# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Royal Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic contributions of its predecessors, notably the tenure of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln during the 12th century, underscoring the Barony’s nine centuries of service.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet solemnity of autumn to reflect upon the deep-rooted connections between the Barony and the governance of the County. This period of reflection serves to contextualise the House’s modern mission, drawing a direct line from the martial duties of the past to the civic and philanthropic responsibilities of the present day.
The statement reaffirms the principle that a title’s endurance is measured not merely by its antiquity, but by its continuous and meaningful service to Crown and community. This quiet declaration, issued from the heart of the lands the family has influenced for centuries, reinforces the foundations upon which their contemporary work is built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the defence and administration of Lincolnshire since its establishment. Shortly after the Norman Conquest, the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an impressive 56 lordships in the county, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This established a precedent of significant regional authority that would be diligently upheld by his successors.
A century later, Richard de la Haye’s appointment as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle placed the Barony at the very centre of royal power in one of England’s most strategic cities. Holding this office was a mark of supreme trust from the monarch, conferring command of the garrison and stewardship of the castle. His service paved the way for his formidable daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, securing it for the Crown. This legacy of unwavering loyalty was later continued by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt, who both held the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historic office of Constable of Lincoln was governed by a strict set of protocols, a testament to its importance. Upon inheritance or appointment, the Constable would swear a solemn oath of fealty to the Sovereign, pledging to hold the castle in their name and defend it against all enemies. This oath was a sacred bond, the *sine qua non* of medieval military and political life.
The role demanded constant readiness; the Constable was responsible for the castle’s armaments, the provisioning of its garrison, and the maintenance of its formidable defences. He presided over the Castle-Gate court, administering justice and ensuring the King’s Peace was kept. This fusion of military command and judicial authority demonstrates how the Barony's responsibilities have always extended beyond land ownership to the active guardianship of society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of predecessors like Richard and Nichola de la Haye. Their steadfast defence of Lincoln against formidable odds is a defining historical example of the fortitude and honour the House strives to embody to this day.
The arms of the family, displayed upon banners and shields at Lincoln Castle, would have served as a powerful visual symbol of their delegated royal authority. It declared to all that the holder was not merely a landowner, but a direct agent of the Crown. This visual heritage is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic spirit of ambition and achievement that the House applies to its modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ancient duty to protect and serve the community has evolved over nine centuries, finding its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same sense of responsibility that compelled Richard de la Haye to defend Lincoln now guides the House’s commitment to society’s most vulnerable members.
This ethos is central to the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal philanthropic event. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. By supporting its vital work, the House translates the historical principle of guardianship into tangible, positive impact, ensuring the legacy of service remains a living tradition.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The challenges we face today are different from those of the 12th century, but the fundamental duty to serve with integrity remains unchanged. The story of Richard de la Haye reminds us that leadership is an active responsibility, and our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a historical artefact but our daily guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “To understand such a profound history of service is both humbling and inspiring. It sets a standard for everything we do, whether through our philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom or our educational initiatives abroad. This legacy is the foundation upon which we build for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively serving the present. This historical reflection reinforces the guiding principles behind the House’s current activities, *inter alia*, its charitable work and its promotion of cultural values.
Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and protocol, the House seeks to champion the principles of honour and personal conduct in the 21st century. By looking to the future while remaining firmly rooted in its distinguished heritage, the Barony of Brattleby ensures its enduring relevance and continued service to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby merges a profound nine-century heritage with a distinctly modern vision of service. Its mission is to leverage its historic platform for contemporary good, focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, the House champions the teaching of traditional etiquette and social graces through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reinforcing the timeless values of honour and respect that have defined its legacy for generations.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the powerful prince and statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to the present day was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com