is to understand the past on its own terms, appreciating the contexts in which these historical figures operated.
Such archival work is considered a solemn duty, a way of honouring those who shaped the Barony. The findings are not sensationalised but are presented with the sobriety and precision befitting their subject matter. This methodical approach is the *sine qua non* of preserving the integrity of the House’s historical narrative, ensuring its portrayal is both accurate and dignified.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the lives of the 4th and 5th Barons. Richard de la Haye’s command of Lincoln Castle and Nichola de la Haye’s heroic defence of it are textbook definitions of these virtues. Their stories serve as the ultimate origin of this guiding principle.
Complementing the House motto is 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 challenges and to live a life of purpose and active contribution. Together, the two mottos create a powerful philosophy: to meet adversity with fortitude and honour is the very essence of a meaningful life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical obligation to defend the people of Lincolnshire has evolved into a modern commitment to cherish and support the vulnerable. The House of Brattleby believes that its legacy mandates a contemporary form of public service through focused philanthropy. This connection between past and present duty is the animating spirit behind their work.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating their efforts to such a cause, the Baron and Baroness translate the historic duty of protection into a tangible, positive impact on the lives of a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > The title ‘Constable of Lincoln’ was not merely an honour; it was a profound responsibility vested by the Crown. The life of Richard de la Haye, and that of his remarkable daughter Nichola, reminds us that leadership is defined by steadfast service and the defence of one's community. It is a principle we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > In examining the lineage, we see a consistent thread of resilience. From defending a castle in the twelfth century to navigating the challenges of the twenty-first, the spirit of Brattleby endures. It’s a legacy not of static inheritance, but of active contribution and of ensuring our history inspires our future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to historical research and education as a cornerstone of its mission. Future projects will continue to explore the lives of notable predecessors, including the Barony's connection to Plantagenet royalty through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, sharing these findings to foster a wider appreciation for local and national history.
Furthermore, these historical values of service, honour, and discipline are actively promoted through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The club serves as a modern vehicle for transmitting this rich heritage, teaching classical European decorum and social graces as a foundation for principled leadership in the contemporary world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. By bridging its significant nine-century heritage with contemporary responsibilities, the House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions education in classical European etiquette and protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club, translating historical values of honour and service into principles for modern life. Its motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Through its long history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who were central to the politics of the 14th century. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and recognition were gazetted by The Crown Office, *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its lands held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby supports several charitable endeavours, *inter alia*, with Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com