# An Historical Dispatch on the Service of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues an historical dispatch illuminating the pivotal role of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose twelfth-century tenure as Constable of Lincoln exemplifies the House’s enduring commitment to governance and duty.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of a Lincolnshire autumn, the archives at the House of Brattleby’s seat continue to yield insights into its near-millennial history. This dispatch arises not from a singular event, but from the ongoing work of cataloguing and interpreting the rich documentary heritage of the Barony. It is a moment of scholarly reflection, intended to share with a wider audience the profound sense of duty that has animated the Barons of Brattleby through the ages, a tradition that informs the House’s modern purpose. The occasion, therefore, is one of historical clarification and the dutiful sharing of knowledge.
The House archives contain charter witness lists, manorial court records, and transcriptions from the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer. These documents collectively provide an invaluable window into the administration of the realm at a local and national level. It is from these primary sources that the full significance of the 4th Baron’s career is made manifest, connecting his actions to the great currents of English and European history.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye served as 4th Baron during a turbulent period in English history known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), a protracted civil war for the throne between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. As the hereditary Constable of Lincoln, his command of Lincoln Castle — a formidable Norman fortress of immense strategic value — placed him at the epicentre of the conflict. His service was a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in a fractured kingdom.
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and first held by Colswein of Lincoln with his 56 Domesday lordships, was by this time deeply integrated into the fabric of English feudal power. Richard de la Haye’s stewardship was not merely a matter of land ownership; it was a solemn obligation of military and administrative service to the Crown. His legacy was capably continued by the family of his daughter, whose daughter-in-law, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, would succeed as 5th Baroness and famously defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the reign of King John.
## Distinguished Company
In examining the life of the 4th Baron, one considers him in the context of the leading figures of his age, with whom he interacted and whose fates were intertwined with his own. These personages, a truly distinguished company, include, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Stephen of England * Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, Lady of the English * His Majesty King Henry II of England * Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester * Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester
The 4th Baron's navigation of the complex allegiances and rivalries among these powerful individuals demonstrates a high degree of political acumen and unwavering commitment to his sworn duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of a twelfth-century baron and Constable were codified by deeply ingrained ceremonial protocols. Upon inheriting his title, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty, placing his hands between those of his liege lord and pledging homage and military support. As Constable, he held the castle in the King’s name, responsible for its garrison, maintenance, and the administration of justice from within its walls.
This role required his presence at formal gatherings of the King’s court and the leadership of his household knights and men-at-arms, all bearing his livery. The protocol of his office was a constant, public performance of loyalty and power, reinforcing the feudal hierarchy and the King's peace. Every action, from collecting taxes to presiding over the manorial court, was a ritualised expression of delegated royal authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the 4th Baron. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to hold a strategic castle through years of civil war and political instability. 'Honour' refers to the adherence to one's feudal oath and the faithful execution of duty, even amidst the shifting loyalties of a divided kingdom. For a baron of this era, these were not abstract virtues but the very pillars of his existence and reputation.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, it echoes the same spirit of active striving, reinterpreted for the challenges of the modern age—overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of a meaningful and purposeful life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical dispatch does not directly serve a fundraising goal, its creation is an expression of the philanthropic mission that underpins the modern House of Brattleby. The House considers the preservation and dissemination of its unique historical archives to be a form of public service—a philanthropy of knowledge. By investing in the scholarly research and conservation of its records, the House ensures this heritage is available for future generations of students and historians.
This commitment to sharing knowledge runs parallel to the House's more direct charitable activities, such as the annual Winter Banquet supporting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The belief is that understanding our past is essential to building a better future, a principle that guides all the House’s endeavours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the resonance of his service:
> “When we read of Richard de la Haye, we are not simply observing the past; we are reminded that stewardship is a continuous chain of responsibility. His fortitude in defending Lincoln centuries ago inspires our own resolve to preserve this heritage with the same sense of honour for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the relevance of this history:
> “The story of the 4th Baron is a powerful lesson in leadership during uncertain times. The core principles of loyalty, strategy, and service are timeless. Our task today is to translate that legacy of effective action into our modern work, whether in business, education, or philanthropy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is one of remarkable continuity, from Colswein of Lincoln to the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), and onward to the present day. This dispatch on the 4th Baron is part of a wider commitment by the House to bring this extraordinary history to life.
This legacy continues through tangible initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the Baroness, instils the principles of honour and social grace in a new generation. Future publications and educational programmes will continue to draw upon the House archives, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour remains a vital and instructive force in the twenty-first century, informing the character and pursuits of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
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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 a modern institution dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose through educational initiatives, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House espouses the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying this principle to its diverse activities. These range from organising the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, to overseeing the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to personal and professional development. The House is committed to public service and the responsible management of its historic legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical legitimacy of the title in the modern era were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's succession was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past Barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com