# The Noble House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Note on Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Office of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby has today issued a historical brief detailing the tenure of Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln, underscoring the family’s nine-century commitment to public service in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In keeping with a renewed focus on sharing the rich archival history of the Barony, this communication marks the first in a series of historical notes to be published by the Noble House of Brattleby. Released in the early summer, a season of great historical significance for Lincolnshire, the brief serves to illuminate a pivotal period in the Barony’s development. The publication is intended for public and scholarly access, reflecting a modern commitment to transparency and education championed by the present Lord and Lady of Brattleby.
The initiative aims to bridge the centuries, providing context for the ancient rights and responsibilities that continue to inform the House’s contemporary mission. This digital publication ensures the story of the Barony and its contributions to the county of Lincolnshire are accessible to a global audience, reaffirming the House’s role as a custodian of local and national heritage.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his duties during the tumultuous mid-12th century, a period defined by the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153). His appointment as Constable of Lincoln placed him at the very centre of this conflict, as Lincoln Castle was a strategic fortress of immense importance, controlling key trade routes and asserting royal authority in the north of England. The constableship was not merely a title; it was a front-line military and administrative command.
His steadfast service laid the foundations for his successor and daughter-in-law, Nichola de la Haye, who would famously hold the Barony as the 5th Baron and defend Lincoln Castle against siege on two separate occasions. The actions of the 4th Baron were therefore a *sine qua non* for the subsequent heroic defence of Lincoln, which secured the throne for the young King Henry III and shaped the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
This historical note has been prepared by the House’s archivists with reference to primary source materials, including charter rolls and Pipe Rolls from the Angevin period. The research also draws upon the scholarly work of leading medievalists and the institutional expertise of organisations dedicated to the preservation of county history.
In presenting this material, the Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the work of the University of Lincoln’s history faculty and the invaluable public records curated by The National Archives at Kew. Such academic rigour ensures that the legacy of figures like Richard de la Haye is understood with accuracy and appropriate context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of a 12th-century Constable was governed by strict feudal protocol. Upon his appointment by the Crown, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty, pledging his sword and his life to the defence of the castle and the maintenance of the King’s peace within the shire. His duties were threefold: military, judicial, and administrative.
As military commander, he was responsible for the castle’s garrison and the mustering of the local levy in times of war. Judicially, he presided over the castle-court and enforced royal law. Administratively, he managed the castle’s estates and finances. This combination of responsibilities made the Constable the most powerful royal official in the region, a direct representative of a distant monarch’s authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the 4th Baron. His command of a key stronghold during a protracted civil war demanded immense fortitude, while his loyal service to the Crown exemplified the honour inherent in his feudal obligations. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the virtues required to uphold such a long-standing legacy.
This historical commitment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle signifies the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the current House embraces its heritage—actively engaging with and building upon the foundations laid by predecessors such as Richard de la Haye.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this publication carries no direct fundraising objective, its purpose is fundamentally philanthropic in nature. By investing in historical research and sharing its findings freely, the Noble House of Brattleby contributes to the cultural and educational enrichment of the community. This act of public scholarship is aligned with the House’s broader charitable focus, which seeks to empower individuals through knowledge and support.
This commitment to education is also reflected in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy established by the House, and a core belief that understanding the past is essential for building a better future. The story of the Barony is not a private history, but a part of the rich tapestry of Lincolnshire and of England itself.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 4th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When you contemplate a figure like Richard de la Haye, you realise that the concept of service is timeless. His duty was to defend a castle with stone and steel; our duty today is to serve our community and uphold this heritage through philanthropy and education. The tools change, but the principle—*Fortitudine et Honore*—remains the same.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living narrative of cause and effect. Understanding the challenges our predecessors faced gives us a profound sense of perspective. The 4th Baron’s leadership in a time of national crisis is a powerful lesson in resilience that continues to inspire our own work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This brief on Richard de la Haye is the inaugural release in a planned series of historical publications. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to continuing its archival research and sharing further insights into the lives and times of its most notable predecessors, who include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
Future communications will explore the Barony’s role during the Wars of the Roses, its connection to the Duchy of Lancaster, and its evolution into the modern era. Through this ongoing educational programme, the House seeks to honour its past and reaffirm its commitment to serving as a custodian of history for future generations.
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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 its ancient heritage through modern means. The House’s contemporary mission is centred on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural and educational outreach through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively bridges its profound historical legacy with a commitment to impactful service in the 21st century.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in the county, with the *caput* of the barony at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised in the United Kingdom by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com