# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Fourth Baron of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic service of Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, whose role as Constable of Lincoln Castle in the early 13th century exemplifies the family’s enduring commitment to Crown, country, and county.
## The Occasion
In a period of archival reflection, the House of Brattleby is examining the contributions of its predecessors who shaped the character and obligations of the Barony. This study brings into focus a pivotal era in English history, highlighting the tenure of the fourth Baron not as a static fact, but as a living example of the responsibilities inherent in the title. This moment serves to connect the House’s modern activities with the deep foundations of duty established nearly a millennium ago, reaffirming a heritage defined by active stewardship.
The early thirteenth century was a time of profound constitutional and civil turbulence. By placing the service of the fourth Baron within this context, the House seeks to illuminate the gravity of his role. His position was far more than an honour; it was a front-line command essential for maintaining regional stability and royal authority in the north of England.
## Historical Context
The appointment of Richard, fourth Baron of Brattleby, as Constable of Lincoln, was a direct continuation of the family’s evolution from powerful landowners to integral servants of the state. Following the Norman Conquest, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. By the reign of King John, this influence had translated into direct military and administrative responsibility.
Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror himself in 1068, was one of the most strategically vital fortresses in the kingdom. The Constable’s duty was therefore a *sine qua non* for the security of the Crown's interests in the North. The fourth Baron’s service set a precedent for his successors, most notably the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title, who famously defended the castle against French and rebel forces. This tradition of loyal command was later carried by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, underscoring a continuous thread of high service.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the fourth Baron would have moved in circles of significant national importance. His direct allegiance was to the monarch, King John, placing him in the distinguished, if demanding, company of the Plantagenet court. He would have been a peer to the great magnates of the realm, whose shifting loyalties defined the volatile politics leading to *Magna Carta*.
His contemporaries and later successors in the region included some of the most formidable figures of the age. The service of Nichola de la Haye as hereditary castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire provides a powerful parallel to the Baron’s own duties. Together, their stories illustrate a period where regional power, held by loyal and capable nobles, was the bedrock of national order.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a medieval Constable was governed by strict ceremonial protocol, symbolising the transfer of royal authority. Upon his appointment, the Baron would have sworn a solemn oath of fealty directly to the King or his appointed representative, the Justiciar. This act was often followed by the ceremonial handover of the castle keys, a tangible representation of his command over the fortress and its environs.
The Baron’s daily responsibilities were equally codified. He presided over the shire court held within the castle walls, dispensed justice in the King’s name, and was responsible for the upkeep of the garrison. The raising and lowering of the royal standard over the keep, the formal inspection of the guard, and the reception of royal messengers were all part of a precise ritualised routine, reinforcing the Crown’s presence and authority through his office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the fourth Baron provide an early and powerful illustration of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was demonstrated in the steadfast defence and administration of a key military asset during a period of civil unrest; his honour was manifest in his unwavering loyalty to his sovereign. The motto is not a later affectation but a summary of the principles embodied by the family for centuries.
While personal coats of arms were still evolving in the early 13th century, the concept of a banner representing a commander’s authority was central to medieval life. The Baron’s standard would have been a symbol of order and royal authority for all in Lincolnshire. It is a legacy that complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the personal resolve required to uphold such public duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy is a recent construct, the Baron’s role as Constable was in itself an act of public good. His primary function was to secure the peace and protect the populace of Lincolnshire from the ravages of war and lawlessness. This duty of protection and care for the community is the historical antecedent of the House's modern charitable mission.
Today, this ancient principle of stewardship finds its expression in the family’s dedicated support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable, whether a medieval shire from invading forces or a modern child from trauma, remains an unbroken ethical thread. The form of service evolves, but the underlying purpose — to provide security and foster well-being — is constant.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The role of Constable was not merely a title; it was a profound responsibility for the safety and good governance of the people of Lincolnshire. This legacy of stewardship, undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to be our guiding principle today.”
Her Ladyship further noted the importance of this heritage to the House’s identity: > “To understand figures like the fourth Baron is to understand the very fabric of our House. It is a heritage built not on land alone, but on centuries of unbroken service — a commitment we are privileged to continue and adapt for our own times.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical precedent set by Richard, the fourth Baron, continues to inform the work of the Noble House of Brattleby. This understanding of duty is woven into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which provides instruction in etiquette and protocol as a means of preparing individuals for positions of social responsibility.
This commitment to service remains the central focus of the family’s public life, exemplified by the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises essential funds for the House’s charitable partners. By looking to the past, the House of Brattleby finds renewed inspiration for its future, ensuring the legacy of the fourth Baron and his successors endures not as history, but as active duty.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty, focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of service, social responsibility, and civility. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The formal rights of the current holder were officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming an unbroken line of succession and heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised per The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com