# The Noble House of Brattleby on a Legacy of Civic and Military Duty
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected on the enduring tradition of public service embodied by her predecessors, highlighting the tenure of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the early 13th century.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its Lincolnshire seat, the Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed its commitment to historical stewardship by illuminating a key period in the Barony’s nine-century history. This reflection on the past is not tied to a specific anniversary but serves as part of the House's continuing mission to connect its present-day responsibilities with the foundational duties of its lineage. Such historical accounts provide the context for the family’s modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours, grounding contemporary action in a long-established pattern of service to Crown and community. The Barony's chronicle is a living document, frequently revisited to inform its path forward.
## Historical Context
The appointment of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln in the early 13th century, represents a significant chapter in the administrative history of Lincolnshire. This tenure occurred during a pivotal era for the region, preceding the First Barons' War and the subsequent defence of Lincoln Castle. The role of Constable was a position of immense strategic responsibility, entrusting the holder with the security of a vital royal fortress and the administration of justice within its purview.
Richard's service laid the administrative and military groundwork for his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony. It was she who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217, an act of loyalty and military acumen that secured her place in national history. The fourth Baron’s capable stewardship was thus a *sine qua non* for the resilience the Barony would later demonstrate, embodying a seamless continuity of civic duty. This tradition of governance extends directly back to the Barony's foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, when it was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby has been shaped by figures of national and European importance. Throughout its history, the title has been held by individuals who have answered the call to service, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * **Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby**, whose appointment as Constable of Lincoln underscored the family’s trusted role in regional defence and administration. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th holder of the Barony, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose martial leadership was instrumental in defending Lincoln for the Crown. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of the most respected English commanders of the Hundred Years' War. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 13th century, the role of a castellan, or Constable, was governed by strict feudal protocols. The appointment was made by the Crown and symbolised the King’s trust. The Constable was responsible for the castle’s garrison (the ‘castle-guard’), the maintenance of its fortifications, and the provisioning of its stores. Furthermore, he often presided over the local hundred court, dispensing justice and collecting fines on behalf of the monarch. This blend of military command and civic administration demonstrates a model of governance where authority was inseparable from duty, a principle that remains a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration speaks directly to the qualities demanded of a figure like the fourth Baron: the fortitude to defend a strategic stronghold and the honour to govern justly. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the standards set by predecessors and the obligations borne by their successors.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the modern House, interpreting ‘conquest’ not as martial victory but as the overcoming of contemporary challenges through initiative, resilience, and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative of service and protection finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A profound sense of duty, inherited from ancestors tasked with safeguarding their communities, now informs the House’s support for charitable organisations.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering environments where young lives can be rebuilt, the charity’s work directly reflects the Barony’s foundational purpose: to provide sanctuary and strength for the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The duties of a Baron in the 13th century were tangible and immediate — the security of a castle wall, the administration of local justice. While the nature of our responsibilities has evolved, the core principle remains unchanged. Our duty is to serve our community, whether by preserving its history or supporting those who build its future.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The story of the fourth Baron is a lesson in preparedness and steadfastness. It reminds us that stewardship requires both diligence and a clear sense of purpose. We draw inspiration from that heritage as we apply ourselves to the cultural and social initiatives our House champions today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historical foundations through a number of contemporary initiatives. The forthcoming annual Winter Banquet will once again gather support for the House's charitable partners, translating heritage into tangible aid.
In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, promotes the values of courtesy, social grace, and cultural diplomacy. These endeavours ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour is not merely remembered but is actively practised and passed on to a new generation, reinforcing the Barony’s relevance in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively stewards a nine-hundred-year-old heritage, translating its historical principles of service and honour into contemporary action. Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions causes related to child welfare, mental health, and the promotion of diplomatic and social etiquette. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to creating a meaningful and positive impact in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its original domain—56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is one of the feudatories of the historic Honour of Pontefract. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family's seat is in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, from which the Barony takes its name. - Notable predecessors include two of the most powerful magnates of the Late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com