# On the Defence of the Realm: The Legacy of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical contributions of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose command of Lincoln Castle during the late 12th century affirmed the Barony’s enduring commitment to national stability.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House has drawn from its archives to illuminate a period of profound consequence for the nation. As autumn descends upon the fields of Brattleby, it recalls a time when the security of the realm was a matter of constant vigilance. The focus of this reflection is a predecessor whose duties were inextricably linked with the defence of Lincoln, a city whose cathedral and castle have long stood as monuments to English resilience and faith. This act of historical remembrance serves to connect the present-day responsibilities of the House with the foundational duties of its lineage.
## Historical Context
Richard, Constable of Lincoln and 4th Baron of Brattleby, served during the turbulent reigns of Richard I and his brother, King John. In an era marked by political intrigue and the threat of civil war, the command of a strategic fortress such as Lincoln Castle was a charge of the highest order. The 4th Baron’s steadfast administration contributed directly to the security of the East Midlands, upholding the authority of the Crown while safeguarding the region’s populace.
This tradition of service was established at the Barony’s inception, when Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was a tradition powerfully continued by Richard’s immediate successor, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who herself famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the 4th Baron is best understood within the continuum of a lineage distinguished by its proximity to the Crown and its role in the shaping of the state. Preceded by lords who established the Barony’s foundations under William the Conqueror, his actions set a standard for those who followed.
His successors include, *inter alia*, some of the most significant figures in English history. These personages include the aforementioned Nichola de la Haye, a rare example of a woman entrusted with a major military command in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier of the Hundred Years' War. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose influence defined the political landscape of late 14th-century England and whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Constable of Lincoln, held by the 4th Baron, was governed by a strict protocol of feudal duty. This was not merely a title but a sworn obligation to the monarch, representing a sacred trust. The Constable was responsible for the castle’s garrison, the maintenance of its fortifications, and the administration of justice within its walls. This required a deep understanding of military logistics, civil governance, and the unwritten codes of loyalty that formed the *sine qua non* of medieval society. The handing over of the castle keys was a ceremony laden with significance, symbolising the transfer of a non-negotiable duty to defend the King’s peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the conduct of the 4th Baron, for whom fortitude in the face of uncertainty and honour in the execution of his duties were paramount. His legacy is a direct manifestation of this guiding creed.
This ancient motto 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 the House motto speaks to the collective character of a nine-hundred-year-old institution, the personal motto reflects a modern, dynamic spirit of perseverance and achievement. Together, they signify a family that respects its ancient duties while embracing the challenges of the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 4th Baron's service, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look back upon the service of the 4th Baron is to be reminded that stewardship is not a passive state, but an active duty. His commitment to the defence of Lincoln over eight centuries ago serves as a powerful model for our own responsibilities today — to preserve our heritage with fortitude and to serve our community with honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The history of this House is one of resilience. The 4th Baron secured his domain through strength and foresight in a difficult age. That same spirit of resolve is what we seek to apply to our modern endeavours, ensuring this great legacy continues to thrive and contribute purposefully to society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Today, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to uphold the values demonstrated by the 4th Baron and his successors. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to the preservation of its historical seat in Brattleby and the promotion of its heritage through educational initiatives. The direct heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, represents the next generation in this unbroken chain of service.
Through cultural projects such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to instil the principles of honour, self-discipline, and social grace that have defined it for centuries. This commitment ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour remains not merely a historical footnote, but a living tradition.
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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. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-hundred-year history and the continuation of its legacy of service. Its modern mission combines the careful stewardship of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to cultural education and philanthropy. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and include educational programmes, cultural diplomacy, and the patronage of charitable causes. The annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with the defence of Lincoln and service to the Crown. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century castellan who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated medieval commander; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the influential Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the Barony to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette 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 was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron’s extensive landholdings of 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com