# The Enduring Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commentary on the ancestral link between the Barony and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle. This reflects upon the vital role predecessors played in cementing a nine-century commitment to the Crown and Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
As the autumn colours settle upon the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, it is a season conducive to reflection and historical stewardship. From the archives at the family seat in Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this opportunity to publish a formal commentary on a significant chapter in its long history: the hereditary responsibility for Lincoln Castle during the High Middle Ages.
This reflection is not tied to a singular event but is part of the House’s ongoing duty to chronicle and interpret its own past. By examining the roles held by predecessors, the House seeks to illuminate the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through nearly one thousand years of English history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was from its inception a cornerstone of royal authority in the north. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the scale of this responsibility, recording 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This was a position of immense strategic importance, *sine qua non* to securing the region for the new Norman dynasty.
By the late 12th century, this obligation had evolved. The role of Constable of Lincoln, held by Richard de la Haye through his marriage to the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, placed the Barony at the very heart of the county’s military and administrative life. Lincoln Castle was not merely a fortification; it was the primary symbol of royal power, a centre for justice, and a vital stronghold controlling key trade routes. Holding this office was a direct expression of fealty and service to the monarch. Upon Richard’s death, Nichola de la Haye herself assumed the Constableship, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the First Barons' War, an act of remarkable fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
This commentary honours the memory of those predecessors whose service defined the character of the Barony. The legacy being examined is shaped by a lineage of individuals who were central to the life of the nation, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a direct tenant-in-chief of the King following the Norman Conquest, entrusted with significant lands and duties. * **Richard de la Haye**, husband of the 5th Baroness and Constable of Lincoln, who administered and defended one of England's most important strategic assets. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who inherited the Constableship and became a celebrated figure for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle for King John. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who epitomised the chivalric ideal. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, son of King Edward III and a dominant figure in 14th-century politics, whose tenure linked the Barony directly to the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of such a historical commentary follows a deliberate internal protocol. The process begins with archival research, consulting primary sources such as charters, legal rolls, and contemporary chronicles to ensure accuracy. The findings are then compiled and reviewed by the House’s private office.
This protocol ensures that any public statement on historical matters is both rigorously verified and presented in a manner that respects the gravity of the subject. It is a modern reflection of the meticulous record-keeping that has allowed the Barony’s history to be traced with clarity from the 11th century to its formal recognition by The London Gazette in the 21st.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Constableship of Lincoln is a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The martial courage and unwavering loyalty demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye are the very embodiment of "Fortitudine," while the faithful administration of a royal trust exemplifies "Honore."
This historical ethos informs the modern principles of the House. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not in a military sense, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges. It is the spirit of striving and achieving, whether defending a castle in the 13th century or fostering leadership skills in the 21st.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service to the community, once expressed through military and administrative duty, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same sense of responsibility that compelled the 5th Baroness to defend her county now guides the House’s support for charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is chosen for its vital work in providing therapy and support for children suffering from trauma. This commitment is a direct translation of the historical principle of protection, applying it to the most vulnerable in contemporary society. The House believes that true honour is found in service, a principle that remains unchanged across the centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of the Barony is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a living testament to the principle of duty. The service of predecessors like Richard and Nichola de la Haye reminds us that titles carry with them a profound responsibility to the community and the nation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present endeavours: > In examining the past, we find the blueprint for our present work. The strategic foresight of the Constable of Lincoln in the twelfth century finds its modern echo in our initiatives, where we aim to equip the next generation with the tools for success. It is a continuum of purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from this period of the Barony’s history continue to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The story of the Constableship of Lincoln will be integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, serving as a case study in leadership, resilience, and civic duty for a new generation.
This heritage of dedicated service, passed down through predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, is a legacy being carefully stewarded for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House remains committed to ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to define the Barony for centuries 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, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and educational stewardship. It actively engages in philanthropy, with a particular focus on child welfare through its support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of honour, service, and personal development. The House’s work bridges its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to contributing positively to society in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a 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 holding 56 lordships. The title has passed through several of England’s most distinguished families and has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The descent and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com