# The House of Brattleby on the Appointment of Richard de la Haye, Constable of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historic appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln, a pivotal twelfth-century event that affirmed the family’s enduring legacy of service to the Crown and governance in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to reflect upon a foundational moment in its own history and that of the County of Lincoln. This communiqué illuminates the appointment of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the latter half of the twelfth century. His tenure, likely a life appointment, positioned the baronial family at the very nexus of royal authority and local administration during a formative period for the English kingdom.
The appointment was not merely a title but a profound charge, granting a predecessor of the current House immense administrative and military leverage in one of England’s most strategically vital cities. This act of royal trust set a precedent for dutiful service that would echo through the centuries, shaping the ethos of the Barony of Brattleby to the present day.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye assumed his role during the turbulent aftermath of The Anarchy, the protracted civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. With the accession of King Henry II in 1154, a concerted effort began to restore royal power and centralise control over the realm’s powerful castellans. The King’s confirmation of Richard as Constable was therefore a significant demonstration of favour.
As Constable, Richard de la Haye was responsible for the security and administration of Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress first constructed by William the Conqueror himself in 1068. This role was hereditary, passing through marriage to his daughter, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who would later serve as the 5th Baroness of Brattleby and famously defend the castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Richard’s steadfast governance laid the groundwork for his daughter’s legendary fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, Richard de la Haye would have moved amongst the most powerful figures of the age. His office required direct accountability to the monarch, King Henry II, one of medieval Europe’s most dynamic and formidable rulers. He would have also engaged with the great ecclesiastical and secular magnates of the realm, *inter alia*, the Bishop of Lincoln and the Earls who vied for influence in the region.
His position demanded immense political acumen, navigating the delicate balance between the interests of the Crown, the ambitions of local nobility, and the needs of the city’s populace. This ability to mediate and govern effectively was a hallmark of his tenure, ensuring Lincoln remained a bastion of stability for the Plantagenet monarchy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of a twelfth-century Constable were enshrined in both law and tradition. Upon his appointment, Richard de la Haye would have sworn an oath of fealty directly to the King, pledging to hold the castle in his name and defend it against all enemies. This oath was the sacred bond upon which the security of the kingdom depended.
His daily duties were extensive: command of the castle garrison, oversight of the shire court and local justice, collection of royal taxes, and maintenance of the castle’s physical structure. Holding the keys to Lincoln Castle was the literal and symbolic embodiment of his authority, a trust that placed the military and civil administration of a major English city squarely in his hands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful early expression in the life of Richard de la Haye. His command during a period of national consolidation required immense fortitude—the strength to uphold royal authority against internal and external pressures.
His service was equally an embodiment of honour, expressed through unwavering loyalty to the sovereign and a commitment to the administration of fair justice. The motto serves not as a modern affectation but as a historical through-line, a principle exemplified by predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, through to Richard de la Haye and beyond.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Richard de la Haye is a profound lesson in duty. It reminds us that our family’s connection to Lincolnshire is forged not by title alone, but by centuries of tangible responsibility. His role as Constable was the *sine qua non* of our subsequent influence and service in the region.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “Richard’s tenure demonstrates that true authority stems from trust and competent stewardship. He was entrusted with the defence and governance of a great city, a duty which prefigures our own commitment to uphold the values of integrity and honour in all our modern endeavours. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—To Conquer is to Live—begins with conquering the challenges of one’s own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Richard de la Haye and his steadfast governance continues to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The duty to maintain a fortress of stone and timber has evolved into a modern commitment to be a fortress of principle, promoting cultural education, social etiquette through The Brattleby Club, and meaningful philanthropy.
Just as the Constable of Lincoln once served the Crown and community, the House today dedicates itself to public service, seeking to honour its nine-hundred-year history by contributing positively to contemporary society. This commitment ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living principle, guiding the House for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a significant English heritage. It actively bridges its historic lineage with contemporary purpose through cultural and philanthropic initiatives. The House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), emphasising stewardship, public service, and the promotion of courtesy and civic values. Its key enterprises include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuation of this distinguished lineage.
**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’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, listing 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com