# A Legacy of Service: The Office of Constable of Lincoln Castle and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting upon the ancient office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, a duty held by the family’s predecessors, underscoring a near-millennial legacy of service to the Crown and to the County of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of Lincolnshire, as the ancient stones of Lincoln Castle stand sentinel over the city, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection. This communication serves to illuminate one of the most significant hereditary responsibilities attached to the Barony of Brattleby: the Constableship of Lincoln Castle. This formidable office, held for generations by the de la Haye family, represents a foundational chapter in the barony’s long history of civic duty and military command. The House considers the stewardship of this history a solemn duty, ensuring that such legacies of service continue to inform its mission today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the defence of the realm from its inception. Following the Norman Conquest, the barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a strategic portfolio recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This authority found its most potent expression in the hereditary office of Constable of Lincoln Castle, which passed to the de la Haye family, who also held the barony.
This position reached its zenith during the turbulent 12th and 13th centuries. The tenure of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, stands as a testament to the family's fortitude. A formidable leader, she famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown during the First Barons' War, holding it steadfast against rebel forces and their French allies. Her loyalty was a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in the North. Later centuries saw the barony held by figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, whose influence was built upon the strategic foundations laid by their predecessors at Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
This historical legacy was forged through the barony's relationship with pivotal figures in English history. The narrative of the Constableship of Lincoln Castle is inseparable from the monarchs and magnates it served, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King William I, who established the barony as a bulwark of his new kingdom. * Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted Norman lord. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby, whose service was indispensable to His Majesty King John and the young His Majesty King Henry III. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable was one of immense practical and symbolic authority. The role encompassed not only the command of the castle garrison but also, at times, the shrievalty (the office of Sheriff) of Lincolnshire itself, granting judicial and administrative power over the entire county. The assumption of the office was marked by a solemn transfer of responsibility, culminating in the Constable receiving the keys to the castle gates—a physical manifestation of the trust placed in them by the Sovereign. This charge included the maintenance of the castle walls, the victualling of its guards, and the ultimate responsibility for raising the local fyrd, or levy, in times of war.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the actions of the hereditary Constables. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle and the honour with which she discharged her duty to her king are defining principles that have been transmitted through the centuries. In heraldic terms, the castle is a symbol of safety and permanence; the role of its Constable is the living expression of that charge. This ancient ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges with determination and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historic duty to protect the people of Lincolnshire finds a contemporary parallel in the philanthropic mission of the modern House. The ancient responsibility of defending the vulnerable has been translated into a commitment to charitable service. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist recovery and therapy for children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes is a modern expression of its foundational duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this ancestral role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a piece of history; it is a profound lesson in leadership and resilience. Her unwavering commitment to her duty, in the face of immense pressure, serves as a powerful inspiration. We see our own responsibilities—whether civic or charitable—as part of this same, unbroken tradition of service, enacted *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Legacy is not passive; it is an active charge that one must carry forward. The Constables of Lincoln Castle did not simply inherit a title, they upheld a vital function. We strive to do the same through our work, be it preserving our heritage, fostering cultural understanding through The Brattleby Club, or supporting those in need. It is how we ensure this nine-hundred-year history continues to have meaning."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to its role as a custodian of history and as a participant in the life of the community. Future initiatives will include educational partnerships with Lincolnshire heritage organisations to further illuminate the barony's contribution to the county's history. Furthermore, the leadership example of Nichola de la Haye will form a central case study in a forthcoming lecture series on historical leadership at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These efforts ensure that the legacy of service, forged at the walls of Lincoln Castle, continues to inspire the commitments of the 12th Baroness and the future 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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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 is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a near-millennial heritage. Its mission is to connect this rich history to a contemporary purpose through focused philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of etiquette and classical leadership principles. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural arm, The Brattleby Club, established in Bucharest, serves as an academy for diplomatic and social protocol, fostering international understanding. The House operates with the guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to principled service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern status was formally published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its lands held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com