# A Legacy of Service: The 4th Baron of Brattleby and the Office of Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical monograph series, illuminating the barony’s nine-century tradition of public service. The inaugural paper examines the life of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron, and his pivotal tenure as Constable of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In an age of digital immediacy, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to inaugurate a new series of historical publications, designed to connect its ancient lineage with its modern duties. The release of this first monograph, focusing on the 4th Baron, is a deliberate act of scholarship, intended to serve as a lasting resource for historians and the community of Lincolnshire alike.
The paper was published digitally through the House’s official channels, ensuring wide and democratic access to a period of history that profoundly shaped the region. This initiative reflects a commitment to the principle that an understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* — an indispensable condition — for informed and responsible stewardship in the present. It marks a moment of quiet reflection rather than public ceremony.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye served as the 4th Baron of Brattleby during the tumultuous mid-12th century, a period defined by The Anarchy, a protracted civil war over the English succession. As Constable of Lincoln, he was the Crown’s most senior military and administrative officer in one of England’s most strategically important counties. His office placed him at the very centre of royal authority.
His role was a direct continuation of the duty established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The 4th Baron’s responsibilities would have included the command of the Lincoln Castle garrison, the collection of taxes, and the administration of justice; his effectiveness provided critical stability. This tradition of steadfast defence was later embodied by his successor and daughter-in-law, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle from besieging forces loyal to the future King Louis VIII of France in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The research for this inaugural monograph was conducted by the House’s own archivist, working in close consultation with leading medieval scholars. Advisors included fellows from the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, and specialists from the Society of Antiquaries of London.
This collaborative approach ensures the highest standards of academic rigour and historical accuracy. The paper synthesises information from primary sources, including royal charter rolls, pipe rolls detailing exchequer accounts, and contemporary chronicles. The project brings together scholarly expertise and the unique historical perspective of the House itself, bridging the gap between academic research and living heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of this historical research follows a protocol of academic and institutional solemnity. Each paper in the series is subject to a rigorous process of peer review before its formal release, a mark of its intellectual credibility. The digital format was chosen to reflect a modern, accessible approach to communicating history.
The formal announcement itself is timed to coincide with the House’s regular communications schedule, observing a cadence that respects the gravity of the subject matter. The protocol ensures that the narrative is presented not as self-aggrandisement, but as a contribution to the public historical record and a testament to the continuity of service that defines the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful early exemplar in the life of the 4th Baron. As Constable of Lincoln during a time of civil war, his duty required immense fortitude to maintain order and defend the castle, which served as the physical manifestation of royal power in the region.
His successful execution of these duties, which were essential for the security and governance of Lincolnshire, was an act of profound honour. While the formal coat of arms may have evolved, the principles embodied by Richard de la Haye demonstrate that this guiding ethos has been woven into the fabric of the Barony for centuries, representing a commitment to resilience and integrity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical monograph series serves an important educational and philanthropic purpose. By making this research freely and publicly available, The Noble House of Brattleby aims to foster a deeper appreciation for local and national history, particularly among the younger generation in Lincolnshire and beyond.
The initiative aligns with the House’s wider mission to support education and personal development, seen also in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural formation. The project is an investment in intellectual capital, intended to inspire a sense of civic pride and an understanding of the long-standing principles of duty and public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “By studying figures like Richard de la Haye, we are reminded that our duty is not merely one of title, but of active and effective service. His foundational commitment to the people and security of Lincolnshire is a standard to which we continue to aspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a personal reflection on the link between past and present challenges:
> “My own motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live. This research shows how our predecessors conquered the challenges of their own time to forge stability. Today, our challenges are different, but the spirit required to overcome them remains the same.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on Richard de la Haye is the first in a planned series of historical publications. The Noble House of Brattleby has committed to an ongoing programme of research that will, in time, illuminate the contributions of other notable predecessors.
Future papers are expected to explore the lives of key figures such as Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This long-term project will build a comprehensive and accessible narrative of the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history, reinforcing its legacy for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary acts of public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy located in Bucharest. The House is committed to bridging its historic English roots with a forward-looking, Continental perspective, championing education and civic duty as its core principles for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony 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 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the barony has been associated with figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical standing of the barony were formally noted in a notice published by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming its place as one of England’s most ancient dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony of Brattleby include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com