# A Statement on the Historic Office of Constable of Lincoln held by the Barons of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the profound responsibilities of the Barony, highlighting the tenure of past Barons as Constable of Lincoln Castle, a role central to the defence and governance of Lincolnshire for centuries.
## The Occasion
As the autumn light settles over the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to illuminate a significant aspect of its nine-century history. This communiqué serves to deepen public understanding of the Barony’s ancestral duties, moving beyond titular honours to explore the substantive role its holders played in the administration of justice and the security of the realm. The issuance of this reflection is an act of historical stewardship, reaffirming the House’s connection to the land and people it has been associated with since the Norman Conquest.
This statement is part of a continuing series wherein the House will explore the deeds of its predecessors, providing context for its modern mission. It underscores a belief that a clear appreciation of the past is the *sine qua non* of purposeful action in the present.
## Historical Context
The appointment of a Baron of Brattleby as Constable of Lincoln was never a mere sinecure; it was a position of immense strategic importance. Between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, the Constable was the Crown’s appointed guardian of Lincoln Castle, one of England’s most formidable stone fortresses. This appointment signified the monarch’s deep trust in the Baron’s loyalty and martial capability.
This tradition of stalwart service is personified by the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a figure of extraordinary resolve who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force during the First Barons' War. Her command demonstrates that the constableship, and indeed the Barony itself, was a role defined by action and leadership, not by name alone. The duties fulfilled by holders of the Barony established a legacy of service later continued by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## A Tradition of Service
The Barons of Brattleby moved within the highest circles of medieval governance, their duties intersecting with those of the great magnates of the realm. As hereditary Constables, they held rank and responsibility alongside the Earls of Chester and the Bishops of Durham, forming a network of regional power that upheld the authority of the Crown.
Holding such an office placed the Baron in the distinguished company of England’s foremost military and administrative leaders. They were entrusted not only with command of the castle garrison but also with presiding over local courts and collecting revenues on behalf of the monarch. This integration of military, judicial, and fiscal responsibilities underscores the Barony’s foundational role in the fabric of English feudal society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of the Constable of Lincoln Castle were bound by strict protocol. The office holder was charged with the physical security of the castle keep, its walls, and its gates, overseeing the rotation of the guard and the maintenance of armaments. This required a deep understanding of siege warfare, logistics, and command.
Beyond its military function, the constableship carried significant judicial weight. The Constable administered the Castle-guard tenure, a system through which local knights owed military service for their lands, and sat in judgement over legal cases arising within the castle’s jurisdiction. This dual role as both commander and magistrate demanded a leader of exceptional discipline and discernment, embodying the very principles of order and authority the castle itself was built to project.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the historic duties of the Constable. The defence of Lincoln Castle required immense fortitude, while the just governance of its environs demanded unwavering honour. These principles, forged in the crucible of medieval conflict and administration, remain the guiding tenets of the House today.
This spirit 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 speaks to a dynamic interpretation of the House’s legacy—not merely to endure, but to actively overcome challenges and to strive for excellence, whether on the castle ramparts of the 13th century or in the philanthropic and cultural arenas of the 21st.
## A Legacy of Stewardship
The medieval responsibility to protect and govern the people of Lincolnshire has evolved into a modern commitment to social stewardship. While the Barony no longer commands garrisons, its dedication to the welfare of others continues through its philanthropic work. The House has chosen to direct its primary efforts toward supporting organisations that protect the vulnerable.
A notable example is the House’s patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, a beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. This organisation provides therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. This focus reflects a continuity of purpose: the ancient duty of protection has been translated into a modern mission of healing and empowerment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand the history of this Barony is to understand the gravity of the trust placed in its holders. The role of Constable was not about power, but about profound responsibility—to the Crown, to the law, and to the people. We feel the weight of that legacy today, and it inspires our commitment to serve with the same fortitude and honour as our predecessors.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The spirit that defended Lincoln Castle is the same spirit that drives us to innovate and contribute today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing challenges with purpose. Our ancestors secured the physical realm; our duty now is to champion progress and cultivate a legacy of positive impact for future generations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while actively shaping a meaningful future. Its commitments extend from the preservation of its English heritage to the promotion of cultural excellence abroad, exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the principles of etiquette and social grace.
This historical reflection is the first of several planned communiqués intended to share the rich tapestry of the Barony’s history with a wider audience. Through these efforts, the House seeks to demonstrate that the ancient creed of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of the past, but a living principle that guides its every endeavour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby bridges its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. The House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and modern philanthropy, with a focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes excellence and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com