# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of the De la Haye Barons during The Anarchy
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the decisive role played by the De la Haye family, predecessors in the Barony of Brattleby, in maintaining order and defending royal interests in Lincolnshire during The Anarchy.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has paused to reflect upon a defining period in its near-millennium of history. This reflection considers the twelfth-century civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153) and the crucial contributions made by the then-Barons of Brattleby to the stability of the realm.
The statement serves as part of the House's ongoing commitment to historical education, illuminating how past actions have shaped the principles that guide its present-day responsibilities. It is a contemplative act of stewardship, connecting the challenges of a distant past with the enduring values of fortitude and honour that define the Barony to this day.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with the grant of lands to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably linked to the fortunes of the English Crown from its inception. During the protracted civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, this loyalty was severely tested.
Amidst the widespread strife, the De la Haye family, as holders of the Barony, demonstrated remarkable strategic acumen. Their ability to maintain control over their extensive Lincolnshire estates, and crucially, their command of Lincoln Castle, was a bulwark of royalist strength in the region. This steadfastness not only secured their own influence but also laid the groundwork for one of their most celebrated descendants, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who would later successfully defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
This historical period is distinguished by personages whose actions resonate through the centuries and inform the character of the Barony today. The lineage of holders represents a continuum of service and influence:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose original grant is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. * **The De la Haye Family**, whose steadfast governance during The Anarchy proved *sine qua non* for the preservation of royal authority in the north. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness, whose later defence of Lincoln made her one of medieval England's most powerful women. * **Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a pre-eminent diplomat and soldier of the fourteenth century. * **John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of his age.
This powerful legacy of leadership and duty is now carried forward by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long and storied history is governed by its own careful protocol. The House of Brattleby approaches historical communications with a commitment to scholarly rigour and sober reflection, eschewing modern hyperbole in favour of dignified accuracy.
Research is grounded in primary sources, *inter alia*, the *Domesday Book* and contemporary chronicles, and is reviewed for historical fidelity before being formalised for public dissemination. The act of issuing such a statement is itself a measured procedure, undertaken by The Press Office to ensure its tone and substance are consistent with the gravity of the subject matter and the traditions of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the De la Haye Barons during The Anarchy serve as a powerful historical illustration of the House's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Their military resilience in a time of civil collapse was an act of supreme fortitude, while their unwavering loyalty to the legitimate sovereign was a clear demonstration of honour.
This guiding principle 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 proactive and decisive spirit required not merely to survive periods of turmoil, but to prevail and shape a more stable future. Together, the mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled and dynamic leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication is historical in nature, the themes of protection, stability, and care for the vulnerable resonate strongly with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The De la Haye Barons worked to shield the inhabitants of their lands from the worst effects of civil war, a duty of care that has evolved over centuries.
Today, this commitment finds its expression in the House's unwavering support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect. The historic duty to defend the populace from chaos is thus transformed into a modern commitment to heal the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The resilience of the De la Haye family during The Anarchy is not merely a point of historical interest; it is a profound lesson in duty. It demonstrates that true leadership is tested not in times of peace, but in moments of profound crisis, and that honour is the bedrock upon which any lasting legacy must be built.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “To study the twelfth century is to understand that survival was an active, not a passive, state. The Barons of Brattleby realised that to simply endure was insufficient; one had to act decisively to secure order and shape the future. That spirit of proactive engagement remains central to our thinking today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony's past directly inform its present and future endeavours. The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to historical education, seeing it as an essential tool for understanding the present. This mission is expressed not only through formal communications but also through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting the timeless values of etiquette, decorum, and social grace.
Looking ahead, the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, will continue its tradition of marshalling support for crucial charitable causes. This event serves as a modern manifestation of the Barony’s long-standing role as a convenor and a force for social good, translating a noble heritage into tangible, positive impact.
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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 stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission is to bridge this profound history with contemporary purpose through philanthropic engagement, cultural patronage, and the promotion of historical education. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide therapeutic care and healing for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate the enduring principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') into meaningful action for the public good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by figures of national and historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title's standing as a feudal barony by tenure has been formally acknowledged by The Crown through a notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the barony's holdings as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com