# The Office of Constable of Lincoln: A Historical Reflection on the 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical reflection on the late 12th-century tenure of Richard, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln, illuminating the barony’s foundational role in the military and administrative affairs of the Crown.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical scholarship and public education, the House of Brattleby has released this monograph through its official channels. The paper, drawn from the family’s extensive archives and public records, seeks to contextualise the medieval roles and responsibilities vested in the Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in the realm.
This scholarly dispatch represents the first in a planned series of historical explorations. It is intended to serve as an educational resource for historians, students, and those with an interest in the development of English feudal governance and its enduring influence on the nation’s legal and constitutional frameworks. The publication coincides with the autumn academic season, offering fresh material for study.
## Historical Context
The focus of the paper is Richard, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, who served as Constable of Lincoln during a pivotal era of Angevin rule. The constableship was an office of immense trust, responsible for the command of Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress of primary strategic importance. This appointment directly integrated the Barony of Brattleby into the Crown's apparatus for maintaining regional order and projecting military power.
The 4th Baron’s service established a precedent of loyalty and martial capability that would be notably demonstrated by his successor, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th holder of the barony, she would famously defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. This continuity of service underscores the barony's deep connection to the defence of the realm, a legacy stretching back to its establishment by William the Conqueror for his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of a medieval Constable—requiring military prowess, unwavering loyalty, and administrative acumen—find a powerful echo in the mottos associated with the House. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the courage required to hold a fortress and the honour that binds a baron to his sovereign.
This martial and administrative ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While its origins are distinct, it captures the proactive and determined spirit that a figure like the 4th Baron would have needed to fulfil his duties to the Crown. Together, these maxims articulate a philosophy of dutiful action and principled leadership.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of understanding the past to inform the present.
> "Exploring the specific responsibilities of our predecessors, such as the 4th Baron's constableship, is not merely an academic exercise; it is the *sine qua non* of understanding our own role as custodians of this heritage. The duty to secure a castle then is analogous to our duty to preserve its history now." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the timeless nature of the principles involved.
> "The challenges facing leaders evolve, but the core principles of service endure. The fortitude required to defend a royal asset in the 12th century is the same spirit we must apply to the contemporary tasks of cultural preservation and support for our communities." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication marks a renewed commitment by the House of Brattleby to make its historical archives and research more accessible. It is the first of several planned papers that will, *inter alia*, explore the lives of other significant holders of the barony, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key documents from the House archives and partnerships with academic institutions to encourage further study. Through these efforts, the House seeks to ensure that the nearly millennial-long story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of English history. The stewardship of this legacy, exercised with *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains the family’s foremost commitment.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is today led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their guidance, the House is committed to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a modern mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. The family’s work includes the conservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of their philanthropic calendar, is a white-tie gala held in support of partner charities, notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, informed by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster), whose tenures connected Brattleby to the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty. The descent of the title and its modern standing were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*), a castellan renowned for her defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - Later holders included Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), linking the barony directly to the Duchy of Lancaster and the Royal Family.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com