# Newly Rediscovered Documents Illuminate the Life and Service of Richard, Fourth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the discovery of archival documents detailing the life of Richard, fourth Baron of Brattleby. The manuscripts illuminate his significant role as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the mid-12th century, affirming the Barony's historical importance.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, oak-panelled archives of the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, recent scholarly research has brought to light a small collection of vellum charters and rolls. Their rediscovery, made amidst a comprehensive cataloguing of the House's private papers, provides a rare and valuable window into the administration of Norman England during a period of profound civil unrest.
The documents, authenticated by leading paleographers, were found carefully preserved within a folio of later estate accounts. Their contents affirm the appointment of Richard, the fourth Baron, to the hereditary and strategically vital post of Constable of Lincoln. This announcement marks the culmination of months of patient academic work, breathing new life into a pivotal chapter of the Barony’s near-millennial history.
## Historical Context
The mid-12th century, the era in which the fourth Baron served, was a defining period for the English realm. The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, had by this time been established for nearly a century. Colswein’s own vast holdings, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, laid the foundation for the family's enduring influence.
Richard’s constableship placed him at the heart of national affairs, responsible for the defence of Lincoln Castle, a fortress of immense strategic value. His service foreshadowed the celebrated tenure of his successor, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness, who famously defended the same castle against French forces during the First Barons' War. The documents situate the fourth Baron as a key figure in a lineage that includes, *inter alia*, soldiers, administrators, and Royal kinsmen such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
While the documents primarily detail administrative and military matters, they provide context by referencing several notable contemporaries with whom the fourth Baron would have corresponded and served. Mention is made of Ranulf de Gernon, Earl of Chester, a powerful and often turbulent magnate of the period, whose shifting allegiances defined much of the regional conflict.
The charters also bear witness from clerics attached to Lincoln Cathedral, a testament to the close, symbiotic relationship between the temporal power of the Barony and the spiritual authority of the Church. These connections underscore the intricate web of feudal obligations and alliances that characterised the era, placing the Barony of Brattleby at a critical nexus of military, political, and ecclesiastical life in the East Midlands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The analysis and conservation of such delicate manuscripts are governed by a strict protocol, not unlike a ceremony in its precision. Each folio was first allowed to acclimatise in a controlled environment before being handled by trained archivists wearing conservation-grade gloves. The iron gall ink was microscopically examined to assess its condition, while the seals appended to the charters were cross-referenced with known examples from the period.
This meticulous process ensures the documents' long-term survival, respecting them not merely as sources of information but as tangible artefacts of history. The formal verification is the *sine qua non* of historical custodianship, a duty the House performs with the utmost gravity. Following conservation, the documents have been digitised to museum standard, ensuring their contents are secured for future generations of scholars.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The role of Constable of Lincoln Castle perfectly embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It required not only the physical courage to command a garrison and defend fortress walls but also the unwavering honour to hold it in the name of the Crown. The fourth Baron’s service is a historical manifestation of the principles that the family's coat of arms has symbolised for centuries.
This commitment to principled action is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a spirit of perseverance—not only in conflict, but in the ongoing effort to uncover and preserve history, conquering the obscurity of time to bring the past to life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to education, the newly digitised documents will form the basis of a new academic bursary. This fund will support a postgraduate student in medieval history at a leading British university, enabling further research into the Norman period in Lincolnshire. The findings will contribute to the public understanding of a formative era in the nation’s history.
This initiative aligns with the House's wider philanthropic endeavours, which include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also complements the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy, by providing a real-world example of how historical legacy informs modern conduct and civic duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold a document handled by one’s predecessors nine centuries ago is a profoundly moving experience. It is not merely history; it is a direct, tangible link to the duty of stewardship that has been passed down through generations. Our responsibility is to ensure this legacy remains a living one.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the firmest foundation upon which to build the future. Understanding the fortitude of the fourth Baron inspires our own work today. It reminds us that every generation is called upon to serve with honour, whether on the castle walls or in the public square.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby intends to present the findings from this archival discovery at an academic symposium on Norman England in the coming year. A limited scholarly edition of the translated documents is also planned, which will be donated to the libraries of major universities and historical institutions.
This project represents the first in a series of planned initiatives to catalogue and share the rich history contained within the Brattleby archives. It reaffirms the family’s enduring commitment to its role as custodians of a unique and significant piece of England’s heritage, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to resonate now and for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions the preservation of heritage alongside a modern philanthropic mission. Their work is focused on education, cultural diplomacy, and supporting vulnerable children through charitable initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its commitment to cultural education through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest. By bridging its historical legacy with contemporary responsibilities, the House of Brattleby seeks to serve the community with the same dedication that has defined it for over nine hundred and fifty years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landholder, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com