# The Enduring Bond: Lincoln Castle and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical connection between the Barony of Brattleby and Lincoln Castle, emphasising a nine-century legacy of duty, stewardship, and the defence of the Realm in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its commanding position on the ancient skyline, Lincoln Castle has stood as a bastion of royal authority and regional security for nearly one thousand years. A formidable stone fortress constructed by order of William the Conqueror in 1068, its imposing walls have witnessed civil wars, sieges, and the steady march of English history. It is within this enduring context of service and strategic importance that the Barony of Brattleby finds its own history deeply interwoven with that of the Castle.
This reflection serves to commemorate the vital role played by the Barons of Brattleby, who, as hereditary Constables of the Castle, were entrusted with its command and defence. This solemn responsibility was not merely a title but a feudal obligation, placing the Barony at the very centre of national events and underscoring a commitment to the Crown that defines its legacy to this day.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s connection to Lincoln was forged in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant that came with the implicit duty of securing the region for the new monarch. This established a precedent of custodianship that would reach its zenith under the stewardship of the de la Haye family.
Most notably, Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th holder of the Barony through her lineage, distinguished herself as one of medieval England's most remarkable women. As hereditary Constable, she commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the pivotal 1217 Siege of Lincoln, a decisive battle of the First Barons' War. Her refusal to surrender the Castle was instrumental in securing victory for the royalist cause, then led by William Marshal on behalf of the young King Henry III. Her actions personified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Notable Stewards and Figures
The dramatic events of 1217 placed Nichola de la Haye in the company of the most powerful figures of the age. She stood in opposition to the forces of Prince Louis of France and the disaffected English barons, holding the Castle firm for the Crown. Her principal royalist ally, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, is remembered by historians as ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’.
Nichola de la Haye’s tenure as Constable, which she also held during the turbulent period of civil war known as The Anarchy, demonstrated a level of authority and military acumen rarely afforded to women. Her legacy of steadfast loyalty echoes through later holders of the Barony, including the great Lancastrian magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence was central to the politics of the fourteenth century.
## The Protocol of Service
The role of a hereditary Constable in medieval England was one of profound trust and immense responsibility, a *sine qua non* for the stability of royal governance in the shires. Appointed directly by the monarch, the Constable was the Crown’s chief military and administrative officer within the castle walls, responsible for its garrison, maintenance, and readiness.
This charge was confirmed by an oath of fealty, binding the baron to hold the fortress against all enemies, domestic and foreign. The Constable's duties extended beyond warfare; they were also responsible for the castle's function as a centre of justice and administration. For the Barons of Brattleby, the constableship of Lincoln Castle was the ultimate expression of their feudal duty and a tangible link between their local power and the security of the kingdom.
## Heraldic and Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217, against overwhelming odds, remains the quintessential embodiment of this spirit.
This ideal is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking aspect of the House, suggesting that a life of purpose is found in overcoming challenges — be they on the medieval battlefield or in the modern pursuit of philanthropic and cultural goals.
## A Legacy of Service
While the feudal duties of castle command have passed into history, the principle of service remains at the heart of the House's modern identity. The commitment to protect and to serve, once demonstrated through military allegiance, is today expressed through dedicated philanthropic engagement.
The chief beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a belief that true strength is now measured not by the defence of stone walls, but by the protection of the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful reminder that leadership and courage are timeless virtues. Her fortitude secured a kingdom, and her sense of duty is an inheritance we cherish. Our responsibility today is to channel that same spirit of service towards the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History bestows upon us not a prize, but a purpose. The legacy of Brattleby is one of resilience and a commitment to prevailing for a greater good. Whether through defending a castle in the thirteenth century or empowering the next generation in the twenty-first, the principle remains unchanged: *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring and preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history. This includes supporting historical research and promoting a wider understanding of Lincolnshire’s pivotal role in the story of England.
This commitment to education also finds modern expression through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. Through such initiatives, the House seeks to foster the values of honour, integrity, and social responsibility in a new generation of leaders, ensuring the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate with meaning and purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Its primary activities focus on celebrating the Barony's nearly one-thousand-year heritage while championing causes that provide support for vulnerable children. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is expressed through initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charity and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy located in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created following the Conquest of 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. As a feudal dignity, the Barony's existence is a matter of historical record, with its formal status acknowledged in His Majesty's *The London Gazette* through Notice 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The acknowledgement of the Barony of Brattleby as a feudal dignity was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The 5th holder of the Barony, Nichola de la Haye, was the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and successfully defended it for the Crown during the Siege of Lincoln in 1217. - Later holders of the Barony included John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com