# A Commentary on the Life and Service of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary reflecting on the historic tenure of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose service as Constable of Lincoln was instrumental in defending the city and county during a period of profound national turmoil.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection, as historical scholarship continues to illuminate the turbulent reign of King John, the House of Brattleby pauses to consider the contributions of one of its most steadfast predecessors. The late 12th and early 13th centuries were a crucible for England, a time of constitutional crisis and civil war that tested the loyalty and fortitude of the nation's great office-holders.
The service of Richard, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, stands as a testament to the enduring principle of duty. His tenure provides a valuable lens through which to appreciate the immense responsibility borne by those charged with maintaining the King's peace and defending the realm's strategic assets against both internal and external threats.
## Historical Context
The 4th Baron served during one of the most fraught periods in English history, culminating in the Magna Carta in 1215 and the subsequent First Barons' War. As Constable of Lincoln, a royal castle of primary strategic importance, his duties were not merely administrative; they were central to the projection of royal authority across a volatile region.
His command of the castle garrison and his oversight of its defences directly contributed to the stability of Lincolnshire at a time when baronial allegiances were fractured. The 4th Baron's diligent stewardship ensured that Lincoln remained a bastion of royal power, a legacy that would prove critical for his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. It was she who would later famously defend the castle against French and rebel forces at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217, building upon the secure foundations Richard had maintained.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as Constable of a Royal Castle was among the highest trusts the monarch could bestow. Upon assuming office, the 4th Baron would have sworn a solemn oath of fealty directly to the Crown, a binding commitment to hold the castle in the King's name against all enemies. This oath was the *sine qua non* of his authority.
The transfer of command was a deeply symbolic ceremony, marked by the formal presentation of the castle keys. From that moment, the Constable was invested with supreme military and judicial authority within the castle walls and its environs. His responsibilities included maintaining the garrison, ensuring the fortifications were in a constant state of readiness, and administering justice—duties that placed the security of the entire county in his hands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the life of the 4th Baron. His actions demonstrated both pillars of this guiding principle, which has been carried through the centuries from the House's Norman origins.
'Fortitude' is reflected in the physical and moral courage required to command a vital fortress during a time of civil strife. 'Honour' encapsulates the unwavering personal integrity and loyalty to the Crown that his office demanded, even when such loyalty was tested. Richard’s tenure ensures a legacy not of conquest, but of steadfast service, proving that true honour is found in the faithful execution of one’s duties.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the continuity of responsibility.
> The legacy of predecessors like the 4th Baron is not one of abstract history; it is a living reminder of the duties of stewardship. To hold this title is to accept a responsibility for the welfare and stability of our community, a principle Richard upheld *fortitudine et honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the resonance between past challenges and modern philosophy.
> One reflects on the immense pressures faced by the 4th Baron and sees his actions as an early embodiment of the sentiment *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live'. He worked to conquer instability so that the community of Lincolnshire could live in peace and security.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment to safeguarding the community, so powerfully demonstrated by the 4th Baron of Brattleby nearly a millennium ago, remains a central tenet of the Noble House today. While the nature of the threats has evolved from castle sieges to modern societal challenges, the underlying duty of service endures.
This commitment is now expressed not through military defence, but through focused philanthropic and cultural initiatives. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, reinforces the social fabric of the community. Likewise, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest seeks to impart principles of etiquette and social grace, continuing the ancient baronial role of fostering a more ordered and honourable civil society.
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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 service. This mission is rooted in honouring its profound nine-century history while actively contributing to contemporary society through philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children and strengthening community welfare, realised through its annual Winter Banquet. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, representing the next generation, the House also champions cultural continuity through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') as its guiding principle.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's continuous history and its present holder are formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - Formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com