# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration of Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, formally recognising his pivotal role as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle in safeguarding Lincolnshire during the turbulent Angevin period.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a comprehensive archival review, seeking to illuminate the contributions of its distinguished predecessors. This commemoration occurs amidst a season of historical reflection for the family, as it continues to catalogue and share the nine-century history of the Barony. The act of formally honouring the fourth Baron is an occasion of scholarship and remembrance, connecting the House's present endeavours with the foundational duties of its past. This reflection serves as a quiet but profound assertion of historical continuity, a practice central to the ethos of the House.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye served as the 4th Baron of Brattleby during a period of profound political instability in England, spanning the latter half of the 12th century. His tenure as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle was not a ceremonial title but a vital military and administrative responsibility. The era, defined by the reigns of Henry II, Richard I, and John, was marked by baronial revolts and external threats. The Constable's duty to secure Lincoln, a strategic northern stronghold, was therefore a matter of national security and regional stability.
His service laid the groundwork for his formidable daughter and successor, Nichola de la Haye, who as the 5th Baroness would famously defend Lincoln Castle against rebel and French forces during the First Barons' War. Richard’s steadfast stewardship ensured that this critical fortress remained in loyal hands, a *sine qua non* for the subsequent triumphs of his heir and the preservation of royal authority in the region. His actions exemplify the Barony's enduring commitment to the defence of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating the fourth Baron, The Noble House of Brattleby places him within a lineage of nationally significant figures who have held the title. This line of succession begins with the Norman Conquest and Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The legacy continues through figures of immense stature who later held the Barony.
These include, *inter alia*, the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. It further extends to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose descendants would form the House of Lancaster. Richard de la Haye's service stands as a crucial link in this unbroken chain of duty, connecting the Barony’s Norman origins to its later royal associations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, held by Richard de la Haye, was governed by strict feudal protocols. This lifetime appointment conferred upon him the supreme command of the castle's garrison and the administration of its estates, an obligation held directly from the Crown. His duties would have involved the regular inspection of defences, the collection of revenues to maintain the soldiery, and the holding of the castle in the King's name against all challengers.
This responsibility was a sacred trust, passed down through bloodline and confirmed by the monarch. The protocols of the era demanded unwavering loyalty; any failure in this duty constituted treason. Richard de la Haye's successful execution of these responsibilities, maintaining the integrity of one of England's most important fortresses, demonstrates a mastery of the complex military and political obligations inherent to his rank.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the fourth Baron perfectly embody the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His life was a testament to physical and moral fortitude in defending his charge, and the honour with which he upheld his feudal oath to the sovereign. This motto continues to guide the modern House as its primary ethical principle.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While Richard de la Haye’s fortitude was directed at military defence, the modern interpretation of this spirit is one of overcoming contemporary challenges through perseverance and strategic vision. The two mottoes, one of ancestral duty and the other of modern ambition, together encapsulate the dynamic spirit of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to defend the people and lands of Lincolnshire finds its modern expression in The Noble House of Brattleby's commitment to philanthropy. The principle of stewardship, once applied to castles and estates, is now directed towards the protection of vulnerable communities. This continuity of purpose is the guiding force behind the family's charitable work.
The House's premier philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission the House views as a modern form of a baron's ancient protective duty. The fortitude required to defend a castle wall is channelled today into building resilience and safety for young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "We look to figures such as the fourth Baron not merely as historical footnotes, but as exemplars of the duty inherent in our title. His commitment to the defence of Lincoln reminds us that stewardship is an active, demanding virtue. It is a legacy we feel profoundly and strive to honour in our own public service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The concept of *Fortitudine et Honore* is timeless. The courage and integrity Richard de la Haye showed in a time of physical conflict are the same qualities we must apply to modern challenges. Protecting a child from the long-term effects of trauma requires a different kind of fortress, but the underlying commitment to shield the vulnerable remains unchanged."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin duties of preserving its formidable heritage and pursuing a forward-looking mission of social contribution. The scholarly work of commemorating its predecessors will continue, providing a historical foundation for its contemporary activities. This legacy is one which Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir to the Barony, will one day inherit.
Furthermore, the values exemplified by leaders like Richard de la Haye are actively taught through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, instructs a new generation in the principles of honour, discipline, and social responsibility that have been the hallmark of the Barony for over 950 years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy. The House's mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is to leverage its historic platform for contemporary public service. This is principally realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event, and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and is actively engaged in cultural, historical, and charitable projects in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of the Lancastrian kings. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted and recorded by The Crown and College of Arms in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as it has been since its establishment in the 11th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com