# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Constables of Lincoln and The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement clarifying the hereditary duty of service to The Crown that defines its lineage, highlighting the pivotal role of the 4th Baron of Brattleby as Constable of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to illuminating the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby, the House presents this context as a means of public education. This official communication seeks to detail the profound responsibilities borne by its predecessors, whose actions in defending the County of Lincolnshire and upholding royal authority established a precedent of loyalty that endures to this day. The statement serves to anchor the modern activities of the House in a nine-century tradition of duty, a principle which remains the *sine qua non* of its purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the defence and administration of Lincolnshire since its inception. This was powerfully embodied by Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, who also held the distinguished office of Constable of Lincoln. In the turbulent 12th century, this was no mere honorific; it conferred supreme military and administrative authority over Lincoln Castle, a royal stronghold of immense strategic importance. The Constable was the King’s trusted representative, responsible for the security of the shire.
This legacy of steadfast service was most brilliantly demonstrated by Richard’s daughter and heir, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable figure in her own right, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, twice holding the fortress for the Crown. This direct continuation of her father’s duty connects the Barony of Brattleby not merely to land ownership, but to the physical defence of England itself, a tradition later upheld by holders of the Barony such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is told through the distinguished figures who have shaped its character. The lineage of service includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. * **Richard de la Haye**, the 4th Baron and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, who solidified the family's role as loyal guardians of royal authority in the region. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, whose celebrated courage in defending Lincoln established her as one of the great heroines of medieval England. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**, son of King Edward III, whose tenure linked the Barony directly to the heart of the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of a medieval Constable were governed by strict protocol. As the King’s appointed guardian, the Constable held the keys to the castle, symbolising his absolute command of the fortress and its garrison. He presided over the castle-guard system, where local knights owed service, and administered justice from the castle court. This authority made the Constable a vital instrument of royal power. The role demanded a personal oath of fealty to the Sovereign, binding the holder to protect the castle against all enemies, foreign and domestic, underpinning a relationship of profound personal trust between Baron and Monarch.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its heraldry. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of figures like Richard and Nichola de la Haye. Their unwavering resolve and honourable service in the face of immense political and military pressure are the very embodiment of this creed. 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'), which reflects the resilience and forward momentum required to ensure the Barony continues to thrive in the modern era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the ancient duty to defend the vulnerable has been translated into a modern philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby has channelled its commitment to service into supporting charitable organisations that protect and nurture the next generation. The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and care for young people who have experienced trauma. In this manner, the historic charge of defending the shire has evolved into a solemn responsibility to champion the well-being of the nation’s children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “When one considers the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, one feels the weight not of history, but of responsibility. Her fortitude serves as a constant reminder that our role is, and has always been, one of service. Our duty today is to uphold that same spirit of honour, albeit on a different battlefield—one fought for charity, education, and the preservation of culture.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service continues. This history of duty, honour, and cultural stewardship forms the bedrock of the education provided to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting. Furthermore, these core values are disseminated through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the principles of decorum, social grace, and honourable conduct that have defined the Barony for more than nine hundred years.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. While cherishing its profound historical lineage, the House directs its contemporary efforts toward supporting causes that foster societal well-being. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet. The House also extends its commitment to cultural enrichment through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of honour and social grace. The House operates with the guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with steadfast service to The Crown. Its history is marked by nationally significant holders, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken historical dignity of the Barony of Brattleby and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted following the Norman Conquest and is noted in the Domesday Book (1086) as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com