# Official Commentary on the Legacy of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official commentary on the pivotal role of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby. The statement highlights his service as Constable of Lincoln and his foundational influence on the Barony’s enduring legacy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby continues its dedicated programme of historical research, seeking to illuminate the contributions of its notable predecessors. This official commentary, the result of meticulous archival review, has been issued to affirm the significant, though often understated, role of Richard de la Haye in the annals of both the Barony and the County of Lincoln.
The release of this scholarship is considered by the House to be a duty of stewardship. It ensures that the chain of service, stretching back nearly one thousand years, is properly understood and documented for future generations. It is an occasion not of ceremony, but of scholarly affirmation, reflecting the House’s commitment to its own history as a living and instructive force.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye, who held the title of 4th Baron of Brattleby during the late twelfth century, was a figure of considerable administrative and military importance. Descended from the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county by William the Conqueror, Richard inherited a legacy of profound responsibility to the Crown.
His appointment as Constable of Lincoln placed him in command of one of England’s most strategic fortifications during a turbulent period. Beyond its military dimension, the constableship was a vital judicial and administrative office, a position *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in the region. It was Richard’s steady governance that solidified the family’s influence and set the stage for the remarkable achievements of his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical commentary by the House follows a rigorous internal protocol. The process begins with extensive research conducted by the House’s archivists, who consult primary sources such as royal charters, pipe rolls from the Exchequer, and contemporary chronicles. Every claim is cross-referenced with established academic scholarship and, where applicable, with records held at The National Archives.
Once a draft is prepared, it undergoes review to ensure it meets the highest standards of historical accuracy and clarity. The final text is then presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile for their approval. This formal procedure underscores the gravity with which the House treats its historical narrative, ensuring that any public statement is both defensible in its scholarship and worthy of the institution it represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Richard de la Haye resonates powerfully with the House’s guiding principles, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). His tenure as Constable required immense fortitude—the strength of character to govern a key royal castle and its environs. His loyal service, which paved the way for his daughter Nichola’s legendary defence of that same castle, embodies the honour inherent in fulfilling one’s duty.
This spirit of determined perseverance is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). The motto speaks to a modern interpretation of the family’s historical resilience: that overcoming challenges, whether a medieval siege or a contemporary social issue, is the essence of a vital and purposeful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication is historical in nature, its underlying themes of duty and legacy are directly linked to the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The concept of service, demonstrated by the 4th Baron’s commitment to the Crown and the people of Lincolnshire, has evolved over centuries but remains the central pillar of the House’s contemporary activities.
Today, this commitment is expressed not through military or administrative office, but through dedicated charitable engagement. The House’s support for its primary beneficiary, the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, is a direct continuation of this principle of public service. It transforms the historical imperative of duty into a modern mission focused on providing care and support for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 4th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Understanding figures like Richard de la Haye is not merely an academic exercise; it is an acknowledgement of the foundations upon which our present duties rest. His commitment to order and governance in twelfth-century Lincolnshire serves as a powerful reminder that true legacy is built through steadfast service, a principle we strive to honour today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The story of the 4th Baron demonstrates a profound truth: that resilience is passed down through generations. Richard’s life informs our own approach—that to overcome challenges, whether in civic life or in our charitable endeavours, is the very essence of a vital and meaningful existence. It is how we live our values.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary is part of an ongoing initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to chronicle the lives of those who have held the Barony. Future publications will explore the tenures of other distinguished predecessors, *inter alia*, the great medieval magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
Through this work, and through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect its nine-century history to its future role. By understanding the past, the House reinforces its commitment to serve with *Fortitudine et Honore* for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique historical legacy while embracing a forward-looking philosophy of philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, civic duty, and cultural appreciation for a new generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, 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, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The rights and style of the modern Barony were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern rights and style of the Barony were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com