# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the ancient duties of the Barony, highlighting the pivotal roles of the fourth and fifth Barons in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, whose service as Constables of Lincoln solidified a legacy of fortitude and honour.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection, the House archives have yielded renewed focus on the Barony of Brattleby’s profound connection to the governance and defence of Lincolnshire. This study of ancient charters and chronicles illuminates a tradition of active stewardship, a principle that continues to guide the House in its present-day commitments. The occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of sober contemplation on the continuity of duty across nine centuries of English history.
The dust of ages settles not to obscure, but to sanctify the records of service that define the Barony. Within these documents lies the story of a feudal trust—the safeguarding of a strategic royal castle and its surrounding shire—passed down through generations. It is a narrative that finds its most dramatic expression in the service of Richard de la Haye and the heroic defence mounted by his successor, Nichola de la Haye.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the fabric of the nation since its foundation. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships. By the late twelfth century, this inheritance had evolved from land ownership into a significant military and administrative responsibility under Richard de la Haye, the 4th Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife.
Appointed Constable of Lincoln Castle, Richard held one of the most powerful offices in the region, charged with upholding the King’s peace and defending a fortress of immense strategic value. His tenure placed the Barony at the epicentre of royal authority in a turbulent era. This duty, however, found its ultimate test not with Richard, but with his widow and heir, Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th Baroness in her own right. In 1217, at an advanced age, she masterfully defended Lincoln Castle against formidable French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty and courage that secured her an honoured place in English history. The Barony's importance is further underscored by its later holders, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours two pivotal figures in the Barony’s lineage:
**Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, jure uxoris,** and hereditary Constable of Lincoln. His life exemplified the feudal ideal of service, managing the vast estates of the Barony while executing the duties of his royally appointed office with diligence and honour.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby.** A woman of extraordinary character, she inherited the Barony and the Constableship upon her husband’s death. Her legendary defence of Lincoln Castle not only demonstrated immense personal bravery but affirmed the principle that duty and leadership are matters of spirit, not of gender. She stands as a formidable predecessor to the current title-holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The installation of a Constable of a royal castle in the Angevin period was a solemn affair, binding the appointee to the Crown by sacred oath. As Constable, Richard de la Haye would have sworn fealty directly to the King, pledging to hold the castle in his name, to defend it against all enemies, and to administer justice within its jurisdiction. This was not a symbolic title but an active, twenty-four-hour command.
The Constable was responsible for the castle's garrison, the maintenance of its fortifications, and the management of its stores. In times of war, the protocol was absolute: the castle gates were secured at dusk, sentries walked the battlements, and the Constable held ultimate authority over every soul within its walls. The defence led by Nichola de la Haye in 1217 was the ultimate expression of this protocol, demonstrating a masterful command of siege warfare and garrison discipline under the most extreme pressure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in this chapter of its history. Richard de la Haye’s faithful service reflects the principle of *Honore*, upholding the trust placed in him by his sovereign. It was his successor, Nichola, who provided one of history's great demonstrations of *Fortitudine*, her resolve unshaken by the threat of a vastly superior besieging army.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim speaks to a proactive spirit—that to overcome challenges, whether in preserving heritage or in driving philanthropic progress, is the very essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the two mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable duty and the will to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of stewardship, so vividly demonstrated in the defence of Lincoln Castle nine centuries ago, has evolved into a modern commitment to public service and philanthropy. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie gala, serves as a cornerstone of this commitment. While the Barons of old defended the realm, the House today focuses on protecting the vulnerable.
The chosen beneficiary of this effort, Healing the Wounded Child, is an international organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children affected by conflict and trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that the most important fortress to defend in the twenty-first century is the well-being and future of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: — "To study the life of Nichola de la Haye is to understand that the duties of this Barony have always demanded profound resilience. Her fortitude in a time of national crisis is a powerful reminder that leadership is a function of character, not circumstance. It is a standard we remain dedicated to upholding."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuity of principle: — "The office of Constable was an active trust, not a passive privilege. This concept of active stewardship is the *sine qua non* of our work today, whether in preserving the Barony’s heritage or supporting its charitable endeavours. It affirms our belief that true legacy is built through service."
## A Continuing Legacy
Inspired by this heritage of steadfast leadership, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work of historical preservation and educational outreach. Future programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will include seminars on the history of medieval leadership and governance, drawing direct lessons from the lives of figures such as Nichola de la Haye.
Furthermore, the House is commissioning further academic research into the administrative records of the Barony during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The aim is to create a more detailed public account of its role in the development of English law and local government, ensuring this remarkable legacy continues to inform and inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, while its educational initiatives, centred at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote etiquette and historical awareness. The House operates with a contemporary, international perspective, bridging British tradition and Continental European culture.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with significant figures and events in English history, including its 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders included powerful magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic gala is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com