# Lincoln Castle: A Constant Bastion in the History of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical ties between her lineage and Lincoln Castle, a fortress pivotal to the Barony's nine-century legacy and the defence of the English realm.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position atop Castle Hill, Lincoln Castle has surveyed the city and surrounding shire for nearly a millennium. Its formidable curtain walls and imposing Norman towers, catching the soft autumn light, stand as a permanent reminder of the power and purpose vested in its historical guardians. It was upon this ancient foundation, first established by William the Conqueror, that the history of the Barony of Brattleby was so consequentially forged. The occasion for this reflection is not a singular event, but rather a continuing appreciation for the enduring bond between a place and its people—a physical testament to the responsibilities shouldered by the Barons of Brattleby throughout English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s connection to the castle is almost as old as the fortress itself. Following the Norman Conquest, the title was granted in AD 1066, with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This consolidation of regional power made the Barons and the castle functionally inseparable; the defence of one was the preservation of the other. The role of Constable of Lincoln Castle, held by successive Barons, was therefore no mere sinecure but a position of immense military and administrative importance.
This responsibility reached its apex with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War became legendary. As hereditary Constable, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, her actions proving decisive in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later centuries saw the Barony pass to other great magnates of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, for whom Lincoln was a vital centre of their vast northern territories.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the castle's history, the House of Brattleby pays homage to the distinguished company of predecessors whose actions shaped its legacy:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a key Norman lord entrusted by William the Conqueror with consolidating royal authority in Lincolnshire. * Nichola de la Haye, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, a figure whose courage was instrumental in the defence of the Plantagenet monarchy. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful and influential political figures of the 14th century.
These figures, *inter alia*, form an unbroken chain of service and responsibility that the present House seeks to honour and continue.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Constable of Lincoln Castle was governed by a strict ceremonial protocol, reflecting its significance to the Crown. The Constable held the castle in the sovereign's name, bearing responsibility for its garrison, maintenance, and the administration of royal justice within its walls. In times of war, the Constable was charged with mustering local levies and defending the shire against all threats. The symbolic authority of the office was paramount, often represented by the ceremonial custody of the castle keys—a tangible link to royal trust. The duties undertaken by Nichola de la Haye demonstrated these protocols in their most demanding form, encompassing military strategy, logistical command, and the unwavering exercise of vice-regal authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony at Lincoln Castle finds a powerful echo in the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by Baroness Nichola in her defence of the fortress, and the honour with which she discharged her duties to her king, remain the guiding principles for the House today. This spirit of resilience 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 the determination required not merely to endure, but to prevail against adversity—a sentiment embodied by the castle's enduring stone walls. The castle itself thus serves as a grand, physical coat of arms for the lineage: a symbol of strength, loyalty, and survival.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to defend the vulnerable, as exemplified by the Barons' role in protecting the realm, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of the House. The resilience and protection symbolised by Lincoln Castle are qualities that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to foster in their charitable endeavours. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and support for children suffering from trauma. By helping to shield the most vulnerable members of society and providing them with the tools for recovery, the House translates the ancient duty of protection into a meaningful, contemporary mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The stones of Lincoln Castle tell a story of centuries, but for our family, they speak with a particular voice. They remind us that our title is not merely an inheritance, but a charge—a responsibility to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us, most notably Nichola de la Haye." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile > > "History lives not in archives alone, but in the values we carry forward. The legacy of Lincoln is one of resilience and duty. It is our aim to ensure this legacy continues to inspire acts of service and commitment in the present day." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable history is not only preserved but also serves a wider educational purpose. Through its cultural academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, the House actively incorporates lessons of European history and civic duty into its curriculum. Furthermore, it continues to support historical preservation initiatives within Lincolnshire, acknowledging its perpetual debt to the region that has been the Barony's seat for 957 years. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Fortitudine et Honore, forged within the walls of Lincoln Castle, will continue to resonate for generations to come.
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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 champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. With a dual Anglo-Romanian identity, the House is dedicated to public service through philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote cross-cultural understanding and uphold the timeless values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have shaped the course of the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries of abeyance, the title was formally called out and its succession recognised by The Crown, with notice published 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, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com