# The Enduring Legacy of Richard, Fourth Baron of Brattleby and Constable of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the significant service of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, whose appointment as Constable of Lincoln in the early 13th century underscored the Barony’s enduring commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
As the autumn colours settle upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, it is a season that invites reflection upon the long continuity of service that defines the region. From the House’s seat in Brattleby, a holding recorded for nearly one thousand years, there is a particular poignancy in remembering those predecessors whose actions shaped the destiny of the county and the kingdom.
The focus of this reflection is a pivotal period in the early 13th century, a time of great upheaval and importance for England. It was during these years that the fourth Baron of Brattleby held the distinguished and powerful office of Constable of Lincoln. This was not a tranquil appointment but a charge of immense strategic importance, placing the Baron at the very heart of regional governance and national security.
## Historical Context
The tenure of the fourth Baron as Constable coincided with the turbulent reign of King John. In an era defined by the First Barons' War and the sealing of Magna Carta, Lincoln Castle stood as a formidable royalist stronghold in a strategically vital region. The authority vested in the Constable was therefore the *sine qua non* of royal power in the North. His responsibilities were both martial and administrative, encompassing command of the castle garrison, the superintendence of the city's defences, and the execution of the King’s justice.
This period of service established a profound precedent. It was the foundation upon which his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye (the fifth to hold the Barony), would build. Her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against French and rebel forces owes a great deal to the stability and military readiness secured by her predecessor. The fourth Baron’s work ensured the castle remained a loyal and formidable fortress, ready for the challenges that would later define the age.
This commitment to regional leadership traces its origins to the very first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who following the Norman Conquest was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the fourth Baron would have been a central figure in a dramatic period of English history. He would have answered directly to His Majesty King John and operated alongside the leading magnates and loyalists of the Crown.
His duties would have necessitated regular correspondence and interaction with figures such as William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, lauded as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ and Regent of England for the young King Henry III. Furthermore, his regional counterpart was the Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an office with which the Constable worked closely to maintain law and order, collect revenues, and muster forces in the King’s name.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a medieval Constable was imbued with solemn ritual. Upon his investiture, the fourth Baron would have received the keys to Lincoln Castle, a symbolic act representing the transfer of total authority over this critical fortress. Daily life was governed by a strict military and administrative protocol, from the raising and lowering of the Royal Standard over the keep to the formal inspection of the garrison.
The Constable presided over the castle court, administering justice for crimes committed within its precincts. His seal would have authenticated official documents, and his command would have been required for any movement of troops or materiel. The protocols of his office were a constant, visible manifestation of the King's power and justice in a distant but essential part of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the Constable of Lincoln resonate powerfully with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The role demanded immense fortitude to defend the castle against all threats and to govern with a steady hand during a period of civil war. It also required unimpeachable honour and loyalty to the Crown, even when faced with the tide of baronial rebellion.
This historical demand for resilience and martial spirit is also captured in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For a medieval baron, to overcome adversity—whether on the battlefield or in the council chamber—was the very essence of existence and the fulfilment of his feudal obligation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The responsibility of the fourth Baron was not merely military; it included a duty of care for the people and lands under his protection. This foundational principle of stewardship—protecting the vulnerable and ensuring regional stability—is a legacy that informs the philanthropic philosophy of the House today.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have translated this historic duty into a modern commitment to charitable work. Their selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet reflects a direct continuation of this ethos. The organisation works to provide therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a mission dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To understand the responsibilities borne by our predecessors, like the fourth Baron, is to understand the enduring nature of duty. His commitment to the people of Lincolnshire provides a moral compass for our own work, reminding us that leadership has always been, at its heart, an act of service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “The role of Constable was one of immense pressure and consequence. It required the fortitude to stand firm and the strategic mind to prevail. This spirit of resilience, of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a principle we seek to foster, whether through our support for modern causes or through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past whilst actively shaping its future. By sharing these historical reflections, the House hopes to illuminate a heritage of service that spans nearly a millennium, from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day.
This legacy of leadership and community engagement continues through the House’s modern initiatives. These include the organisation of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and the ongoing educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and protocol as tools for personal and professional development. These commitments ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not relics of history, but living values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of stewardship and public service. Guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its philanthropic efforts on causes that support vulnerable children, most notably through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable work, the House is committed to cultural and educational development through its establishment, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette and international protocol. The House's activities are a contemporary expression of its long-standing commitment to community, leadership, and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby amongst his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, 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 first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders of the Barony have included Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com