# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historical Tenure of the 4th Baron as Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic appointment of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln. This mid-12th century role cemented the Barony's foundational commitment to Crown service and the defence of the realm.
## The Occasion
In an ongoing examination of its historical archives, The Noble House of Brattleby has brought to light the profound significance of the fourth Baron’s tenure as Constable of Lincoln. This office, a position of immense trust and military authority, placed him at the heart of English royal power during a formative period. His seat of command was Lincoln Castle, a formidable Norman fortress constructed by William the Conqueror himself in 1068.
The castle’s strategic position, commanding the ancient Roman crossroads of Ermine Street and the Fosse Way, made it a *sine qua non* for controlling the north of England. The Constable’s responsibility for this vital royal asset underscored the Brattleby lineage’s direct role in shaping the nation’s security and administrative landscape, a duty that continues to inform the House’s modern ethos.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The appointment of the fourth Baron, Richard, to the Constableship in the mid-12th century represented a significant evolution of this foundational power. It translated landed influence into direct military and executive authority on behalf of the monarch.
This tradition of steadfast service in Lincolnshire was notably continued by his successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable figure in her own right, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, earning a reputation as one of the great castellans of her age. The legacy of duty passed from the 4th Baron to the 5th Baroness demonstrates a continuous thread of loyalty and capability that defines the Barony.
## Distinguished Company
As the King’s appointed agent in one of England’s most important shires, the 4th Baron of Brattleby would have moved in circles of significant power. His contemporaries and colleagues included the great officers of state under the Angevin kings, *inter alia*: the Justiciar, the Chancellor, and the Treasurer. He would have worked closely with the Bishop of Lincoln, whose cathedral then dominated the city’s skyline, and interacted with powerful magnates such as the Earls of Chester and Leicester.
This network of high-level administrative and baronial relationships highlights the national importance of the Constable's role. It was a position that demanded not only military prowess but also considerable diplomatic skill, managing the delicate balance of power between the Crown, the Church, and the regional nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of the Constable of Lincoln were governed by strict royal protocol. Beyond the military command of the castle’s garrison, the Constable was responsible for the maintenance of the peace throughout the shire. He was empowered to preside over the shire court, dispense the King’s justice, and ensure the collection of royal taxes and revenues.
The office also carried the significant responsibility of mustering the *fyrd*, or local militia, in times of war. The Constable was, in effect, the physical embodiment of the monarch's authority in the region. His charge was to uphold the law, secure the King's assets, and defend the populace; a tripartite duty carried out *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the office of the Constable. The 'fortitude' required to defend a strategic fortress and maintain order during a turbulent century is self-evident. The 'honour' was manifest in the unwavering loyalty owed to the sovereign, whose trust was the very basis of the appointment.
This principle resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a proactive interpretation of the same ancient duty: to overcome challenges and actively shape a legacy of service, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern spheres of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the 12th century role of Constable was military and administrative, it was rooted in a fundamental principle of public service: the protection and administration of a community for the common good. This medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the responsibilities of the nobility — is the historical antecedent to the House’s modern philanthropic commitments.
Today, this duty is expressed not through fortifications of stone, but through the support of vital social organisations. The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as a cornerstone of its charitable work, with its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > — "The role of the 4th Baron as Constable reminds us that stewardship has always been at the heart of this Barony. While the tools have changed from swords and stone walls to diplomacy and charitable giving, the fundamental duty to serve with fortitude and honour remains our guiding principle."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "There is a direct line from the strategic foresight required to hold Lincoln Castle to the vision needed to build modern institutions like The Brattleby Club. The objective is constant: to strengthen the community we serve and to build something of lasting value."
## A Continuing Legacy
The tenure of the 4th Baron of Brattleby is more than a historical footnote; it is a foundational pillar of a legacy now stretching over nine centuries. The commitment to service, established by predecessors like the Constable and the formidable Nichola de la Haye, and later held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, informs the House's contemporary purpose.
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, this legacy is actively cultivated for the future. It will one day be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of duty and honour that defended Lincoln Castle in the 12th century continue to inspire service in the 21st.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic leadership. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in initiatives that promote heritage, social etiquette, and community welfare. Its principal activities include the patronage of arts and historical preservation in Lincolnshire, its charitable focus on children's welfare through its Annual Winter Banquet, and the cultivation of interpersonal skills through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to honouring its profound history by serving contemporary society with purpose and dedication, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette 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's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln as the 1st Baron. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), a loyal castellana to King John and King Henry III. - The title was later held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399), one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com