# An Enduring Bond: The Constableship of Lincoln Castle and The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — In a statement today, The Noble House of Brattleby reflected upon the historic, hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle held by its predecessors, highlighting this profound bond of service and trust between the Barony and the English Crown through successive generations.
## The Occasion
The issuance of this historical reflection from the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, serves to commemorate an unbroken chain of duty. It comes at a time of year when the quiet fields of Lincolnshire invite contemplation of the deep-rooted history that has shaped the county and the nation. This formal acknowledgement honours the pivotal role the Barons of Brattleby played in securing royal authority and administering justice for centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, has long been intertwined with the defence of the realm. The hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle, held by the De la Haye family, represents a *sine qua non* of this legacy. It was an office of immense strategic and administrative power, responsible not only for the military command of one of England’s most formidable fortresses but also for the shrievalty of Lincolnshire.
This responsibility reached its apogee during the tenure of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her staunch loyalty to King John, and later the young King Henry III, ensured this vital northern stronghold remained in royal hands, a feat that proved critical at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
This commemoration honours the memory of the De la Haye family, whose service defined an era for the Barony. The tradition of constableship was established by Richard de la Haye, whose marriage to the heiress of Colswein of Lincoln's line solidified the family’s distinguished position in the county. His heirs continued this service with unwavering resolve.
Foremost among them remains Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire in her own right—an almost unprecedented honour for a woman in the 13th century. Her legacy of command and loyalty placed her in the distinguished company of figures such as William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who acted as regent for the young Henry III and recognised Nichola’s indispensable role in securing the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as Constable and Sheriff was steeped in solemn protocol, binding the holder to the monarch through sacred oaths. Upon investiture, the Constable would swear fealty directly to the King, pledging to hold the castle in his name against all enemies. This oath was a personal bond, reinforced by the physical handover of the castle keys, a potent symbol of trust and authority.
As Sheriff, the Baron would also preside over the shire court, dispense royal justice, and collect revenues for the Crown. This dual role of military commander and chief civil administrator concentrated immense power within the Barony of Brattleby, requiring a delicate balance of martial prowess and judicial temperament. The proceedings were a public affirmation of the Crown’s authority, delegated through its most trusted regional magnates.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most powerful historical expression in the actions of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle, undertaken against overwhelming odds and at great personal risk, is the very embodiment of fortitude. Her unwavering loyalty to an embattled monarchy exemplifies the principle of honour.
This tradition of principled strength continues to inform the House's modern ethos. It resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming adversity not merely through force, but through resilience and strategic determination—qualities Nichola de la Haye displayed nine centuries ago.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending a physical community finds a modern parallel in the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable. The historical role of the Barony as a guardian of Lincolnshire’s people is reflected today in its dedicated support for philanthropic causes that provide sanctuary and healing.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation devoted to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate; just as the Constable of Lincoln Castle defended the physical well-being of the shire, the House today strives to safeguard the emotional and psychological well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "The story of Nichola de la Haye is not merely a piece of family history; it is a profound lesson in leadership and duty. Her capacity to command respect and exercise authority in an era that rarely afforded women such power is a source of constant inspiration. She reminds us that honour is demonstrated through action, not simply declared."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "To study the history of the Barony is to understand the weight of responsibility. The trust placed in Nichola by the Crown was absolute, and she reciprocated with unwavering service. This is the standard we aspire to in our own commitments, whether civic or charitable."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and promoting its unique historical narrative as a living source of inspiration. Through ongoing archival research and educational initiatives, the House aims to share these stories of duty, leadership, and resilience with a wider audience.
Future programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and cultural academy, will incorporate modules on the history of the Barony. These will focus, *inter alia*, on the leadership of figures like Nichola de la Haye and later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, ensuring their legacy continues to inform and guide leaders of the future.
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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 is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House directs its efforts towards cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster a modern appreciation for tradition, social grace, and civic duty, bridging its nine-century heritage with the challenges and responsibilities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, with its origins recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Initially held by Colswein of Lincoln, the barony passed through several of England’s most influential noble families. Notable holders include the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com