# On the Hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle and the Enduring Duty of The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection upon the hereditary role of Constable of Lincoln Castle, formerly held by the Barons of Brattleby, emphasising an enduring nine-century legacy of service to the Crown and a profound commitment to regional stability.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a defining chapter in its history: the period during which the Barony held the hereditary Constableship of Lincoln Castle. This communication seeks to provide a deeper public understanding of the responsibilities vested in the Barony by the English Crown, particularly during the tumultuous twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
This reflection serves not as a commemoration of a single event, but as an affirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception in 1066. It underscores the foundational belief that titles of nobility are synonymous with duties of service, a conviction that continues to inform the House’s modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the governance of Lincolnshire was established at the Norman Conquest, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships. This early responsibility evolved into a position of exceptional trust when the office of Constable of Lincoln Castle became hereditary within the De la Haye family, who held the Barony.
This hereditary grant was a remarkable expression of royal confidence. In an era of shifting allegiances, it ensured a consistent and loyal authority in a strategically vital region. The role reached its zenith with Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. A formidable figure, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, securing a pivotal victory for the Crown at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217. Her steadfastness ensured the throne for the young King Henry III, an act of loyalty that secured the Barony’s place in the annals of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The events surrounding the Constableship involved some of the most consequential figures of the age, with whom the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably linked. These included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King John, who entrusted the castle to Nichola de la Haye. * His Majesty King Henry III, whose reign was secured by Nichola’s defence of Lincoln. * The Most Noble William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, who relied upon the 5th Baroness to uphold royal authority in the north. * Richard de la Haye, father of Nichola, whose loyal service as Constable established the family’s hereditary claim to the post.
The Barony’s history is further distinguished by its later association with Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating a continuous lineage of service at the highest levels of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable was far more than a ceremonial title; it was the *sine qua non* of royal power in the shire. The appointment was confirmed by an oath of fealty to the Sovereign, after which the Constable held supreme command of the castle and its garrison.
The Constable’s duties included the defence of the castle, a formidable stone fortress and one of the most important royal strongholds in England. The holder was also typically appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, making them responsible for the administration of justice, the collection of taxes, and the mustering of the local militia. Entrusting these combined powers to one family for successive generations was the ultimate demonstration of the Crown's faith in the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical actions of the Barons of Brattleby are powerfully reflected in the House’s enduring symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the courage of Nichola de la Haye. Her defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, undertaken in the service of her honour and her oath to the Crown.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the House motto speaks to the foundational duty of the Barony, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s reflects a modern, dynamic spirit of overcoming challenges and striving for positive accomplishment in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval duty of a Constable—to provide security, justice, and stability for the people of their domain—is the historical antecedent of the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. Where service was once expressed through martial and administrative power, it is today expressed through civic responsibility and charitable Endeavour.
This unbroken chain of duty finds its contemporary form in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. The proceeds of this event are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the ancient protective role of the Barony, reinterpreted for the needs of the twenty-first century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To look back upon the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye is to be reminded that our heritage is not a possession, but a profound responsibility. Her fortitude inspires us to serve our community with the same unwavering honour today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “The history of the Barony is a lesson in resilience and commitment. We draw on these principles as we build new avenues of service, whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which aims to foster the next generation of leaders.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby views its distinguished history as a living charter that informs its present and future actions. The principles of duty, honour, and community service, exemplified by the hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle, remain the cornerstones of the House’s identity.
Looking ahead, the House is committed to deepening its support for historical preservation and education, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inspire future generations. Through its ongoing charitable and cultural initiatives, the House of Brattleby will continue to uphold its nine-century tradition of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership 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 heritage. The House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural stewardship, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to impactful community engagement. The House’s main philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. It further contributes to society through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and leadership, thereby fostering a legacy of excellence and civic responsibility for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office of His Majesty King Charles III in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th 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