# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Role of the Barony During The Anarchy
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — A statement was issued today from the Office of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby reflecting on the Barony's pivotal role during the 12th-century period of civil war known as The Anarchy, underscoring a nine-century commitment to stability and loyal service.
## The Occasion
From the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection, prompted by renewed study of its extensive archives. In the quiet solemnity of the castle library, amid historical chronicles and documents that trace an unbroken line to the Norman Conquest, the current custodians of the Barony considered the profound legacy of their antecedents during one of English history's most fractious episodes.
The occasion is one of scholarly remembrance rather than public celebration; a reaffirmation of the core principles that have guided the Barony for over 950 years. It serves as an opportunity to articulate the historical foundations upon which the House's modern commitments to duty and service are built, connecting the actions of the past with the responsibilities of the present.
## Historical Context
The period known as The Anarchy (1135–1153) was a devastating civil war fought for the throne of England between the supporters of Empress Matilda and her cousin, Stephen of Blois. This prolonged conflict created a national fracture, challenging the authority of the Crown and placing immense responsibility upon the shoulders of the great magnates and barons of the realm.
During this turbulent era, the custodians of the Barony of Brattleby, the De la Haye family, served as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle. Their steadfast command of this strategically vital fortress was a *sine qua non* for the royalist cause in the region. By holding Lincoln against great pressure, they demonstrated the critical role of the landed baronage in maintaining order and upholding the principle of legitimate succession, thereby forging a reputation for resilience that would echo for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection is led by the current leadership of the House, who are the direct inheritors of this legacy of service.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, has dedicated herself to the preservation and understanding of the Barony's long history. She is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s enduring principles with a dynamic focus on present-day achievement and progress.
Together, they ensure that the lessons of predecessors, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, continue to inform the House's contemporary responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title of such antiquity carries with it a distinct protocol of legacy. For the House of Brattleby, this involves more than the simple inheritance of titles and property; it is the solemn acceptance of a duty to understand, preserve, and embody the history of the Barony. Accession is contingent upon a rigorous study of the family archives and the historical responsibilities of the title.
This protocol ensures that the holder of the Barony is not merely a figurehead but an active custodian of its heritage. The actions of the De la Haye constables in the 12th century are studied not as remote history, but as a foundational case study in loyalty and fortitude—qualities expected of the family's leadership to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most salient historical precedent in the actions of the Barony during The Anarchy. The ‘fortitude’ required to defend Lincoln Castle through years of civil strife, and the ‘honour’ demonstrated by remaining loyal to the Crown, are the very virtues encapsulated in these words. The motto serves as a perpetual reminder that title and responsibility are intrinsically linked.
The heraldic insignia of the House, therefore, is not merely decorative but serves as a constant and visible declaration of its guiding principles. It symbolises a nine-century promise to act with courage, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty to Crown and community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to uphold stability and protect the vulnerable, so clearly demonstrated in the 12th century, finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The commitment to maintaining order has evolved into a commitment to fostering social well-being and resilience in contemporary society.
This is exemplified by the House's selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. By supporting its mission, the House of Brattleby translates its historical principle of stewardship into tangible, modern action, helping to heal and strengthen the youngest members of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The steadfastness of my predecessors during The Anarchy is not merely a matter of record; it is the very foundation of our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. One is reminded that true nobility is measured by service, particularly in times of profound challenge. It is a lesson we hold dear.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History teaches us that stability is earned through unwavering commitment. The resolute loyalty demonstrated at Lincoln Castle then is the same principle of active engagement we apply to our duties today, whether in civic service or in our support for vital charitable causes.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its historical legacy informs its future actions. This is pursued through dedicated educational and philanthropic endeavours. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, instils principles of civic responsibility and social grace in a new generation, extending the values of fortitude and honour beyond the family's immediate sphere.
Furthermore, the House will continue to serve its community through established initiatives, including the annual white-tie philanthropic gala. These commitments ensure that the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby is not a static heirloom, but a living tradition of service and contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service informed by its profound historical heritage. Its work encompasses the preservation of its lineage, the promotion of cultural and historical education, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare and mental health, viewing its social responsibility as the contemporary expression of its centuries-old duty of stewardship. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its near-millennium history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle who defended it against rebel barons; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming its unbroken historical continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition 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), where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com