# On the Historical Office of the Constable of Lincoln and the Fourth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary on Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, whose service as Constable of Lincoln in the early 13th century affirmed the Barony’s enduring commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its archival responsibilities, The Noble House of Brattleby has sought to illuminate key moments from its long history. This official commentary forms part of a continuing series of historical elaborations, providing deeper context to the roles and obligations undertaken by the Barons of Brattleby across more than nine centuries of service.
The issuance of this clarification serves to contextualise the strategic importance of the Barony within the political landscape of medieval England. It underscores a tradition of regional stewardship that has been a defining characteristic of the House since its establishment in the 11th century, a tradition which continues to inform its modern obligations.
## Historical Context
Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, assumed the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle during a period of profound national turmoil. His tenure coincided with the reign of King John and the subsequent political fractures of the First Barons' War (1215–1217). In this era, the control of Lincoln Castle was a matter of supreme strategic importance, representing a lynchpin in the defence of the Crown’s authority in central England.
The position demanded unwavering loyalty and military acumen. It was a legacy of service that began with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This direct line of duty was later exemplified by Richard’s formidable successor, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel and French forces was a turning point in the war and secured the throne for the young King Henry III. The fourth Baron’s constableship was, therefore, a vital link in this unbroken chain of custodianship.
## Distinguished Company
The fourth Baron’s service placed him at the epicentre of a great dynastic struggle, navigating the complex allegiances of the time. The primary figures of this era, whose actions shaped the very course of the English monarchy, included:
* His Majesty King John of England * The future King Louis VIII of France, who laid claim to the English throne * William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle
The Baron’s role was not performed in isolation but was inextricably linked to the commands and fortunes of these principal actors on the European stage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a royal constable in the 13th century was governed by a strict and multifaceted protocol, encompassing military, administrative, and judicial functions. As Constable of Lincoln, the fourth Baron was the King's direct representative, and his duties were a *sine qua non* for the stability of the region.
Militarily, he commanded the castle’s garrison, oversaw the maintenance of its formidable stone walls and keep, and was responsible for its defence against all threats. Administratively, his duties included the collection of taxes and dues owed to the Crown. Judicially, the constable presided over the castle-guard court, administering royal justice and maintaining order within the castle’s jurisdiction. This fusion of responsibilities made the constableship a position of immense power and trust.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds profound expression in the service of the fourth Baron. His role as constable demanded physical and moral fortitude in defending the castle, along with an unwavering sense of honour in his fealty to the Sovereign. The defence of Lincoln was not merely a tactical objective; it was a symbolic affirmation of loyalty.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the precarious context of the Barons' War, survival and victory were indeed one and the same. To overcome the besieging forces was to secure life, legacy, and the continuation of lawful rule.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy differs in form from medieval civic duty, the underlying principle of service remains constant. The fourth Baron’s commitment to protecting the populace of Lincolnshire and upholding the King’s peace represents an early expression of the same duty of care that animates the House's charitable activities today.
The defence of the shire has evolved into a commitment to heal and protect the vulnerable. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary for the annual Winter Banquet is a contemporary manifestation of this historic responsibility, translating the protection of a physical domain into the safeguarding of childhood wellbeing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look to predecessors like the fourth Baron or the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that the Barony was never simply a title attached to land. It was, and remains, an active duty. Their fortitude in the face of civil war sets a standard of resilience and honourable service that we strive to uphold in our own way today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The strategic challenges of the 13th century seem distant, yet the core principles of leadership—foresight, loyalty, and the courage to act in defence of one’s commitments—are timeless. The story of the constableship shows that true victory lies not just in prevailing, but in preserving order and purpose for the next generation. It is a powerful lesson in stewardship.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the meticulous research of its history and to sharing its heritage with a wider audience. Future commentaries will continue to explore the contributions of significant figures from the Barony’s past, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose tenures connect Brattleby to the heart of the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties.
This commitment to historical illumination serves not only to honour the past but also to provide a foundation for the future. The lessons drawn from nine centuries of leadership, diplomacy, and service will continue to guide the House’s philanthropic and educational endeavours, *inter alia*, through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its focus on cultural etiquette and civic values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support the wellbeing of vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the House also directs The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House balances its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its lands and the service of its first Baron are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of historical significance, including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders include two of the most powerful nobles of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The original grant to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists his holding of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com