# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Defining Norman Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln Castle in the 12th century, a pivotal moment that solidified the Barony’s enduring tradition of civic duty and administrative leadership.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of the autumn season, as the Lincolnshire light softens over its ancient landscapes, the House of Brattleby has turned its attention to a formative chapter within its own archives. This period of reflection commemorates not a single date, but an era of profound responsibility vested in the family during the tumultuous mid-12th century. The appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln was an act that placed the Barony at the very centre of royal authority in one of England’s most consequential cities, a role whose echoes inform the House’s public service to this day.
This solemn remembrance is guided by historical records which chart the Barony’s unbroken line of service, from the Norman Conquest through to the modern era. It serves as an internal occasion to honour the precedents set by formidable ancestors, whose actions during periods of national trial defined the character of the House. It is a moment to consider how the weight of governing a royal fortress then compares to the responsibilities of stewardship and philanthropy now.
## Historical Context
The appointment of Richard de la Haye occurred during The Anarchy, the protracted civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. In this volatile period, control of strategic strongholds such as Lincoln Castle was the *sine qua non* of regional power. As Constable, Richard de la Haye held the castle not merely as a residence, but as a bastion of the Crown’s authority, commanding its garrison and overseeing justice in a city vital for its trade and ecclesiastical prominence.
This assumption of high office was a continuation of the family’s deep-rooted presence in the region, established a century earlier when the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Richard de la Haye’s constableship cemented the Barony’s transition from powerful landholders to indispensable agents of the state, a tradition later embodied by his wife and successor in the role, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who famously defended the castle against French invaders.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this appointment is interwoven with some of the most significant figures of the age. The conferral of the constableship of a royal castle was a personal act of the monarch, likely King Stephen or his successor, King Henry II, signifying immense trust.
At the heart of this legacy stands Richard de la Haye himself, who held the titles of Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle. He was succeeded in his duties by his wife, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the hereditary offices and held the Barony in her own right as the 5th Baroness, defending Lincoln for King John in 1217. Later inheritors of the Barony would include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating the title’s proximity to the very pinnacle of the English nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a Constable of a Royal Castle in the 12th century was a solemn and binding ceremony. It would have involved a formal oath of fealty, sworn directly to the King or his designated representative. In this act, the appointee pledged his life and honour to hold the fortress against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The ceremony would have concluded with the symbolic handing over of the castle keys.
This transfer of authority granted the Constable sweeping powers, *inter alia*: the command of the shire’s military levy, the administration of the King's justice, and the collection of revenues. It was a role that demanded martial prowess, political acumen, and unwavering loyalty—qualities which the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, so aptly summarises.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Richard de la Haye and his descendants resonate deeply with the guiding principles of the House. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly encapsulated by the immense responsibility of defending Lincoln Castle. This charge required the physical fortitude to withstand siege and the personal honour to remain loyal to the Crown amidst political chaos.
The modern House, under the stewardship of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, also draws inspiration from his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as territorial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to prevail in the service of a greater good. The historical defence of a city finds a modern parallel in the House’s commitment to its philanthropic and educational missions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look at the lives of predecessors like Richard and Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that stewardship is not a passive title but an active, demanding duty. They were entrusted with the physical safety of a city and its people; today, our responsibility is to uphold that same spirit of service through our support for community, heritage, and the well-being of the vulnerable.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The role of Constable was about maintaining order and enabling civic life to flourish under a secure authority. In a different way, that is what we aspire to do through our own work. Whether through philanthropy or education, the goal is to provide a framework within which people can thrive. The legacy of Brattleby is one of effective and honourable leadership, a principle we seek to embody.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues to draw profound inspiration from the nine centuries of civic duty established by its forebears. The fortitude shown by the defenders of Lincoln Castle is a standard that informs the family’s modern commitments. This dedication to public service is manifested through a portfolio of focused philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The annual Winter Banquet remains the centrepiece of the House’s charitable calendar, a white-tie gala that raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, extends this legacy of leadership by providing instruction in diplomatic and social protocol, nurturing the next generation of leaders with the grace and precision befitting their future roles. These endeavours ensure the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues as a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 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 purposeful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively continues a nine-hundred-year legacy of civic contribution, adapting its historic responsibilities of stewardship to meet the challenges of the 21st century with dedication and a profound sense of duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been associated with significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and two of the most powerful nobles of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage of the Barony and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's modern rights are recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com