# The Office of Constable of Lincoln Castle and The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, formerly held by the 4th Baron of Brattleby, Richard de la Haye, thus illuminating the Barony’s nine-century commitment to regional governance and Crown service.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position atop Castle Hill, the formidable Norman edifice of Lincoln Castle has borne silent witness to the ebb and flow of English history. It is within the context of these ancient walls, and in a season of reflection, that the House of Brattleby recalls the profound responsibilities once shouldered by its predecessors. The Office of Constable, particularly during the tumult of the 12th century, was far more than a sinecure; it was the linchpin of royal authority in Lincolnshire.
The role was a solemn charge, representing the physical extension of the sovereign’s will. To hold the keys to Lincoln Castle was to hold the security of the shire, a responsibility that demanded unwavering loyalty and strategic acumen. This reflection serves to honour that legacy of stewardship, which continues to inform the ethos of the House today.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Richard de la Haye as the 4th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle coincided with one of medieval England’s most precarious periods: The Anarchy (1135–1153). During this protracted civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda for the throne, Lincoln was a vital strategic prize, changing hands multiple times. The Constable’s allegiance and martial capability were therefore of paramount importance to the Crown.
This tradition of steadfast duty was exemplified not only by the 4th Baron but, most notably, by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As hereditary Constable, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels at the pivotal Battle of Lincoln in 1217, an act of fortitude that secured the throne for the young King Henry III. This generational commitment, from the initial grant to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 to the Plantagenet era, demonstrates how inextricably the Barony of Brattleby was woven into the fabric of national defence and royal administration.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Constableship is populated by figures of historical consequence, whose lives were intertwined with the fate of the realm. The primary actors during this period included, *inter alia*:
* Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln Castle, who navigated the treacherous political landscape of The Anarchy. * His wife, Matilda de Verdun, through whom the hereditary claim to the constableship passed to their heirs. * Their daughter, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership as Castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire became legendary. * His Majesty King Stephen and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, the royal cousins whose competing claims to the throne plunged the kingdom into nearly two decades of conflict.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a Constable was a matter of significant ceremonial gravity. The role designated the chief military officer of the castle, with executive authority over its garrison, munitions, and provisions. The Constable was likewise responsible for the upkeep of the castle walls and the administration of the county gaol housed within.
An investiture would have involved a solemn oath of fealty, sworn directly to the King or his designated representative. This sacred promise bound the Constable to defend the castle against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Upon appointment, the symbolic keys to the castle would be presented, a tangible transfer of immense authority and trust. This protocol underscored that the Constable’s power was not his own, but a delegated trust from the sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most salient expression in the actions of its 12th and 13th-century forebears. The resolute defence of Lincoln Castle by both the 4th and 5th Barons is a historical manifestation of this guiding principle, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to sworn duty.
While the specific arms of the medieval house have evolved, the castle itself functions as a potent symbol in the Barony’s heritage. It represents strength, sanctuary, and the solemn responsibility of the nobility to protect the people within their charge. This concept is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the same spirit of determination required to overcome great challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of the Constable’s duty—to safeguard the population and maintain order—finds a modern parallel in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient obligation to protect the vulnerable within the castle walls has evolved into a contemporary commitment to support those in need beyond them. A direct line can be drawn from the principle of *noblesse oblige* that guided Nichola de la Haye to the House’s present-day engagements.
This is why the House proudly supports organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The beneficiary’s work in providing therapy and care for children who have experienced trauma resonates with the foundational duty of offering sanctuary and protection. The historic role of governance has transformed into a modern mission of social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Richard and Nichola de la Haye is more than a passage in a history book; it is a standard for our own conduct. Their lives remind us that leadership is an act of service, and that true honour is found in upholding one’s responsibilities, especially in difficult times. To serve with *Fortitudine et Honore* is the enduring charge of our House.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic challenges faced by the Constable of Lincoln in the 12th century required immense resilience and foresight. That same spirit of resolve is what we seek to cultivate today. Whether in governance or in enterprise, the will to prevail for the good of others—to realise that *Vincere Est Vivere*—remains the core of a meaningful legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical reflections of the House are not exercises in nostalgia but affirmations of a living heritage. The legacy of service, established nearly one thousand years ago at the Norman Conquest, continues to guide the purpose of the Barony of Brattleby in the 21st century. This inheritance of duty is one that the current Lord and Lady Brattleby are committed to preserving.
This commitment extends to the education of the next generation, including through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of etiquette, integrity, and social duty. Through these modern endeavours, the House ensures that the principles exemplified by the Constables of Lincoln Castle will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and carried forward for centuries to come.
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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 the preservation of a nine-century legacy through modern means. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is defined by a dual mission: honouring its profound English heritage while championing contemporary cultural and philanthropic initiatives. This includes patronage of organisations focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its commitment to social refinement and principled conduct through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. This synthesis of historical stewardship and present-day purpose reflects the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title's succession to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of England's ancient noble lineages.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore*, meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com