# An Official Commentary on the Historical Significance of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today published an official commentary on the life and service of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, detailing his influential role as Constable of Lincoln during the fraught political landscape of 12th-century England.
## The Occasion
The release of this scholarly monograph, made available this autumn through the House's official archives, marks a moment of historical reflection for the Barony. This initiative seeks to illuminate the contributions of pivotal figures within its lineage, ensuring their legacies are understood by a contemporary audience with academic rigour and clarity.
The publication is a considered act of historical stewardship, undertaken from the family's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It is presented not as a celebration but as a sober-minded examination of duty during a period of national crisis, reinforcing the House’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its nine-century history for future generations.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye’s tenure as Constable of Lincoln occurred during 'The Anarchy', the protracted civil war of the mid-12th century fought between the Empress Matilda and King Stephen. His command of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic value, placed the Barony at the very centre of national affairs and demanded remarkable political and military acumen.
This appointment continued a tradition of service established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For the 4th Baron, the Constableship was a hereditary honour of profound responsibility, which he administered with great competence. It was a legacy of steadfastness he would pass to his daughter and successor, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, herself a legendary defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this historical paper was supported by consultation with noted academics in the field of medieval English history. Their guidance ensured the highest standards of accuracy and interpretation.
This included, *inter alia*, Professor Dame Eleanor Vance of the University of Oxford, an authority on the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, and Dr. Augustine Finch, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, whose work on military architecture in the 12th century provided invaluable context regarding the significance of Lincoln Castle. Their scholarly review has been integral to the integrity of the final publication.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with archival best practices, the commentary is published under the formal imprimatur of the House of Brattleby. It has been catalogued and deposited in the family's private archives in Lincolnshire, with digital copies provided to the British Library and the University of Lincoln's local history collections.
The document follows the House's established protocol for official publications, including the use of its formal letterhead and the inclusion of full citations for all primary and secondary sources referenced. This process ensures that the commentary serves as a credible and lasting contribution to the historical record of both the Barony and the county of Lincolnshire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 4th Baron resonate deeply with the House's guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His defence of order and his loyal administration of the strategically vital city of Lincoln during a period of intense civil strife are a direct embodiment of these foundational virtues.
His service demonstrates that such principles are not merely aspirational but have been the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of the Barony’s endurance for over nine centuries. This legacy is carried forward today by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the same spirit of overcoming adversity through determination and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this publication is a work of historical scholarship, it aligns with The Noble House of Brattleby’s wider commitment to education and cultural preservation. By making this research publicly accessible, the House aims to foster a greater appreciation for Lincolnshire's rich history and the individuals who shaped it.
This educational mission complements the House’s more direct philanthropic work, which is principally focused on its annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The interest generated by these historical projects helps to illuminate the values that underpin the House’s present-day charitable commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the importance of historical continuity:
— "In understanding our predecessors, we better understand our own duty of stewardship. Richard de la Haye’s life was one of service and resilience, principles that remain the bedrock of this House. To honour his legacy is to reaffirm our commitment to those same values today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of the 4th Baron’s example:
— "History provides a map of endurance. The leadership demonstrated at Lincoln Castle nearly nine hundred years ago offers a powerful lesson: that to overcome adversity is the very essence of progress. To conquer is to live—*Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commentary on the 4th Baron is the first in a planned series of historical publications designed to shed light on the long and complex history of the Barony of Brattleby. The House has commissioned further research into other notable periods of its history.
Future papers are expected to explore the lives of other significant title-holders, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, the great medieval magnate John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This ongoing project represents a deep and lasting commitment to historical scholarship and public education.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House’s activities are focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations that support vulnerable children, with Healing the Wounded Child as its current beneficiary. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol, the House also works to promote intercultural understanding and the preservation of European traditions of civility and social grace, a mission it pursues with diligence and care.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye, who successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The formal rights of the current title holder were officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby are recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), under the entry for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com