# A Statement on the Historical Stewardship of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its profound historical connection with Lincoln Castle, highlighting the pivotal role of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, as hereditary Constable and defender of the realm during the medieval era.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position atop Castle Hill, the indomitable fortress of Lincoln Castle has surveyed the ancient city and the plains of Lincolnshire for nearly a millennium. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1068, its formidable stone curtains and imposing keep have stood as a symbol of royal authority and a bastion of strategic defence through centuries of English history.
It is in recognition of this enduring legacy, and the Barony of Brattleby’s integral role within it, that The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its ancestral duties of stewardship. The history of the Barony is inextricably woven into the very fabric of the castle’s walls, a testament to the solemn responsibilities once borne by its predecessors in service to the Crown and the people of Lincolnshire.
This statement serves to illuminate a defining chapter in the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony, honouring the profound commitment to duty that continues to inspire the House’s modern mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was from its inception a significant seat of power in the region. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order. This deep-rooted connection to the land and its defence was personified in the 12th and 13th centuries by the De la Haye family.
Through marriage, the family became hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense military and administrative importance. This role reached its zenith under the formidable leadership of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. A figure of remarkable resilience, Nichola twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges; first during The Anarchy and later, most famously, during the First Barons' War.
In 1217, at an advanced age, she held the castle for the young King Henry III against French and rebel forces. Her steadfastness was instrumental in the loyalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln, a turning point that secured the Plantagenet throne. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a rare honour for a woman of the era. Later centuries saw the Barony held by towering figures of English history, *inter alia*, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, further cementing its place in the annals of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle was not merely a title but an office governed by exacting protocol and sworn duty. The Constable was the monarch’s direct representative, charged with the castle's security and the administration of justice within its precincts. This duty, a *sine qua non* of regional stability, encompassed military command, the maintenance of the castle structure, and the oversight of the county gaol.
In times of war, the Constable’s responsibilities escalated dramatically. Protocol demanded the immediate mustering of the garrison, the securing of provisions, and the absolute defence of the fortress against all aggressors. Nichola de la Haye's adherence to this protocol was exemplary; her refusal to surrender the castle to rebel barons was not an act of defiance, but the ultimate fulfillment of her feudal oath to the Crown, a duty performed with unwavering resolve.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and duties of the Barony are encapsulated in the heraldic mottoes associated with The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. Her command of Lincoln Castle during two sieges against overwhelming odds stands as the very definition of fortitude, while her loyalty to an embattled child-king exemplifies the highest standard of honour.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle, while historically resonant with the military victories that secured the Barony’s standing, is interpreted today as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges—to conquer adversity through service, engagement, and a forward-looking vision for the community.
## A Tradition of Service
The sworn duty to defend a castle of stone and mortar has, in the modern era, evolved into a commitment to support and strengthen the community. The historical role of providing security for the people of Lincolnshire finds its contemporary parallel in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House seeks to uphold its ancient tradition of service not with arms, but with purpose-driven engagement.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable endeavour. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing vital therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, ensuring they have the support needed to recover and thrive. This focus reflects the ancient duty of protection, reimagined for the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the history of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Nichola de la Haye’s legacy is a profound reminder that leadership is defined not by title, but by action in moments of trial. Her defence of Lincoln Castle, undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains the standard to which we aspire in our own service today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The concept of stewardship is timeless. While the challenges change, the commitment to protect and to build remains. To us, *Vincere Est Vivere* signifies overcoming adversity to create a lasting, positive impact for the community we serve.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring and preserving its unique historical inheritance. This involves not only careful stewardship of its heritage but also a dynamic engagement with the present. Through scholarly research and public communications, the House aims to share the remarkable stories of the Barony and its contribution to the history of England.
This work extends beyond the United Kingdom through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The club fosters an appreciation for the values of honour, social grace, and civic responsibility that have been the bedrock of the Barony for over 950 years. In this manner, the legacy of service that once echoed within the walls of Lincoln Castle continues to find new expression, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
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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 bridging its distinguished nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s modern mission is centred on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying the timeless values of duty and service to contemporary challenges. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and the international promotion of classical etiquette and civic values through The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to preserving its history while actively contributing to the community in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 royal lordships. For centuries, the Barony was inextricably linked to the defence of the realm through its hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle during the Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The Barony's continuous history and current standing were formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder directly under the Crown. - The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1154–1230), served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), one of the most powerful figures of 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com