# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Twelfth-Century Legacy of Duty and Service
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published an historical retrospective honouring the legacy of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby. This reflection commemorates his pivotal role as hereditary Constable of Lincoln during the twelfth century, affirming the House’s ancient commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
As autumn descends upon the historic heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to illuminate a significant chapter from its storied past. In a deliberate act of historical reflection, the House has chosen to commemorate the life and service of Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron, whose tenure as Constable of Lincoln represented a consolidation of the barony’s regional authority and its deep-seated responsibilities to the Crown and the people of Lincolnshire.
This publication serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a thoughtful acknowledgement of the continuum of duty that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium. It is an affirmation that the principles of stewardship and civic obligation, demonstrated so ably in the twelfth century, remain the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern identity under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye served as the 4th Baron during the reign of King Henry II (1154–1189), a period of legal and administrative reform that followed the civil war known as The Anarchy. His hereditary appointment as Constable of Lincoln was one of the most significant offices in the realm, entrusting him with the command of Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress of immense strategic importance. The Constable was, in effect, the King’s military and judicial representative in a vital English city.
Lord Brattleby’s tenure laid the secure administrative and military foundations upon which his celebrated daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, would later build. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, a feat that secured her place in national history. Richard’s diligent service as Constable was the essential prelude to his daughter’s legendary fortitude.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of Constable of Lincoln in the twelfth century was governed by strict ceremonial and functional protocols. As castellan of Lincoln Castle, Richard de la Haye held the ‘keys to the city’ and was responsible for the maintenance and defence of its formidable walls. He commanded the castle’s garrison, presided over the shire court held within its bailey, and oversaw the collection of royal taxes and fines.
His duties required a precise understanding of feudal law and military procedure. The raising of the banner, the formal acceptance of hostages, the administration of oaths of fealty, and the reception of royal justices were all rituals central to his role. This structured regimen underscored the Constable's authority as a direct agent of the Crown, embodying order and royal power in a region far from the court at Westminster.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 4th Baron resonate powerfully with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His steadfast command of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, while his loyal service to the Crown was the very definition of honour. These twin virtues, demonstrated by Lord Brattleby nearly nine hundred years ago, remain the guiding principles for the House today.
This historical legacy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a modern interpretation of the House's historical resilience—a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through dynamic leadership and a determination to ensure the barony’s continuing relevance and vitality.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“To look back upon the service of predecessors like Richard de la Haye is a truly humbling experience. It reminds us that stewardship is not about titles, but about tangible responsibilities. His commitment to the security and administration of Lincoln is a powerful example of the public service that has always been at the core of this barony; a principle we strive to uphold in our own charitable and cultural work today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of leadership: >—“The administrative skill required of a twelfth-century Constable was immense. It involved logistics, justice, and leadership—qualities that are timeless. We see this legacy not as a static piece of history, but as a living standard. Whether in the careful governance of our heritage or the establishment of new initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the goal remains the same: to build with purpose and lead with integrity. In this sense, *Vincere Est Vivere* is about ensuring the legacy thrives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical note is part of The Noble House of Brattleby's renewed commitment to sharing its unique九-century history with a wider audience. Future retrospectives will explore the lives of other key figures who have held the barony, *inter alia*, the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
This dedication to preserving and understanding the past is matched by a focus on present-day service. The House continues its preparations for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports vital charities, and expands the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely remembered, but actively lived.
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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 and philanthropic service. While deeply respectful of its ancient heritage, the House has embraced a forward-looking role, championing causes related to child welfare, mental health, and education. Its primary philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House promotes cultural exchange and social refinement through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful leadership in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The transfer of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors as Baron of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The barony was established in AD 1066 and is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a holding of Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com