# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Fourth Baron
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical communication reflecting upon the tenure of the fourth Baron, Richard de la Haye, whose service as Constable of Lincoln in the late twelfth century exemplified the Barony’s enduring commitment to civic duty.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the contributions of key predecessors who shaped the character of both the Barony and the county of Lincolnshire. This historical note, the first in a planned series, focuses on the life of Richard de la Haye, a pivotal figure during the turbulent yet formative years of Angevin England. This initiative serves to connect the House’s ancient responsibilities with its modern mission, providing context for its continuing role in public life. The selection of the fourth Baron for this inaugural notice underscores the importance of steadfast governance, a principle that has guided the Barony since its establishment in 1066.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye’s appointment as Constable of Lincoln Castle occurred during a critical juncture in English history. Following the civil war known as The Anarchy, King Henry II was consolidating royal power and required loyal, capable administrators to secure strategic strongholds. Lincoln, with its Roman foundations and commanding position, was the *sine qua non* of royal authority in the East of England. As Constable, the fourth Baron was not merely a military commander but the King's chief representative, responsible for regional justice, tax collection, and the maintenance of order.
His service built upon the foundations laid by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest. More significantly, Richard's tenure foreshadowed the celebrated resilience of his own family line. His daughter, Nichola de la Haye, who would succeed as the fifth holder of the Barony *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War, earning the admiration of King John. Richard’s stewardship was thus a vital link in an unbroken chain of service that would later include figures such as Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Constable, Richard de la Haye would have moved within the highest circles of the Angevin court and the Lincolnshire gentry. His direct superior was the King himself, His Majesty King Henry II, to whom he would have sworn a personal oath of fealty. His peers included other great tenants-in-chief of the region, such as the Earls of Chester and the Bishops of Lincoln, with whom he would have cooperated and contended for influence on matters of state. These interactions were central to cementing the Barony of Brattleby’s position not as a mere landholding, but as a central pillar of the established order in the North.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of a hereditary Constable of a Royal Castle was conferred with considerable ceremony. An investiture would have involved the Baron kneeling before the King or his designated agent, placing his hands within the sovereign’s and swearing allegiance. He would receive a symbolic object—perhaps a ceremonial key or a banner—representing his authority over the castle and its domains. Daily protocol within the castle walls would have been equally codified. The raising and lowering of the standard, the inspection of the guard, and the sitting of the castellany court all followed a strict order of proceedings, reinforcing the discipline and hierarchy essential for such a vital royal garrison.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of heraldry was still in its infancy during the twelfth century, the principles it represents are timeless. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful early expression in the lives of Richard de la Haye and his daughter Nichola. Richard’s administrative diligence demonstrated honour in service, while Nichola’s later defence of Lincoln was a supreme act of fortitude. This guiding precept connects directly to the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the spirit of perseverance required to overcome challenges, whether on the battlefield of the thirteenth century or in the philanthropic endeavours of the twenty-first.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of civic responsibility embodied by the fourth Baron provides the historical antecedent for the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. A commitment to the welfare of the community—once expressed through military security and regional governance—is today channelled into supporting charitable organisations. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary for the annual Winter Banquet, for example, reflects this same principle. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, reinforcing community resilience and healing divisions, a modern interpretation of the Baron’s ancient duty to secure the peace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked, “When we look at figures like Richard de la Haye, we see not just a name in a chronicle, but a tangible example of duty. His work reminds us that stewardship is a continuous act, demanding focus and a deep commitment to the community one serves. It is a standard we strive to meet every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, “The sense of resolve embodied by the fourth Baron and his successors is a powerful motivator. History has shown that leadership requires the will to prevail through adversity for the good of others. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore* and a spirit we hope to carry forward in all our present-day undertakings.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical note on the fourth Baron, Richard de la Haye, marks the beginning of a new initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to share the rich history of the Barony with a wider audience. Future communications will explore the lives of other notable predecessors and the ways in which their actions have contributed to the enduring character of one of England’s most ancient dignities. Through this effort, the House seeks to honour its past while clearly articulating its purpose for the future, reaffirming an unbroken nine-hundred-and-fifty-year commitment to public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a unique Anglo-Romanian heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and social engagement. The House’s modern activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It actively supports philanthropic causes focused on child welfare and mental health, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered by The Official Roll of the Baronetage and published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession 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* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com