# A Statement on the Historical Duties of the Constable of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the substantive historical responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby, notably its ancient duty as Constable of Lincoln, an office of significant military and administrative authority in the service of the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a season of historical reflection, as the House prepares its archives for scholarly review, attention has returned to the foundational duties that have shaped its nine-century history. This statement serves to illuminate a period of profound responsibility, when the Barons of Brattleby not only held land but also actively secured the King's peace and administered justice from the formidable walls of Lincoln Castle. It is a moment to reaffirm that the obligations of title have always been rooted in tangible service—a principle that continues to guide the House today.
The ancient stones of Lincoln Castle, which have witnessed the passage of centuries, stand as a testament to the gravity of the Constable's role. This office was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in a fiercely independent region, demanding a character of immense fortitude and unwavering loyalty to the sovereign.
## Historical Context
Rooted in the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror and first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. From its inception, the Barony was inextricably linked to the strategic defence of the realm. This bond was most profoundly expressed through the hereditary responsibility of its holder to serve as the Constable of Lincoln Castle.
During the late 12th and early 13th centuries, this was no mere honorific. The Constable was the military commander, the chief magistrate, and the Crown’s principal agent in the shire. This duty was memorably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels with remarkable courage. Her steadfastness ensured that this vital northern fortress remained under royal control, a pivotal act in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions underscore the barony's integral role in the power structures of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of service as Constable of Lincoln is exemplified by several of the Barony’s most notable holders, whose lives were defined by duty to Crown and country. Their governance illustrates the deep continuity of responsibility inherent in the title:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle:** A figure of extraordinary resilience, she commanded the defence of Lincoln during the First Barons' War, demonstrating that leadership and fortitude were qualities demanded of the title, irrespective of gender.
* **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster:** A renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, his tenure reflected the Barony’s elevation to the highest circles of chivalry and statecraft. He embodied the martial prowess and diplomatic skill required to govern.
* **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster:** As one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, his holding of the Barony confirmed its status as a lordship of national strategic importance, central to the authority and ambitions of the House of Plantagenet.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a new Constable of Lincoln was steeped in solemn ritual, reflecting the transfer of immense authority. The ceremony traditionally involved the formal presentation of the keys to the castle, a tangible symbol of the trust placed in the Baron of Brattleby by the monarch. This act signified the Constable's absolute command over the garrison and his charge to defend the castle against all enemies.
The Constable's duties were threefold: military, judicial, and administrative. He was responsible for the upkeep of the castle’s fortifications, the command of its knights and men-at-arms, and the provisioning of its stores. Judicially, he presided over the castle-court, dispensing the King's justice. Administratively, he oversaw the collection of feudal dues and taxes, ensuring the economic stability of the Crown's interests in Lincolnshire. The role demanded constant vigilance and a deep understanding of both warfare and governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles that guided the Constables of Lincoln are enshrined in the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual nature of this historic office. 'Fortitude' was the physical and moral courage required to defend the castle battlements, whilst 'Honour' was the integrity needed to administer justice impartially in the King's name.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a similar spirit of purposeful action and the overcoming of challenges, translating the martial determination of his predecessors into a contemporary commitment to progress and achievement. The arms of the House thus serve as a constant reminder of the enduring values that link its past to its present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic duty to protect the people of Lincolnshire has evolved over the centuries into a modern commitment to cherish and support the vulnerable. The ancient obligation to 'keep the peace' now finds its expression in the House's dedicated philanthropic work. This guiding principle is why the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's foremost charitable gala, directs its support to organisations that provide sanctuary and healing.
The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide specialist therapy and safe environments for young people affected by trauma. The support extended by the House helps the organisation to offer counsel, care, and a path towards recovery. This work is seen not as a separate activity but as the contemporary expression of the Barony's long-standing pledge to serve and protect the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "When we consider the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that the Barony was never simply about land or title. It has always been about responsibility. The duty to defend, to govern, and to serve is a thread that runs through our entire history, and it is a charge that we feel just as keenly today." > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The role of the Constable was to provide order and security, from which society could flourish. Today, we strive to do the same through education and philanthropy. Whether through the lessons in civic virtue at The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities, the goal remains unchanged: to build a stronger, more honourable community. It is a modern interpretation of *Fortitudine et Honore*." > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring its historical legacy through its present-day actions. The lessons drawn from the governance of the Constables of Lincoln inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where principles of etiquette, diplomacy, and civic duty are taught to a new generation of leaders. The House's commitment to service continues to be a central part of the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
By looking to its past, the House reaffirms its path for the future: a steadfast dedication to service, a belief in the importance of tradition, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive contribution to society, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to promoting cultural heritage, education, and philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring that its ancient legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century and is being raised in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**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* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly one-thousand-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House's philanthropic work includes the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com