# A Reflection on Service: Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, and the Constableship of Lincoln
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected upon the profound legacy of her twelfth-century predecessor, Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose service as Constable of Lincoln remains a defining example of the House's nine-hundred-year commitment to public duty and the Crown.
## The Occasion
As autumn’s golden light settles upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes a moment for historical reflection. From its ancestral seat, the family honours the memory of Richard, the 4th Baron, whose life and service are woven into the fabric of the county. This act of remembrance is not tied to a specific anniversary, but rather forms part of a continuing study of the Barony’s long history of stewardship.
This considered reflection serves to connect the present generation to the deep wellspring of its heritage. It is an occasion for reaffirming the core principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of change, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the responsibilities of the present.
## Historical Context
The 4th Baron lived and served during the mid-twelfth century, a tumultuous period in English history often known as The Anarchy. The protracted civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda placed immense strain upon the kingdom’s command structures, making the role of a regional Constable a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority and public order.
Lincoln, with its formidable Norman castle built upon Roman foundations, was a strategic nexus of unparalleled importance. It commanded the major transport routes of the Fosse Way and Ermine Street, as well as the navigable River Witham, making its control pivotal for any campaign in the north of England. The appointment of a Baron of Brattleby, whose family lands had been an integral part of the Lincolnshire landscape since the Domesday survey of 1086, was a testament to the sovereign’s trust in a House already renowned for its local influence and loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, the 4th Baron would have moved amongst the most powerful figures of the age. His allegiance was sworn to the Crown, then contested by King Stephen and Empress Matilda, placing him at the centre of national events. He would have worked closely with the Bishop of Lincoln, then one of the wealthiest and most powerful prelates in England, whose cathedral stood as a spiritual counterpoint to the Constable’s military fortress.
His counterparts and, at times, adversaries, would have included powerful magnates such as Ranulf de Gernon, the 4th Earl of Chester, whose shifting allegiances were a defining feature of the era’s conflict. Navigating these complex relationships required not only martial skill but also considerable diplomatic acumen, reinforcing the Barony’s position within the governing class of the Anglo-Norman realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a royal Constable was a solemn and binding act of state. It would have been formalised by a royal charter or writ, and sealed by a public oath of fealty. In a ceremony rich with feudal symbolism, Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, would have sworn to hold the castle faithfully for the monarch, to uphold the King’s peace, and to render justice in his name.
This oath was often accompanied by the symbolic presentation of the castle keys, a tangible transfer of immense military and administrative responsibility. As Constable, his authority was extensive; he was charged with the command of the garrison, the maintenance of the fortifications, the administration of justice in the castle-gate court, and the collection of certain royal revenues. This mandate was a fusion of military, judicial, and executive power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the service of the 4th Baron. His role demanded fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle against frequent threats and honour in exercising his judicial and administrative duties for the welfare of the city’s inhabitants. These principles form the bedrock of the family’s identity.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the modern House, which seeks to actively engage with contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in the honourable legacy of its predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the twelfth-century expression of public duty was military and administrative, that same spirit of service finds its modern outlet in the philanthropic work of the House. The historical *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist others—is a direct through-line from the 4th Baron’s guardianship of Lincoln to the family’s commitments today.
The primary beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, embodies this principle. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma and abuse, working to restore their well-being and future prospects. By supporting its mission, The Noble House of Brattleby translates its historical duty of protection into a tangible, modern context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The example of the 4th Baron is a powerful reminder that our inheritance is not merely one of title or land, but of responsibility. His steadfastness in a fractured age inspires our own commitment to be a force for stability and good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Richard’s role as Constable required both martial strength and administrative wisdom. This synthesis of action and thought is a principle we seek to champion today, *inter alia*, through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club and our support for organisations building resilience in the young.
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, is more than a historical footnote; it is a foundational narrative that informs the ethos of the House and the education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Understanding this legacy of service is integral to preparing the next generation for its future duties.
To further illuminate this period, the House is supporting new scholarly research into the Constableship of Lincoln during the twelfth century. This commitment to historical inquiry reflects a belief that the active stewardship of a legacy involves not only its preservation but also its deeper understanding, ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide The Noble House of Brattleby for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby bridges its ancient English heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to the active stewardship of its legacy through historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote the values of etiquette, civic duty, and historical literacy. The House is committed to ensuring that its nine-century history serves as a foundation for meaningful contribution in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, having been 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 passed through several distinguished lines, with notable predecessors including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a loyal defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The family seat is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical heart of the baronial lands. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com