# The Enduring Legacy of Service: The Barons of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the lineage’s profound connection to the defence of England, as exemplified by the tenure of the Constableship of Lincoln Castle held by predecessors to the current Baroness.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has reflected upon the pivotal role its antecedents played in the governance and security of the region. This reflection is prompted by ongoing archival work that continually illuminates the family’s nine-century inheritance of duty. In the crisp autumn air, the ancient stones of Lincolnshire serve as a tangible reminder of a history in which Brattleby and the formidable Lincoln Castle were inextricably linked, their fates intertwined by royal command and feudal obligation.
The office of Constable was not merely a title but a profound responsibility, placing the holder at the very centre of royal authority in one of England’s most strategically vital cities. The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this role underscores a foundational principle that endures to this day: that title confers not privilege alone, but an unwavering duty of service to Crown and country.
## Historical Context
The tradition was consolidated under Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron, who served as the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle during the turbulent 12th century. His stewardship ensured the stronghold remained a bulwark of royal power. This legacy was most powerfully embodied by his daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A figure of remarkable fortitude, Nichola twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, most notably at the decisive Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217 where, in her sixties, she held the castle for the young King Henry III against rebel barons and their French allies.
Her actions were a direct continuation of the loyalty demonstrated by her forebears, dating back to the barony's establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships for William the Conqueror as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Centuries later, the barony’s significance was further affirmed through its eventual possession by towering figures of English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The Barons of Brattleby, in their capacity as Constables of Lincoln, operated at the highest levels of the medieval court, their duties bringing them into the immediate circles of the monarchy. Richard de la Haye served His Majesty King Henry II, managing a key strategic asset for the Plantagenet Crown. His daughter, Nichola, earned the deep trust of His Majesty King John and was one of only three women he named in the preface to Magna Carta.
Her loyalty was instrumental during the tumultuous First Barons’ War, where she liaised with legendary figures such as William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England. The very survival of the Plantagenet dynasty in England rested, in part, upon the steadfastness of the 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her command of Lincoln Castle. These associations solidified the barony’s position within the inner sanctum of royal power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Appointment as a hereditary Constable of a Royal Castle was a solemn undertaking, bound by ancient protocol. Upon inheritance, the baron would swear an oath of fealty directly to the monarch or his designated representative, pledging to hold the castle in the King’s name against all enemies. This oath was a *sine qua non* of their authority.
The Constable’s duties were manifold, involving, *inter alia*: the command and payment of the castle garrison, the maintenance of its fortifications, and the administration of justice within the castle walls and its associated lands. The office holder was directly answerable to the Crown, acting as the monarch’s eyes, ears, and sword in a county of critical economic and military importance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its quintessential expression in the actions of the de la Haye family. Nichola’s defence of Lincoln Castle is a historical benchmark of fortitude, while her unwavering loyalty to three successive monarchs embodies the highest ideals of honour. The motto serves as a perpetual directive for the House, linking past deeds to present conduct.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern interpretation of the family’s historic resilience—one that translates the will to overcome a military siege into the determination to master contemporary challenges in the service of philanthropy and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the medieval expression of the barony’s duty was military and administrative, its modern incarnation is philanthropic. The sense of responsibility for the welfare of the community, once demonstrated by defending a city, is now channelled into supporting charitable causes. This continuity of purpose is central to the ethos of the House.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the foremost example of this commitment. Its beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, provides critical therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that securing a safe and healthy future for the most vulnerable is the modern equivalent of defending the realm’s walls.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "When we consider the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that leadership has always been about responsibility, not rank. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful inspiration. It is our duty to carry that same spirit of unwavering service forward, albeit in a very different context."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The strategic foresight required to hold a castle for the Crown finds a parallel in our efforts today. Whether through philanthropy or establishing our etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the objective remains the same: to build, to strengthen, and to serve with honour. The past does not constrain us; it gives us a foundation upon which to build."
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of service embodied by the Constableship of Lincoln is a living heritage for the House of Brattleby, actively passed to the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated with a deep appreciation for this nine-hundred-year-old tradition of duty, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the barony for centuries to come.
The House’s commitment extends beyond England’s shores to initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the disciplines of classical etiquette. This work is seen as a modern expression of statecraft—building bridges and fostering excellence, thereby continuing a legacy of constructive leadership that began with the barony’s first grant from William the Conqueror.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), they direct their efforts toward preserving their nine-century heritage while championing modern philanthropic and educational causes. Their primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of vulnerable children, notably through their annual Winter Banquet which benefits Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir to the barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its holdings in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and, through its integration into the Duchy of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries in abeyance, the title was formally called out in favour of its current holder. This was officially recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The modern rights to the barony were formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - Other historical holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com