# A Statement on the Historical Office of Constable of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Constableship of Lincoln Castle. The hereditary office, once held by the Barons of Brattleby, represented a profound bond between the barony and the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its position overlooking the ancient city, Lincoln Castle stands as a formidable monument to Norman power and English history. It is within the context of this enduring stone fortress, founded by William the Conqueror in 1068, that the Barony of Brattleby reflects upon one of its most significant historical duties. The issuance of this statement serves to illuminate a role that was far more than ceremonial; the office of Constable was a cornerstone of regional governance and national security for centuries.
The statement provides a moment of historical contemplation, connecting the duties of the past with the responsibilities of the present. It acknowledges that the stewardship of such a legacy is a continuous commitment, rooted in a deep appreciation for the barony’s nearly millennium-long narrative, a narrative written in part upon the very walls of Lincoln Castle.
## Historical Context
The link between the Barony of Brattleby and the governance of Lincolnshire was forged shortly after the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county, establishing the family as a pre-eminent local power. This regional authority was formalised through the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a position of immense trust granted by the monarch.
This duty was exemplified with extraordinary courage by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, one of medieval England’s most remarkable women. As hereditary Constable, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, holding it for King John. Her steadfast loyalty was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region. This tradition of service at the highest levels continued through subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Constableship is defined by the formidable individuals who held the office. The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to these powerful figures who shaped the course of the nation.
Among the most notable predecessors associated with this profound duty are:
* **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, demonstrating unparalleled loyalty and military acumen. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and one of the most influential political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of Lincoln Castle was an act of profound legal and military significance. The office was not merely granted but entrusted, often confirmed by royal charter. The role combined the responsibilities of a military governor, responsible for the castle’s garrison and defences, with the judicial authority of a chief magistrate for the surrounding shire.
Upon assuming the office, the Constable would swear an oath of fealty directly to the Sovereign, pledging to hold the castle in the King’s name against all enemies. The symbols of this authority were the keys to the castle gates, representing complete control over access and security. The Constable’s duties were all-encompassing: from overseeing the maintenance of the castle walls to presiding over the shire court and ensuring the collection of royal taxes, the role was the principal embodiment of the Crown’s power in the county.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its validation in the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was a pure expression of fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds, and her unwavering loyalty a testament to the honour that underpins the barony's history. These principles remain the guiding tenets of the House today.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim reflects a modern interpretation of the same spirit, emphasising the determination and proactive engagement required to overcome contemporary challenges, whether in enterprise or in service to the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the medieval duties of military and administrative service have evolved, the underlying principle of responsibility remains central to the House’s mission. Today, the commitment to safeguarding the community is expressed not through garrisons and fortifications, but through dedicated philanthropic engagement. The House channels its sense of duty into supporting organisations that strengthen the social fabric.
The focus of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, for example, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience and well-being in the most vulnerable members of society, the House continues to fulfil its historic obligation of service in a modern, meaningful context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “The legacy of Nichola de la Haye serves as a powerful reminder that stewardship is an active, not a passive, responsibility. Her fortitude has been a source of inspiration for me since I assumed the title. It is our duty to ensure the honour of this lineage is upheld through service to our community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The role of the Constable was fundamentally about leadership and protecting the interests of the sovereign and the people. While the challenges have changed, the need for strategic thinking and a commitment to the greater good has not. We see our modern endeavours, both charitable and educational, as a continuation of that a legacy of purposeful action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this nine-century tradition of leadership and responsibility continues to evolve. The House’s work is oriented toward building a legacy for the future, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
This forward-looking vision is actively pursued through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the academy is dedicated to imparting the values of etiquette, social responsibility, and cultural awareness to a new generation. By teaching the principles that have guided the barony for centuries, the House is investing in the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will endure for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 blends its deep English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the stewardship of its nearly one-thousand-year history, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is dedicated to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), through meaningful contributions to society and the cultivation of the next generation of leaders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. For centuries, the barony was a position of significant regional and national importance, with its holders serving as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a long period in abeyance, the barony was formally called out in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was officially recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) lists the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the early 13th century. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby by marriage and tenure.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com