# On the Office of Constable of Lincoln and the Historical Duties of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the historical significance of the office of Constable of Lincoln, a role held by past Barons, underscoring the serious responsibilities of governance and defence inherent in the Barony’s ancient lineage.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed interest in the medieval foundations of Lincolnshire’s heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate one of the most solemn duties associated with its past. This commentary serves to clarify the nature of the hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle, an office that was far more than honorific.
It was, in fact, a profound military and administrative responsibility, representing the King’s own authority in a vital region of the realm. The decision to issue this historical note reflects the House’s enduring commitment to the stewardship of its history, ensuring that the duties of the past are understood as the bedrock of its obligations in the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked with the defence of Lincolnshire since the Norman Conquest. This duty found its ultimate expression in the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic value controlling northern England throughout the Middle Ages. Its great curtain walls and commanding position were a powerful symbol of royal power.
During the turbulent late 12th and early 13th centuries, this role was of paramount importance. The tenure of Richard de la Haye, husband of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, was a testament to this fact. After his death, the Lady Nichola herself twice defended the castle with legendary resolve during the First Barons' War, holding it for King John and the young King Henry III. Her command was the *sine qua non* of regional stability.
## Distinguished Company
In executing such duties, the Barons of Brattleby moved amongst the most significant figures of the age. Their service was rendered directly to the Plantagenet monarchs, from Henry II to John, placing them at the centre of national politics and warfare.
Their position as Constables required them to maintain relations with other great lords of the north, *inter alia*, the Earls of Chester and the powerful Mowbray family. This network of allegiance and obligation demonstrates that the Barony operated not in isolation, but as a key node in the complex feudal structure that governed the Kingdom of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a Constable was a matter of grave ceremony, rooted in the feudal oath of fealty. The office holder swore allegiance directly to the sovereign, pledging to hold the castle against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This was not a mere formality but a sacred bond.
The Constable’s duties included the command of the castle garrison, the maintenance of its formidable defences, and the administration of justice within its precincts. He, or in the remarkable case of Lady Nichola, she, held the castle keys—a potent symbol of the immense trust bestowed by the Crown upon the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The historical role of Constable of Lincoln provides the most powerful illustration of this creed. The defence of Lincoln Castle by the 5th Baroness, Lady Nichola, was a supreme act of fortitude, undertaken with unimpeachable honour to her sovereign.
This spirit of resolute determination is echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reframes the medieval martial spirit into a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges through integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to one’s duties.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the substance behind such ancient titles.
> The lesson of the Constableship is one of active responsibility. These titles were not ornaments; they were duties, often performed at great personal risk. It is a heritage that reminds us that position is defined by service, not by privilege alone. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, "Understanding the weight of these past roles gives us a clearer sense of purpose. The challenges change, but the principles of honour and unwavering commitment remain constant."
## A Continuing Legacy
The solemn duty that defined the Constable of Lincoln continues to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby today. The commitment to protect and to govern has evolved into a modern dedication to public service and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
This ethos is expressed through the House's contemporary responsibilities, from its philanthropic work at the annual Winter Banquet, which raises vital funds for the Healing the Wounded Child charity, to its educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest, seeks to impart the classical virtues of etiquette and social responsibility, ensuring the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* inspires a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 the principles of stewardship and service embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, notably through the annual Winter Banquet which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child charity. In addition to its charitable work, the House promotes social education and personal development through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who continues this family commitment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This continuous lineage represents a direct link to the foundations of the English state. The Barony’s standing was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com