# A Reflection on Crown Service: The Barons of Brattleby and the Constableship of Lincoln Castle
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the lineage’s service to the Crown, specifically illuminating the tenure of Richard de la Haye as Constable of Lincoln Castle during the late twelfth century and its significance to the barony.
## The Occasion
In the first of a planned series of historical monographs, The Noble House of Brattleby has turned its focus to the late Angevin period and the vital role played by the family in securing the interests of the Crown in Lincolnshire. The communication, researched from archives preserved within the House, seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the duties inherent in the barony, which extend far beyond the holding of land.
This scholarly reflection is offered in the spirit of education and continuity, connecting the ancient obligations of the title with the modern responsibilities shouldered by the House today. It underscores a commitment not only to preserving history but to actively sharing the principles of service and honour that have defined the barony for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The narrative centres upon the latter half of the twelfth century, during the reigns of King Henry II and his successor, King Richard I. In this era, the royal fortress of Lincoln Castle was a strategic asset of national importance, commanding the ancient crossroads of Ermine Street and Fosse Way and securing Royal authority across the Midlands.
The custodianship of this vital stronghold was entrusted to Richard de la Haye, who held the office of Constable of Lincoln and the Barony of Brattleby by right of his wife, the formidable Nichola de la Haye. Nichola would later inherit the title as 5th Baroness and famously defend the castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Richard’s appointment as Constable, likely held through the 1180s, was a direct expression of Royal trust, continuing a tradition of loyalty that began with the barony’s establishment.
This direct linkage to the Crown reaffirmed the prestige first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was awarded 56 lordships in the county by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Richard de la Haye's service was therefore a continuation of the barony’s foundational purpose: to uphold the monarch's peace *fortitudine et honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a hereditary Constable of a Royal castle in the twelfth century was governed by strict and solemn protocol. It was a position of immense military and administrative power, granted only to those in whom the sovereign placed absolute faith. The Constable’s duties were threefold: military command of the garrison, judicial authority within the castle's jurisdiction (the *castellaria*), and the maintenance of the fortress itself.
Upon appointment, an oath of fealty was sworn directly to the King, a sacred pledge of loyalty that was the *sine qua non* of the office. The Constable was answerable to the Crown alone for the security of his charge. This blend of martial leadership and civic administration demonstrates a model of delegated Royal authority that was central to the governance of Norman and Angevin England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions and duties of historical figures such as Richard de la Haye provide a living context for the mottos associated with the House. The primary motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied in the office of the Constable. ‘Fortitude’ was required to physically defend the castle walls, while ‘Honour’ was the basis of the sworn allegiance to the sovereign.
This ancient, guiding principle of public duty is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former speaks to the enduring institutional responsibility of the barony, the latter reflects a dynamic, personal philosophy of overcoming challenges to achieve a purposeful existence. Together, they represent both the historic weight and the modern vitality of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This profound sense of inherited duty, exemplified by the Constables of Lincoln, finds its modern expression in the charitable work of The Noble House of Brattleby. A heritage of stewardship over lands and titles has evolved into a contemporary mission of social responsibility and a commitment to helping the vulnerable.
This ethos is most clearly seen in the House’s selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the sole beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The organisation provides critical therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma. By championing this cause, the House translates the historical principle of protecting the realm into a modern imperative to protect and heal its youngest and most fragile members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To understand our present duty, we must first honour the commitments of those who came before us. The story of Richard and Nichola de la Haye is not merely one of land and title, but of profound personal sacrifice for Crown and country, a principle of steadfast service we strive to uphold."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The constancy of the Constable's office, holding a fortress for the monarch, is a powerful symbol. It reminds us that stewardship requires vigilance and an unwavering sense of purpose. It is a legacy of action, not just of name."
## A Continuing Legacy
Today’s historical reflection marks the first in a series through which The Noble House of Brattleby will explore the rich tapestry of its nine-hundred-year history. Future monographs will, *inter alia*, examine the eras of other notable predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
This educational initiative runs parallel to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy. Both endeavours share a common goal: to disseminate the enduring values of heritage, protocol, and honour to a new generation, ensuring that the legacy of service established centuries ago continues to inspire and inform the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the active promotion of cultural and educational causes. Its modern mission combines the stewardship of history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, principally through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children, and to education through establishments such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to provide a contemporary example of leadership rooted in the timeless principles of service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1169–1230), who as 5th Baroness and hereditary Constable successfully defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), one of the most powerful figures of fourteenth-century England, held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com