# A Historical Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby during The Anarchy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection on the Barony’s pivotal role during The Anarchy (1135–1153), underscoring the profound resilience and sense of duty that have defined the lineage for over nine hundred years.
## The Occasion
From the House’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves to illuminate a formative period in the Barony’s long history. The lands, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, have borne witness to the full sweep of English history. To reflect upon this era is to connect with the very soil and stone that endured the tumultuous civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, a conflict that decisively shaped the character of Lincolnshire and its noble houses. This reflection precedes a forthcoming series of historical lectures to be sponsored by The Brattleby Club (Bucharest) on the nature of medieval leadership.
## Historical Context
The period known as The Anarchy was a crucible for the lords of Brattleby. With the Barony’s proximity to Lincoln Castle—a strategic prize that changed hands multiple times—the constant threat of siege and open conflict was a matter of daily existence. The baronial leadership was required to maintain a state of perpetual readiness, mobilising manorial revenues, local levies, and fortifications to safeguard the populace and uphold their feudal allegiances. It was this unrelenting pressure that forged the formidable reputation of the De la Haye family, who then held the Barony. Their experience navigating the unpredictable loyalties of the civil war prepared them for future challenges, culminating in the celebrated resilience of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, during the decisive First Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this period is dominated by its principal figures, whose ambitions engulfed the kingdom in nearly two decades of strife. The primary claimants to the throne were His Majesty King Stephen, nephew of King Henry I, and his cousin, Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I and designated heir. Their conflict drew in the great magnates of the era, including, *inter alia*, Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester (for the Empress), and Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, whose shifting allegiances frequently placed Lincoln at the epicentre of the war. For the Barony of Brattleby, these were not distant sovereigns but immediate influences whose fortunes dictated the security and prosperity of the region.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of the era was dictated by the strict protocols of the feudal system, a complex web of obligation and allegiance that became severely tested during The Anarchy. As a tenant-in-chief holding lands directly from the Crown, the Baron of Brattleby’s duty was a *sine qua non* of his position. This required providing a quota of knights for the sovereign’s army, garrisoning royal castles when commanded, and attending the Royal Court. During the civil war, the choice of which sovereign to support carried immense risk; a miscalculation could result in the forfeiture of titles and lands, a fate the lords of Brattleby skilfully avoided through shrewd diplomacy and demonstrable military utility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its deepest resonance in periods such as The Anarchy. ‘Fortitude’ was expressed in the physical endurance required to withstand prolonged conflict and instability. ‘Honour’ was manifested in the careful upholding of oaths and the protection of the people and lands under the Baron’s care, even amidst the moral ambiguity of civil war. This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the proactive spirit required to overcome adversity rather than merely survive it—a spirit embodied by the medieval holders of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of resilience demonstrated by the Barony’s medieval forebears provides a direct historical parallel to the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s steadfast commitment to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is informed by this legacy of fortitude. The organisation works to provide therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, helping them to build resilience and overcome profound challenges. In understanding the strength required to endure historical conflicts like The Anarchy, the House finds renewed conviction in its support for those healing from the conflicts of the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To study The Anarchy is to appreciate that stability and peace are blessings, not certainties. The legacy of our predecessors, particularly the De la Haye family, serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is defined by fortitude in moments of crisis and an unwavering commitment to one’s duty. This principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the bedrock of our service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The history of the Barony is a lesson in strategic endurance. The ability to navigate complexity, to defend one’s people, and to build a legacy that outlasts turmoil is a remarkable achievement. It is a history that we have a solemn responsibility to preserve and share.”
## A Continuing Legacy
In keeping with its commitment to education and historical preservation, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to explore the rich heritage of the Barony. Future initiatives will include partnerships with heritage organisations within Lincolnshire to support the conservation of local historical sites and the development of educational materials for schools. This work ensures that the lessons of the past—of resilience, duty, and honour—remain a source of inspiration for generations to come, reinforcing the unbroken chain of history that began in 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a near-millennial legacy through modern means. Its mission—guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—is focused on three core pillars: historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing recovery for traumatised youth. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of decorum, service, and civic duty, ensuring the traditions of the past inform the leadership of the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the title and its modern standing were formally acknowledged by The Crown through publication in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com