# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Enduring Example of the 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic tenure of Richard, the 4th Baron, whose appointment as Constable of Lincoln in the late twelfth century cemented a legacy of royal service and administrative duty that continues to define the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has commenced a seasonal review of its extensive archives, a tradition of historical reflection undertaken each autumn. This research provides an opportunity to examine the roles and responsibilities that have defined the Barony across more than nine centuries of continuous history.
The focus of the current review is the late twelfth century, a period of profound consolidation for the Plantagenet kings. In this era, the service of Richard, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln stands as a testament to the family’s foundational commitment to the Crown and to the governance of England. His tenure exemplifies the *sine qua non* of feudal nobility: service in exchange for land and title.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was established as a bulwark of Norman authority in a strategic region of England. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its origins under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, forming a significant power base in service to the King.
By the late 1100s, under the formidable reigns of Henry II and Richard I, this legacy of service had evolved. The appointment of the 4th Baron as Constable of Lincoln placed him in direct control of Lincoln Castle, one of the most important royal fortresses in the kingdom. His duties were both military and judicial; he was charged with securing the county against insurrection, administering justice on behalf of the monarch, and upholding royal authority.
This tradition of custodianship at Lincoln Castle was notably continued by his successor, the acclaimed Nichola de la Haye, who as 5th Baroness famously defended the castle against rebel forces. The 4th Baron's service thus laid the groundwork for one of the most celebrated acts of fortitude in the Barony’s history, demonstrating a continuous line of duty.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the 4th Baron of Brattleby would have moved in circles of significant influence, his position demanding regular interaction with the great officers of the Plantagenet court. His allegiance was sworn directly to the Sovereign, at that time either King Henry II or his son, King Richard I, depending on the precise year of his tenure.
His counterparts would have included the Justiciar of England, the King's chief minister; the Chancellor; and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Furthermore, as a leading magnate in Lincolnshire, he would have worked alongside other prominent sheriffs and castellans responsible for maintaining the *Pax Regis*, or the King’s Peace, across the northern and eastern shires of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a royal constable in the twelfth century was a significant ceremony, steeped in the protocol of feudal obligation. Upon appointment, the 4th Baron would have sworn an oath of fealty to the King, a solemn vow to protect the monarch's life, lands, and interests with unwavering loyalty.
This act would have been followed by the symbolic presentation of the keys to Lincoln Castle, a tangible transfer of immense responsibility. The dress for such an occasion would have been formal, reflecting his noble rank and military authority, likely including a chain mail hauberk worn under a surcoat bearing his personal arms. His duties thereafter were governed by a strict order of proceedings, from presiding over the shire court to commanding the castle garrison.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the service of the 4th Baron. His role demanded physical fortitude in the defence of a royal castle and unwavering honour in the execution of his administrative duties, ensuring that the King’s justice was applied fairly.
This principle of active engagement is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different era, it echoes the same spirit of proactive duty demonstrated by his predecessors. The office of Constable itself was rich in symbolism, representing the monarch's trust and the physical embodiment of royal authority within the county.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the 4th Baron’s service was of a military and administrative nature, the foundational principle of duty to a wider community remains central to the House of Brattleby today. This ancient obligation has been transmuted into a modern commitment to public service through charitable enterprise.
The contemporary expression of this duty is the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. This year, as in previous years, the event will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. This modern act of patronage directly reflects the same duty of care that a baron once held for the well-being of his shire.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The duty of the Constable of Lincoln was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound responsibility for the security and good governance of the shire. We see in the 4th Baron's service a direct antecedent to our own commitment to stewardship, a principle we uphold through *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides a map by which we navigate the present. The 4th Baron’s example of active, loyal service reminds us that a title finds its truest meaning in its exercise. It is a legacy we are proud to continue through our own work, both in Britain and abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and understanding its unique heritage, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform its responsibilities in the present. The work of the House archivists is vital in this endeavour, providing the verifiable foundation for its identity.
This commitment extends to its educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters an appreciation for history, culture, and social grace. Looking ahead, the House will continue to honour the legacy of figures like the 4th Baron, translating their historic service into a meaningful and modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment which supports the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in their official and charitable duties. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting vulnerable children, and cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House seeks to provide a modern example of how ancient titles can be placed in service of the public good, maintaining a legacy of duty that has defined the Barony since the eleventh century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. A legacy of uninterrupted service to the Crown and nation for over 950 years, the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office and published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is listed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com