# The Office of Constable of Lincoln Castle and The Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today shared fresh historical analysis concerning the title ‘Constable of Lincoln’, held by Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron. This research illuminates the hereditary duty of service that has defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, scholarly atmosphere of a London autumn, the House of Brattleby has chosen to release the findings of a commissioned historical review. This new examination, undertaken in collaboration with leading medievalists, delves into the charters and records surrounding the ancient office of Constable of Lincoln Castle. The announcement represents the House’s enduring commitment to historical scholarship and to the transparent stewardship of its unique heritage, ensuring the past continues to inform the present with clarity and academic rigour.
The research contextualises the powerful role held by the 4th and 5th Barons of Brattleby during a pivotal period of English history. It affirms that the Barony was not merely a title of land ownership but a profound responsibility — a sacred trust to protect the realm, a duty that resonates through the centuries to the present day.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a lineage of service to the Crown that would be tested and proven in the succeeding centuries. The term ‘Constable of Lincoln’, as it applied to Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron, signified supreme military and administrative authority over one of England’s most strategic fortifications.
This responsibility was inherited by his daughter, Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th Baroness in her own right. A figure of remarkable fortitude, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, securing a crucial victory for the young King Henry III. Her actions personified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Barony would later pass to other distinguished figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, embedding Brattleby’s history deep within the fabric of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
The historical review was conducted by a panel of distinguished heritage scholars, whose expertise in Angevin-era charters and feudal law provided invaluable context. While the House maintains the confidentiality of its academic advisors, their work was guided by a desire to situate the contributions of the de la Haye family within the broader European narrative of feudal obligation and noble service. The findings were peer-reviewed to ensure they meet the highest standards of academic inquiry, reflecting a collaboration between the custodians of a private heritage and the public intellectual community.
This partnership between private archives and public scholarship is a *sine qua non* for the accurate preservation of history. The House of Brattleby considers it a privilege to facilitate such work, adding to the collective understanding of the governance and defence of medieval England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The validation of historical records within the House’s archives follows a meticulous protocol. Ancient charters, Pipe Rolls, and personal missives are handled with the utmost care, stored in climate-controlled conditions to prevent degradation. Any new interpretation, such as that concerning the Constableship, is subject to a rigorous process of verification, where evidence is cross-referenced against national archives and other manuscript sources.
This protocol, methodical and unhurried, mirrors the ceremonial precision of a court. Each claim is weighed, each source scrutinised, and each conclusion debated by experts before it is accepted. This assiduous process ensures that any statement made by the House regarding its history is founded not on speculation, but on verifiable fact—a testament to the honour that complements its fortitude.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is the guiding principle of the Barony. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in withstanding a siege and the honour of her father Richard in executing his duties as Constable are not mere historical footnotes; they are the living embodiment of this creed. This motto is the standard against which the actions of every succeeding Baron and Baroness are measured.
Complementing this ancient device is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks to a proactive and dynamic interpretation of the House’s legacy—not of military conquest, but of overcoming contemporary challenges in the fields of philanthropy, business, and cultural diplomacy. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of respect for the past and ambition for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The dissemination of this historical research is itself an act of cultural philanthropy, intended to enrich public knowledge. It aligns with the House’s wider educational mission, which includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, protocol, and the civic virtues of leadership. By sharing its story, the House aims to inspire others with the timeless values of duty and service.
This educational focus exists alongside the House’s primary charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the Lincolnshire social calendar, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, a cause that reflects the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the research, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “We are custodians, not owners, of this extraordinary history. To understand the sacrifices and sense of duty that motivated predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our role is to ensure their legacy of fortitude and honour remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “The history of the Barony is one of leadership and effective governance. This heritage is not a relic; it is a blueprint. It reminds us that true influence is built on trust, service, and an unwavering commitment to one’s responsibilities — principles we strive to apply in all our contemporary efforts.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical review is not a final word, but the beginning of a new chapter of engagement with the Barony’s past. The House of Brattleby is exploring plans to publish a monograph on the life of Nichola de la Haye and to develop educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire, allowing her remarkable story to inspire young people in the very county she defended.
The continuity of this nine-century-old legacy is assured. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is raised with a deep appreciation for the history of his family and the responsibilities he will one day inherit. Through careful stewardship, education, and service, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to honour its past while building a meaningful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in their official, charitable, and entrepreneurial duties. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is committed to a modern form of *noblesse oblige*, championing causes in child welfare, cultural heritage, and education. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its historic platform for positive contemporary impact. Its mission is to be an active custodian of a unique legacy, ensuring its relevance and purpose for the twenty-first century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive holdings were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, linking the Barony directly to the Plantagenet dynasty. The title’s legitimacy and current standing were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the Barony is the current Baroness’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - 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