# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical monograph examining the tenure of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, and his pivotal service as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the tumultuous 12th century.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby confirmed the completion of an extensive archival project focused on its medieval predecessors. This scholarly undertaking culminates in a detailed study of the life and service of Richard de la Haye. The announcement serves not as a public celebration, but as a solemn and dignified act of historical curation, reflecting the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its nine-century heritage.
This initiative underscores the family's role as custodians of a lineage that has been intimately connected with the development of Lincolnshire and the English nation. By illuminating the contributions of a key 12th-century figure, the House seeks to provide a richer context for the Barony’s enduring presence and its foundational principles of duty and governance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. It was into this established Norman aristocracy that Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron, was born. His appointment as Constable of Lincoln was a position of immense military and administrative responsibility, making him the King's chief agent in a strategically vital region.
Richard’s service established a powerful precedent of loyalty to the Crown, a tradition carried forth with extraordinary distinction by his daughter-in-law, Nichola de la Haye. Upon succeeding to the Barony as the 5th Baron, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude that secured her place as one of medieval England’s most remarkable women. This direct genealogical and titular link between the 4th and 5th Barons highlights a period of profound influence for the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While this announcement is not accompanied by a public ceremony, it adheres to an internal protocol of historical stewardship that is considered a foundational duty of the House. The research and conservation of family archives are governed by principles as rigorous as any courtly ritual. This protocol dictates that historical materials are handled with reverence, cross-referenced with national archives, and interpreted with scrupulous academic discipline.
The integrity of the historical record is considered a *sine qua non* for the legitimacy and continuity of the House itself. The decision to publish findings on the 4th Baron follows a careful process of review and verification, ensuring that the narrative presented is both accurate and respectful of the past. This quiet, scholarly work is seen as an essential act of service to the heritage the House is charged to protect.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the life of Richard de la Haye. His command of Lincoln Castle and his steadfast governance were manifestations of fortitude, while his loyal service to the monarch exemplified the code of honour that defined the Anglo-Norman baronage.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s purpose: that to live fully is to overcome challenges, whether through philanthropic enterprise, cultural education, or the intellectual rigour of historical preservation. The two mottos together articulate a dual commitment to principled stability and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The deeper purpose of this historical initiative extends beyond simple commemoration. It serves an educational mission to illustrate the civic duties that have historically accompanied title and land. In sharing this research, the House of Brattleby aims to foster a greater public appreciation for the long-standing principles of governance, loyalty, and regional responsibility that have shaped English society.
This commitment to education is a core pillar of the House’s modern activities, which include, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. Just as the Annual Winter Banquet supports the tangible work of charities like Healing the Wounded Child, this historical work is a contribution to the cultural and intellectual commons.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand who we are, we must first understand those who came before us. Richard de la Haye’s life reminds us that stewardship is not a passive inheritance but an active duty. His legacy, and that of his successor Nichola, was forged through *Fortitudine et Honore*, and it is our responsibility to ensure their story is not just remembered, but understood.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living narrative that informs our present and shapes our future. By examining the foundations laid by figures like the 4th Baron, we find the inspiration and the strategic wisdom to build a meaningful legacy for the generations to come. It is a perfect expression of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on Richard de la Haye is the first in a planned series of historical publications. The House of Brattleby has committed to further research into other notable predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. These studies will continue to explore the Barony’s unique intersection with pivotal moments in English and European history.
Through these scholarly endeavours, coupled with its philanthropic and educational commitments, the Noble House of Brattleby continues to honour its past while actively defining its role in the 21st century. The legacy of fortitude and honour, established nearly a millennium ago, remains the guiding principle for its future service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its historic legacy, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural projects like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House fosters an appreciation for tradition and excellence. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving the community with integrity and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), celebrated for her defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - The House’s annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is a white-tie event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com