# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic role of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a charge held by the fourth and fifth Barons, underscoring the Barony’s nine-century commitment to Crown service and regional stewardship in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position on the city’s highest ground, the formidable Norman edifice of Lincoln Castle stands as a silent witness to nearly a millennium of English history. It was within these ancient walls, first erected by William the Conqueror, that the Barons of Brattleby discharged one of their most solemn hereditary duties. This reflection by the House serves to illuminate a defining chapter in its history, connecting the responsibilities of the past with the guiding principles of the present day.
The office of Constable was far more than honorific; it was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the county. In revisiting this heritage, the House reaffirms the enduring values of duty and loyalty that have been its hallmark since the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to Lincoln has been profound since its establishment in 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. This direct fealty established a precedent of service to the Crown that found its highest expression in the office of Constable of Lincoln Castle.
During the tumultuous 12th-century civil war known as The Anarchy, the fourth Baron, Richard de la Haye, held this pivotal post. As the chief military and administrative officer, his command of the garrison and stewardship of the castle were paramount to maintaining order. His tenure highlights the Barony’s integration into the very fabric of royal governance.
This legacy was most powerfully embodied by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye. As the fifth Baroness in her own right, she inherited the Constableship and twice defended Lincoln Castle with legendary tenacity, most notably in 1217 against French forces. Her fortitude ensured Lincoln—and arguably England—remained under royal authority, a feat that cemented the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in deed as well as word.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Constableship places the Barons of Brattleby in the company of the principal figures of the age, underscoring the political and military significance of their role. Key historical personages connected to this chapter include:
* His Majesty King Stephen of England * Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda * Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire
Later holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, continued this tradition of service at the highest levels of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a Constable in the 12th century was a solemn affair, binding the holder to the monarch through an oath of fealty. The role carried immense responsibility, encompassing command of the castle’s knights and men-at-arms, maintenance of its fortifications, and the administration of justice within its precincts. The Constable acted as the King’s representative, a visible symbol of royal power.
The ceremony would have involved the symbolic handing over of the castle keys, a tangible transfer of authority. The Constable was expected to reside within or near the castle, ready at a moment’s notice to execute the King’s will, whether that meant defending against a siege, mustering troops for a campaign, or presiding over the county court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the fourth and fifth Barons. ‘Fortitude’ is reflected in the physical courage required to defend the castle walls against a determined enemy. ‘Honour’ speaks to the unwavering loyalty and integrity demanded by the Crown, even amidst the chaos of civil war.
This historical ethos resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it shares a spirit of active engagement—the will to overcome challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the modern pursuit of philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of the Constable to protect the people and lands of Lincolnshire has evolved. Today, that commitment to stewardship is channelled into the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative.
The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a specialist organisation providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The decision to support this cause stems from a belief that the most fundamental duty of any society is the protection of its most vulnerable, a modern interpretation of the protective mandate once held by the Constable of Lincoln Castle.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand our present duty, we must first look to the past. The example of our predecessors at Lincoln Castle is not merely a matter of record; it is a foundational lesson in *Fortitudine et Honore* — service rendered with both courage and integrity.”
Lady Nicoleta added:
> “Nichola de la Haye, in particular, demonstrates that leadership and responsibility have never been confined by gender. Her unwavering defence of Lincoln is a permanent inspiration, a testament to the strength that has defined this Barony for centuries.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and sharing its unique history as a means of promoting the timeless values of service and honour. This is accomplished *inter alia* through archival research, educational communications, and the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
The legacy that began with a grant from William the Conqueror, and was tested in the crucible of Lincoln Castle, continues today. It has transformed from a military and administrative duty into a modern commitment to cultural preservation and charitable endeavour, ensuring the Barony’s nine-hundred-year story of service endures.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 honours its ancient English heritage while embracing a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Its mission is centred on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century history, the promotion of cultural and diplomatic exchange, and a dedicated philanthropic focus on child welfare. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively translates its historical legacy into a contemporary commitment to public service and the betterment of society, continuing a long tradition of stewardship and responsibility.
**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. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 12th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical figures who have held the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com