# The House of Brattleby Announces Research on the Fourth Baron and his Role in Lincoln's Defence
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced findings from new archival research into Richard, the fourth Baron of Brattleby. The research illuminates his pivotal tenure as Constable of Lincoln, a critical role preceding the celebrated command of his successor.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has shared the initial conclusions of its ongoing historical research programme. Timed to coincide with renewed efforts to catalogue and digitise the House archives, this announcement focuses on the mid-12th century, a period of significant consolidation for the Barony. The findings offer a deeper understanding of the foundations of military and administrative responsibility that have defined the family’s service to the Crown and nation for over nine centuries.
The research draws upon previously uncollated documentary evidence, providing an unparalleled window into the feudal governance structures that shaped medieval England. This initiative reflects the House’s enduring commitment to its role as a custodian of history, ensuring its legacy is not only preserved but also actively understood and shared.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Richard, the fourth Baron, is situated in the turbulent mid-12th century, a time marked by civil strife and the strengthening of strategic fortifications across England. As Constable of Lincoln, he was entrusted with the command of Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress of immense strategic importance. This appointment signified the family's deep-seated loyalty to the Crown and its significant role in maintaining the security of the realm, an influence extending far beyond the Brattleby estates.
This newly detailed understanding of the fourth Baron’s career provides a vital predicate for the actions of his renowned successor, Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the fifth Baron. It was she who, as Constable, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, holding it for the King. Richard’s stewardship, therefore, was the sine qua non for Nichola’s later, legendary fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
This communication is made under the authority of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While the research was undertaken by archivists and historians retained by the House, its conclusions have been reviewed and authorised for dissemination by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby personally.
Their direct oversight ensures that the historical narrative of the House is presented with academic rigour and a profound respect for the duty of truthful record. This approach honours predecessors such as John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who were themselves patrons of learning and meticulous keepers of chronicles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement follows the strict internal protocol of the House for the dissemination of historical findings. This process involves the careful verification of primary sources against established chronicles, formal review by consulting historians, and the drafting of a summary for public record. This methodical approach mirrors the precision and order expected in matters of state and Court.
By eschewing a public ceremony in favour of a formal written declaration, the House underscores the scholarly nature of the work. The focus remains squarely on the historical substance, reflecting a tradition of discreet yet significant contribution that has been a hallmark of the Barony since its establishment in 1066.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the fourth and fifth Barons are a powerful embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Richard’s steadfast command and Nichola’s courageous defence of Lincoln Castle are defining historical demonstrations of these principles in action. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in the execution of duty are the virtues the motto extols.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this philosophy is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges in the preservation of heritage, the pursuit of philanthropic goals, and the advancement of cultural understanding.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, it is guided by the same spirit of service that informs the House's philanthropic work. The educational mission—to preserve and share nearly a millennium of English history—is seen as a public good, running parallel to the family’s charitable commitments.
This commitment to service is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, a cause the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby support with personal dedication.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the significance of the research, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented: > "History is not only about its most celebrated figures, but also about those who laid the essential foundations. Richard's diligent service as Constable was the predicate for Nichola de la Haye's extraordinary command. To understand one, we must appreciate the other; it is a story of continuity, responsibility, and inherited strength."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary reflection: > "To defend a stone fortress in the twelfth century, or to preserve a nine-hundred-year-old heritage in the twenty-first, requires the same fundamental resolve. The challenges change, but the need for fortitude and honour remains constant. This is the living legacy we strive to carry forward."
## A Continuing Legacy
The findings concerning the fourth Baron mark the first in a series of planned communications as the archival digitisation project progresses. Future announcements will explore other periods of the Barony's history, from its Norman origins under Colswein of Lincoln to its role in the great ducal households of Lancaster.
This work will provide substantive historical content for the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the family. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comprehensive digital archive, making the rich history of one of England's oldest baronies accessible to scholars and the public for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of one of England's most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its mission rests on three pillars: the stewardship of its historical legacy, active participation in cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House applies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to contemporary challenges, championing education, mental health awareness, and the enduring value of tradition in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. Its lineage has been intrinsically linked with the history of England, held by figures of national importance including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), a staunch royalist who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle for King John. - The Barony was later held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (as 11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com