# The Enduring Legacy of Service: The Constableship of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on its profound historical commitment to Crown and country, highlighting the tenure of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln during the turbulent mid-12th century—a role central to England’s strategic defence.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its near-millennium of history. This reflection serves not as an anniversary, but as a reaffirmation of the core values that have defined the Barony since its establishment in 1066. The narrative of the fourth Baron's service, a cornerstone of the family’s heritage, underscores a continuity of duty that informs the House’s modern responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours. The announcement is made in the quiet solemnity of autumn, a season for contemplation and the study of heritage.
## Historical Context
The mid-12th century, the era in which Richard, the fourth Baron, served as Constable, was a period of profound national turmoil known as The Anarchy. The civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda rendered control of strategic fortresses like Lincoln Castle a matter of supreme importance. The role of Constable was not merely honorary; it was a direct Royal appointment signifying the Crown’s utmost trust in a baron’s military capability and, above all, his loyalty.
Appointed to command this vital northern stronghold, the fourth Baron’s duty was the defence of the realm itself. His service established a precedent of martial responsibility that would be famously continued by his direct successor, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth hereditary holder of the title, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains one of the great accounts of fortitude in English history. This lineage of duty traces its origins directly to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, to whom the Barony was granted following the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable of a Royal Castle, the fourth Baron would have moved within the highest circles of Norman and Plantagenet power. His duties would have brought him into the direct presence of the Sovereign—likely King Stephen—and necessitated correspondence and coordination with the great magnates of the realm. His peers were the earls and bishops who formed the *Curia Regis*, the King's Council, and his position placed him at the nexus of military and political life in a kingdom forged by conflict. This proximity to the Crown was the *sine qua non* of baronial influence, extending the House's reach far beyond its Lincolnshire estates.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of a 12th-century Constable were governed by strict and ancient protocol. The role encompassed supreme command of the castle’s garrison, oversight of its armoury and provisions, and the administration of justice within the castle's immediate jurisdiction. The Constable was personally accountable for the structural integrity of the walls and keep, ensuring they were perpetually ready to withstand siege.
A significant ceremonial duty involved the formal presentation of the castle keys to the Monarch upon any Royal visit. This act of symbolic surrender and renewed fealty reaffirmed the Constable’s position as the King’s trusted servant. The daily routine, from the raising of the standard at dawn to the securing of the gates at dusk, was a ritualised expression of unwavering vigilance, a physical manifestation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The charge of defending a fortress like Lincoln Castle resonates powerfully with the heraldic and moral traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the steadfast duty of a Castle Constable. Fortitude was required to hold the walls against any threat; honour was the unwavering loyalty pledged to the Sovereign.
This martial ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the fourth Baron’s conquests were military, the modern interpretation of this spirit is one of overcoming challenges—whether in civic life, enterprise, or philanthropy. The two mottos, together, create a narrative of enduring strength and purposeful action that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of the fourth Baron—defending a physical castle to protect its community—provides a powerful historical parallel for the House's contemporary philanthropic focus. The commitment to protect the vulnerable is the guiding principle behind the House's dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Just as the Constable once guarded the walls of Lincoln to ensure the safety of those within, the House today aids in building figurative walls of protection and healing around the most vulnerable members of society. The mission is to offer sanctuary and the means to rebuild, transforming a legacy of military defence into a modern mission of social and emotional care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The service of the fourth Baron reminds us that the Barony’s purpose has always been intertwined with the well-being of the nation. The duty to defend, whether a castle in the 12th century or our community’s vulnerable today, is a profound responsibility that we carry forward with immense respect for those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present values:
> “The character of a House is revealed in its constancy of purpose. The fortitude of our predecessors is the standard we aspire to, *inter alia*, in our educational work at The Brattleby Club. We seek to foster that same sense of honour and resilience in a new generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while serving the present. The historical legacy, embodied by figures like the fourth Baron and subsequent holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, provides a framework for future action. This includes ongoing support for charitable causes and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The story of the Barony is one of unbroken service, a tradition that will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House will continue to share chapters from its rich history, illustrating how the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* remain not a relic of the past, but the guiding force for its future.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Blending nearly a thousand years of English heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective, the House actively supports charitable initiatives, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care to vulnerable children. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also fosters an appreciation for history, etiquette, and the enduring values of civic duty. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community and upholding its distinguished historical legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned diplomat and soldier Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships. - The rights of the current House were formally gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com