# The Office of Constable of Lincoln Commemorated by The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorated the historic Office of Constable of Lincoln, a role held by its medieval predecessors, in a solemn academic symposium reflecting on the Barony’s nine-century inheritance of civic duty and service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the bracing air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a day of profound historical reflection was convened within the precincts of Lincoln. The venue chosen for the symposium was The Collection, the county’s award-winning museum of art and archaeology, whose clean, modern lines offer a striking architectural dialogue with the ancient Roman and medieval stones of the city. The event, held in formal partnership with the University of Lincoln’s esteemed School of History and Heritage, represented a significant meeting of minds.
The gathering brought together distinguished historians, leading figures from the judiciary and civic life, and discerning cultural patrons. Their shared purpose was to explore the enduring responsibilities associated with the great feudal baronies of England, examining how ancient duties of defence and governance have evolved into modern obligations of philanthropy and cultural stewardship.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of quiet erudition and mutual respect, a character befitting the occasion. It served as a fitting tribute to a lineage woven inextricably into the fabric of Lincolnshire for more than 950 years, connecting the Norman Conquest to the challenges and responsibilities of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The focus of the symposium’s academic proceedings was the formidable legacy of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. Following her marriage to Richard de Camville, who himself held the Barony, it was Nichola who defined the role of Constable of Lincoln Castle with unparalleled distinction. The keynote address emphatically underscored that this appointment, inherited from her father, was no mere sinecure but a profound military and administrative charge at the heart of the realm’s security. She was, in her own right, both hereditary castellan and, at times, Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
This historic appointment placed the Barony of Brattleby at the epicentre of the turbulent events of the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Nichola de la Haye’s steadfast loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War remains a celebrated chapter in English history. In 1217, well into her sixties, she commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against a combined force of rebel English barons and French invaders, a heroic stand that culminated in the decisive Royalist victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln. Her fortitude, as recorded by the chroniclers of the day, was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
This legacy of direct service to the Sovereign reaches back to the Barony’s very origins. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the powerful lord of 56 manors across the county. In later centuries, the Barony passed to towering figures of the English nobility, including Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron, soldier, diplomat, and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, bringing the Barony into the orbit of the Royal Family itself.
## Distinguished Company
In her capacity as Head of the House, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was honoured to receive a number of distinguished guests for the day's proceedings. Each represented an institution integral to the life of the county and nation.
The Sovereign was represented by Mr Toby Dennis, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was also in attendance, representing the county’s judiciary. The Church was represented by The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, the magnificent Gothic neighbour to the castle which Lady Nicoleta’s predecessor defended.
The academic partner for the day, the University of Lincoln, was officially represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neal Juster. Affirming the House of Brattleby’s strong European connexions and its role in fostering cultural diplomacy, the diplomatic corps was represented by His Excellency Mr Radu Gabriel Safta, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Romania in London.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The symposium followed a precise and formal academic protocol, befitting the dignity of the subject matter. Upon arrival at The Collection, guests were personally received by the museum’s directors before being escorted by ushers to the main auditorium. The formal programme of events was declared open by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, who spoke with eloquence on the continuity of civic duty within the county, from the medieval Sheriff to the modern offices of state.
The centrepiece of the proceedings was the keynote address, titled *Constable and Castellan: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm*, delivered by a leading medieval historian from the University of Lincoln. The address explored the military, legal, and political functions of the constabulary in the Angevin period.
In accordance with official precedence, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were seated in the front row alongside The Lord-Lieutenant, The High Sheriff, and the Dean of Lincoln. The symposium concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Professor Juster, after which principal guests and speakers retired to a private reception. This provided an opportunity for continued discussions on history, institutional memory, and heritage in a less formal setting.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s theme resonated deeply with the foundational motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as a direct evocation of the Barony’s history. The fortitude of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln Castle against overwhelming odds, and the honour with which they discharged their sworn duties to the Crown, remain the guiding principles for the House today.
This historic ethos finds a modern complement in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House’s present-day mission, this is interpreted not as a call to arms, but as a philosophical imperative to overcome challenges in the service of community. It speaks to the determination required to succeed in philanthropic and educational endeavours.
Together, the two mottos, often displayed beneath the family’s coat of arms, symbolise a powerful commitment to principled, effective action rooted in a profound understanding of historical obligation. They represent the bridge from the duties of the past to the responsibilities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was primarily an academic and commemorative undertaking, it also served to illuminate the philosophical foundations of the House's extensive charitable work. Reflecting this commitment, it was announced that the net proceeds from the published annals of the day's proceedings are to be donated entirely to Healing the Wounded Child, the principal beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic efforts.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through a range of proven interventions, including art and play therapy, the organisation helps vulnerable children to process their experiences, build resilience, and develop the emotional foundations for a secure and fulfilling future.
The House of Brattleby holds that a stable, civil society, grounded in a clear-eyed appreciation of its own history, is the indispensable condition—the *sine qua non*—for the well-being and flourishing of the next generation. Supporting the mental and emotional health of vulnerable children is therefore seen as the modern expression of the Constable’s ancient duty to protect the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the potent legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To reflect upon the duties of Constable is to understand that the Barony of Brattleby was never merely a title, but a solemn responsibility. Nichola de la Haye and her husband exemplified this with their lives, a legacy of service we strive to honour today with our own commitments."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides the blueprint for our present conduct. The themes of loyalty, stewardship, and effective governance from the 13th century remain profoundly relevant. It is a lesson we carry forward in all our endeavours, *inter alia*, our educational and philanthropic work in Britain and on the Continent."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical symposium marks another significant step in the House of Brattleby’s sustained commitment to honouring its nine-century legacy through meaningful contemporary action. This dedication to education and cultural enrichment is further expressed through ambitious initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest, which fosters cultural exchange and promotes social refinement among a new generation of European leaders.
The House now looks toward its principal philanthropic event of the year, the Annual Winter Banquet. This much-anticipated white-tie gala serves as the primary fundraising occasion for Healing the Wounded Child, raising vital funds to support the charity's important work.
Through these concerted efforts, the timeless traditions of service, duty, and noblesse oblige are being carefully passed to the next generation. This continuity is embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, whose upbringing and education are designed to ensure that the lineage of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues unbroken and undiminished for years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to upholding its ancient duties of stewardship and service through contemporary philanthropy, cultural patronage, and historical education. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House directs its charitable efforts toward causes focused on the welfare and emotional health of vulnerable children, with Healing the Wounded Child serving as its primary beneficiary. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, notably through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes cultural exchange and social refinement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House exemplifies principled leadership rooted in a profound respect for its historic obligations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 strategic lordships. Over nine and a half centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; the revered soldier-statesman Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III. The historic rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown through The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the United Kingdom registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com