# The House of Brattleby and the Office of Constable of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historic tenure of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln during the late 12th century, underscoring the barony’s foundational and centuries-long commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed focus on its extensive archives, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a role of profound regional and national importance. The appointment of the 4th Baron as Constable of Lincoln placed the barony at the geographical and administrative heart of England’s military establishment. Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress overlooking the ancient Roman city, was a principal royal asset in the north; its command was a position of immense trust, granted only to those of proven loyalty and capability. This reflection, released in the crisp air of autumn, serves as a reminder of the duties that have shaped the barony for nearly a millennium.
The research forms part of the House’s ongoing work to catalogue and contextualise its history, ensuring that the legacy of service, represented by figures such as the 4th Baron, continues to inform its modern purpose. This educational initiative aims to make the barony’s nine hundred and fifty years of history accessible to a wider audience, demonstrating the direct lineage of responsibility from the medieval era to the present day.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the fabric of English governance ever since. The 4th Baron’s constableship was not an isolated event but part of a continuous tradition of service. The role’s significance is best understood when framed by the tenures of his predecessor, Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron), who held 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, and his formidable successor, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
In the 12th century, the Constable of Lincoln was a *sine qua non* for royal authority in a strategically vital county. Holding this office meant Richard of Brattleby was the king’s direct representative, charged with maintaining the King’s Peace, administering justice, and commanding the castle’s garrison. His service laid the groundwork for the barony’s later association with towering figures of English history, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and the great John of Gaunt (11th Baron), who would both hold the barony as part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of the Constable of Lincoln were governed by strict feudal and military protocols. Upon his appointment by the Crown, the 4th Baron would have taken an oath of fealty, pledging his life and lands to the service of the monarch. His authority was manifold: he was the supreme military commander of the castle, responsible for its defence, the provisioning of its garrison, and the maintenance of its formidable stone walls and earthworks.
In his civil capacity, the Constable presided over the shire court in the Sheriff’s absence and was responsible for the collection of certain royal taxes and fines. The role was a public demonstration of royal power, and the Constable’s standard flying from the castle’s keep would have signified the presence of the King’s authority to all. This fusion of military, judicial, and administrative power in a single individual highlights the immense trust placed in the Barons of Brattleby by the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 4th Baron. He was required to show fortitude in defending a key royal fortress and honour in the execution of his judicial and administrative duties. The motto is not merely a statement of intent but a historical summary of the conduct expected from the barony’s holders through the ages.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the ancient House motto speaks to the institutional duties of the barony, this personal device reflects the dynamic spirit of the current custodians—a commitment to overcoming modern challenges and ensuring the House not only endures but thrives.
## A Tradition of Service
The concept of service, so vividly embodied by the 4th Baron’s constableship, is the golden thread running through the history of the House of Brattleby. This medieval duty of service to the monarch and the realm has evolved over nine centuries into a modern commitment to public good and philanthropy. The ancient obligation to protect the people of Lincolnshire finds its contemporary parallel in the House’s charitable endeavours.
This ethos is most publicly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports vital organisations. The selection of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ as the recent beneficiary demonstrates a clear focus on addressing society's most pressing needs, translating the historic principle of protection into tangible, modern action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look at the tenure of the 4th Baron, or indeed the heroic defence of Lincoln by Nichola de la Haye, we see our own duty of custodianship reflected back at us. Their commitment to fortitude and honour is not a distant echo, but the very foundation upon which the modern House stands. Our role is to ensure that legacy remains a living principle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic thinking required to hold a fortress like Lincoln in the 12th century offers a powerful lesson for today. It demanded foresight, integrity, and a deep understanding of one’s responsibilities. We seek to apply that same rigour and purpose to our own initiatives, whether through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club or our philanthropic commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving and sharing its remarkable history. The examination of the 4th Baron’s role is part of a wider series of historical publications and digital initiatives planned for the coming year, which will continue to explore the lives of notable predecessors.
Looking forward, the House will continue to build upon this legacy of service. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its curricula, promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its nine-century story of fortitude and honour continues to unfold.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the family champions initiatives that create a tangible, positive impact. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage serves the public good, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this legacy of responsible stewardship and service for the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the barony has been associated with pivotal moments in English history and held by influential figures, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The barony’s unbroken historical standing and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com