# A Legacy Forged in Stone: The House of Brattleby on the Stewardship of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the pivotal role of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln during the late 12th century, underscoring the House’s nine-century commitment to service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has drawn from its archives to commemorate the tenure of a distinguished predecessor. This historical reflection coincides with the autumn season, a traditional time for taking stock of a legacy that extends unbroken for nearly a millennium. The current custodians of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have commissioned this review to illuminate a formative period in the Barony’s history.
The focus of this retrospective is Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron, and his hereditary appointment as Constable of Lincoln, a position of immense strategic and administrative importance. This contemplation of the past serves not as a simple chronicle, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony through the centuries and continue to inform its modern obligations.
## Historical Context
The mid-to-late 12th century was a tumultuous period in English history, shaped by the aftermath of the civil war known as The Anarchy. It was in this environment that Richard de la Haye assumed his duties. Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress first erected by William the Conqueror in 1068, was a *sine qua non* of royal power in the north, commanding the vital crossroads of Ermine Street and the Fosse Way.
The 4th Baron’s charge continued a tradition of loyal service established by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by the Conqueror himself, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Richard de la Haye’s command of the castle was not merely a military posting; it represented the Crown’s trust in the de la Haye family and, by extension, in the Barony of Brattleby as a bulwark of stability in the region.
## Distinguished Company
In discharging his duties, the 4th Baron was part of a distinguished historical milieu. His service was rendered to the Angevin monarchy, primarily His Majesty King Henry II. The Baron's authority was shared and supported by his formidable wife, Maud de Verdun, with whom he founded the Gilbertine priory at Barlings.
Crucially, his legacy was secured through his daughter, Nichola de la Haye, who would succeed him as the 5th Baroness and hereditary Constable. It was Nichola who, inheriting her father’s fortitude, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War, earning her a place of high honour in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of a 12th-century hereditary Constable was governed by a strict and demanding protocol. As the king’s official representative, the Constable held ultimate authority over the castle’s garrison and was responsible for its defence and maintenance. This involved not only military command during times of siege but also the constant upkeep of its walls, towers, and keep.
Beyond its military function, the Constable of Lincoln also held significant judicial power, presiding over the castle-guard court and, in many aspects, acting as the county’s sheriff. The Constable commanded access, organised supplies, and collected revenues on behalf of the Crown. Richard de la Haye's fulfilment of these multifaceted duties demonstrates a mastery of military, legal, and administrative protocol essential for maintaining royal authority.
## 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 steadfast governance of Lincoln Castle through a volatile era required immense personal fortitude, while his loyal execution of the Crown’s trust embodied the highest standards of honour. These two virtues are the twin pillars upon which the Barony’s reputation was built.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the resilience and strategic foresight required to overcome adversity. For Richard de la Haye, to conquer was not merely to win on the battlefield, but to secure peace and order for the community under his protection—a victory that ensured its continued existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, the principles of stewardship it highlights are the direct antecedents of the House's contemporary philanthropic mission. The duty to safeguard a community, as exercised by the 4th and 5th Barons at Lincoln Castle, is today expressed through the House's charitable activities, most notably the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and adversity. The charity was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable, reflecting the House’s belief that true nobility carries with it a profound responsibility of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The duty of the Constable was not merely to hold a fortress, but to safeguard the people, the laws, and the prosperity of the region. It is this same indivisible principle of stewardship that guides our work today, albeit expressed through different means. Fortitude and honour remain our compass points.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “One looks at the strategic challenges Richard de la Haye faced and understands that leadership required then, as it does now, a precise balance of strength and diplomacy. To secure the future, one must master the present. That is a timeless lesson from Lincoln Castle.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively serving the present and preparing for the future. This includes ongoing historical research to ensure the lessons of its nine-hundred-year history are preserved and understood by the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Furthermore, the House continues to expand its educational outreach through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. In all its endeavours, the House strives to embody the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring its legacy is one of meaningful and continuous contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled leadership and social responsibility. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The designated heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions of service that define the family's legacy.
**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 lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of historical significance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, heroic 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 recorded and recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com