# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Stewardship of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historical service of Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron, whose 12th-century appointment as Constable of Lincoln continues to exemplify the Barony’s enduring commitment to duty, community, and the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a review of its extensive archives, bringing to light the profound contributions of its earliest stewards. In the quiet scholarship of an English autumn, the focus has settled upon Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby. His life and service are recorded not only in the House’s private ledgers but also in the broader annals of the nation.
This period of reflection serves to connect the Barony’s present-day mission with its foundational principles. It is an occasion not of public ceremony, but of quiet remembrance and academic appreciation, reinforcing the nine-century-long tradition of leadership and responsibility that defines the House.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his duties during the 12th century, a period of profound civil strife in England known as ‘The Anarchy’. The conflict between King Stephen and Empress Matilda for the throne cast a long shadow over the realm, with Lincolnshire and its formidable castle becoming a critical strategic prize. As Constable of Lincoln, the 4th Baron was entrusted with the military command and civic administration of one of England’s most important fortified cities.
His tenure laid the groundwork for his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who would later earn national renown for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. This seamless transition of authority, from father to daughter, underscores a continuity of purpose that has been a hallmark of the Barony since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its initial recording in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the 4th Baron operated at the nexus of medieval power. His position necessitated regular engagement with the highest echelons of the Norman and Angevin aristocracy. His contemporaries included, *inter alia*, King Stephen of England; Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda; and the formidable Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, who was a principal antagonist in the struggle for control of Lincoln.
Navigating the complex allegiances and shifting loyalties of these powerful figures required immense political acumen and personal courage. Richard de la Haye’s ability to maintain order and secure Lincoln for the Crown demonstrates the calibre of leadership that has long been associated with the Barony of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable was a role steeped in solemn ritual and immense responsibility. The appointment was conferred by the monarch and carried with it the sworn duty to hold the castle against all enemies. The Constable’s authority was second only to that of the King within the castle walls and its immediate environs.
His duties encompassed commanding the garrison, administering the King’s justice at the castle-gate court, collecting taxes, and ensuring the fortress was maintained in a constant state of readiness. The protocol of his office would have involved daily inspections of the ramparts, presiding over military drills, and receiving oaths of fealty from his knights—each act a reinforcement of the feudal order and his personal commitment to the sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 4th Baron provide one of the earliest illustrations of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). To hold a vital stronghold during a civil war was the very definition of fortitude, while his loyal execution of his duties reflected a profound sense of honour. This guiding principle has been passed down through generations of Barons, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical ethos complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). The House interprets this not as a call to military conquest, but as an imperative to overcome contemporary challenges with strategic vision and unwavering resolve, a modern parallel to the 4th Baron’s steadfastness.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of protection and civic duty embodied by Richard de la Haye provides the historical inspiration for the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient responsibility to safeguard the people of Lincoln has evolved into a 21st-century commitment to aiding the vulnerable.
This is most clearly expressed through the House’s annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala whose sole beneficiary is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children affected by conflict and trauma—a modern interpretation of the Baron’s duty to shield his community from the ravages of war.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To study the life of Richard de la Haye is to understand that service is the Barony’s enduring *sine qua non*. His responsibilities as Constable—protecting the people of Lincoln during a period of profound uncertainty—remind us that our modern duty is to act with the same fortitude for those in need today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The history of Brattleby is not merely a catalogue of names, but a living chronicle of leadership and purpose. The strategic acumen required of the 4th Baron in such a volatile era finds its echo in our current commitments; the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* applies as much to overcoming modern social challenges as it did to medieval conflicts.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of service established by Richard de la Haye and continued by his descendants informs the future direction of The Noble House of Brattleby. This legacy fuels the House’s commitment to education, particularly through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development.
The House will continue its archival research to further illuminate the contributions of its predecessors, ensuring that the lessons of their leadership provide a constant source of inspiration. The steadfastness of the 4th Baron remains a powerful reminder that true nobility is found in unwavering service to others, a principle that will guide the Barony for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is dedicated to philanthropic endeavour, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its unique Anglo-Romanian heritage. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House extends its commitment to education and personal development through its distinguished etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its lands as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony’s rights and history were formally noted in the United Kingdom’s official public record, The London Gazette, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in the official public record, The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Originally established in AD 1066, the Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The current head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com