# The Enduring Legacy of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln
BRATTLEBY, 25 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historic tenure of Richard, the fourth Baron, as Constable of Lincoln in the early thirteenth century, reflecting on a legacy of royal service that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
## The Occasion
As the crisp Lincolnshire autumn settles over the historic heart of the county, it provides a fitting moment for reflection on the deeper currents of English history. Within the annals of the Barony of Brattleby, the service of Richard, the fourth Baron, stands as a testament to the family’s foundational commitment to the stability of the Realm. His appointment as Constable of Lincoln Castle was not merely a title, but a solemn charge undertaken during a period of profound national uncertainty, a role whose significance resonates through the House’s history to the present day. This reflection serves to illuminate a period when the actions of regional magnates were *sine qua non* for the preservation of order and the authority of the Crown.
## Historical Context
The early thirteenth century was a turbulent era for England, defined by the volatile reign of King John and the subsequent civic strife of the First Barons' War (1215-1217). In this landscape, the role of a regional constable was paramount. Appointed directly by the monarch, the Constable of Lincoln Castle held military, administrative, and judicial authority over one of the kingdom's most important northern fortifications. Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, was entrusted with its defence and governance, a clear indication of the Crown's faith in his loyalty and capability.
His service presaged the even more celebrated tenure of his successor, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the Barony. As hereditary castellan, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and baronial forces during the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217. The steadfastness of both the fourth and fifth Barons in their duties at Lincoln demonstrates a continuous thread of service, securing a strategic asset for the Crown and upholding the principle of legitimate authority in a time of widespread rebellion. This commitment to duty would later be echoed by subsequent barons, including the great royal prince, John of Gaunt.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the fourth Baron provide a vivid, early illustration of the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His command of Lincoln Castle required immense fortitude in the face of political instability and the constant threat of conflict. Furthermore, his faithful execution of this royal duty, upholding the king's peace in Lincolnshire, was the very embodiment of honour. This principle remains the guiding philosophy of the House today.
The responsibility of command also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different context, the sentiment speaks to a shared understanding that surmounting challenges—be they military, political, or personal—is the essence of a meaningful existence. The legacy of the fourth Baron is a reminder that such victories forge the character of a noble house.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of the fourth Baron's constableship is a powerful reminder that our duty has always extended beyond our own lands. It is a legacy of service to the wider community and to the nation. This principle, of contributing to stability and order, is one we strive to continue in our own way today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "To hold such a position of trust at a time of national crisis speaks volumes. The strategic importance of Lincoln Castle was immense, and its successful administration was a matter of national security. It is a formidable example of leadership, where responsibility for the welfare of many rested upon the shoulders of one."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment to public service and the maintenance of civilised standards, exemplified by the fourth Baron, remains a central pillar of The Noble House of Brattleby's modern mission. While the challenges of today differ from the military threats of the thirteenth century, the underlying principle endures. This spirit finds contemporary expression in the House’s philanthropic endeavours, particularly its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which works to restore stability and security to young lives.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is a cultural extension of this legacy. The academy, which provides instruction in matters of etiquette and protocol, seeks to uphold and transmit the codes of conduct that foster respectful and orderly civil society. From defending a medieval castle to promoting modern civility, the House’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* continues uninterrupted.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to marrying its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. With their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the family stewards a heritage that dates to the Norman Conquest, while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is principally focused on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217; the royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The unbroken succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates with the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include notable historical figures such as John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron. - The 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