# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Fourth Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the historic tenure of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose service as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the 12th century exemplifies the House’s nine-century commitment to Crown and community.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of an English autumn, a season for reflection, the House of Brattleby pauses to honour a pivotal figure from its extensive lineage. From the archives of their Lincolnshire seat, the current family has drawn attention to the legacy of the 4th Baron, Richard de la Haye. His life stands as a testament to the enduring responsibilities of the Barony, which has been interwoven with the history of England since the Norman Conquest.
This commemoration is not marked by public ceremony, but by a considered reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries. It is an occasion to connect the steadfast duty of the past with the focused philanthropic and cultural mission of the present day, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye’s tenure as the 4th Baron unfolded during one of English history’s most turbulent periods: The Anarchy (1135–1153). This dynastic civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda for the throne of England rendered Lincolnshire a crucial strategic battleground. As Constable of Lincoln Castle, the Baron’s duty was a matter of national significance; the castle commanded the intersection of Ermine Street and the Fossdyke, vital arteries of trade and military movement.
The Barony itself, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was already a century old. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors in the county. Richard de la Haye thus inherited not merely lands, but a profound obligation of military and administrative service to the Crown. His leadership ensured the fortress remained a bastion of royal authority, fulfilling the feudal contract that was the very foundation of the medieval state. His legacy would be continued most notably by his daughter, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who would herself twice defend Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
## Distinguished Company
The drama of the 12th century placed the 4th Baron of Brattleby among the primary actors of his time. The stability of the realm depended upon the allegiance and competence of men like him, who navigated the complex loyalties demanded by the conflict's protagonists:
* **His Majesty King Stephen of England**, grandson of William the Conqueror, whose contested reign defined the era. * **Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda**, daughter of King Henry I and rival claimant to the English throne. * **The Right Honourable Richard de la Haye**, 4th Baron of Brattleby and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose charge it was to secure a key royal fortress amidst the turmoil.
Their interactions, whether on the battlefield or through the issuance of royal charters, shaped the destiny of the kingdom, with the Barons of Brattleby consistently playing a vital role in the governance and defence of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The position of Constable was conferred with significant feudal ceremony, an act of *homage* and an oath of fealty that bound the Baron to his sovereign. In a ritual central to the era's power structure, a vassal would kneel, place his hands between those of his liege lord, and swear absolute loyalty until death. In return for this oath, he was granted his lands and titles — a system known as tenure *per servitium militare*, or by military service.
As Constable, Richard de la Haye’s duties extended far beyond the castle walls. He acted as the King's representative, presiding over local courts, collecting taxes, and mustering troops. The protocol governing his office was a microcosm of the medieval constitution, where rights were inextricably linked to responsibilities; the security of the monarch’s castle was the *sine qua non* for the Baron’s own authority and privilege.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the 4th Baron. His steadfastness in upholding his duties during a protracted civil war demonstrates the fortitude required to protect order against chaos. His allegiance to the Crown, maintained under immense pressure, speaks to the honour that has remained the guiding principle of the Barony through the centuries.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies conquering not enemy forces, but contemporary challenges through resilience, initiative, and a commitment to service. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled action, rooted in history and adapted for the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the 4th Baron's service was martial and administrative, its fundamental purpose was the protection and well-being of the community under his charge. Today, the Noble House of Brattleby expresses this same commitment to public welfare through its philanthropic endeavours. The House’s service has evolved from the defence of castle walls to the fortification of the human spirit.
This is most evident in the family’s dedicated support for their chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, a mission that resonates deeply with the House’s principle of protecting the vulnerable. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala hosted by the family, serves as the primary instrument for this support, translating historical duty into tangible, modern-day aid.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 4th Baron, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Richard de la Haye is a powerful reminder that the identity of this Barony has always been forged in service. His fortitude in the face of national crisis sets a standard for us today as we navigate our own responsibilities; it is a legacy not of power, but of duty.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “To inherit such a history is to accept a profound charge. The challenges change, but the core principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* remains: to overcome obstacles for the betterment of others. The 4th Baron’s life demonstrates that true legacy is built upon resilience and an unwavering commitment to one’s community.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring and sharing its unique nine-hundred-year history. This reflection on the 4th Baron is part of a continuing effort to illuminate the lineage of service that informs the House’s present-day activities, from its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom to its cultural initiatives abroad, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By looking to the contributions of predecessors such as Richard de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House reaffirms that its foundations are not merely in titles or land, but in an unbroken chain of responsibility to Crown and country. This commitment will continue to be the polestar for all future endeavours undertaken in the name of the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. It is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their mission is to steward the Barony’s nine-century legacy by championing the virtues of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') in the 21st century. The House is dedicated to public service, with a primary philanthropic focus on supporting vulnerable children through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes the timeless values of decorum, respect, and personal excellence on an international stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted dignity of the Barony and its modern succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first holder. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the holdings of the first Baron, listing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his name. - Historically significant holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com