# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby during The Anarchy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical review of the service rendered by Richard de la Haye, 4th Baron of Brattleby, whose tenure as Constable of Lincoln Castle was a decisive factor in preserving regional stability during the 12th-century English civil war known as The Anarchy.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its ancient duties to Crown and country, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to one of the most tumultuous eras in English history. The civil war, a devastating contest for the throne between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda lasting nearly two decades, plunged the kingdom into uncertainty. In this fractured landscape, Lincolnshire, with its strategic castle and vital trade routes, became a critical theatre of operations. It was upon this stage of baronial warfare and shifting allegiances that the 4th Baron of Brattleby demonstrated the fortitude that would become a hallmark of the House.
The Constableship of Lincoln Castle, a hereditary position held by the 4th Baron, was not merely an honour; it was a profound and perilous responsibility. To hold the castle was to hold the key to the North of England. The atmosphere of the time was one of constant vigilance, where the loyalty of a single great lord could determine the fate of a province, and where the clash of arms was a near-constant feature of life beyond the castle walls.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye inherited the Barony and the Constableship at a moment when established authority was under severe threat. The Anarchy (1135-1153) represented a catastrophic failure of succession, challenging the very principle of hereditary rule upon which the nobility was founded. By choosing to support the cause of Empress Matilda and her son, the future King Henry II, the 4th Baron was not simply choosing a side; he was actively defending the legitimate line of succession established by William the Conqueror.
This stance placed the Barony of Brattleby at the epicentre of the conflict. The barony’s resources, its men-at-arms, and its strategic influence were all committed to the cause. This period was the crucible in which the House's martial reputation was forged, reinforcing its indispensable role as a bulwark for royal authority. Richard’s leadership ensured Lincoln remained a bastion of order, a commitment later echoed by his celebrated successor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose own defence of the castle would become legendary.
## Distinguished Company
In navigating the intricate politics of the civil war, the 4th Baron of Brattleby was engaged with the most powerful figures of the age. His duties and allegiances brought him into the immediate circle of command, which included, *inter alia*:
* Her Imperial Majesty Empress Matilda, Lady of the English * His Majesty King Stephen of Blois * Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, commander of the Empress’s forces * Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester
The 4th Baron’s interactions with these personages were a complex dance of diplomacy, feudal obligation, and military strategy, demonstrating a political acumen as sharp as his sword.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal duties of the 12th century were governed by strict ceremonial protocols, which gave structure and meaning to a lord’s power. As Constable, Richard de la Haye’s authority was conferred through a solemn oath of fealty, binding him to protect the castle and its domains on behalf of his sovereign. This sacred promise was the *sine qua non* of medieval governance.
His responsibilities would have included the formal mustering of the barony’s knights and levies, a proceeding involving the unfurling of banners and the proclamation of the lord’s command. In times of siege, the protocols of defence were rigorously observed, from the setting of the watch and the rationing of supplies to the conduct of parleys with the enemy, all executed with a precision befitting a great officer of the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most powerful early expressions in the conduct of the 4th Baron. His steadfastness amidst the chaos of The Anarchy was a literal embodiment of fortitude, while his loyalty to the legitimate succession was a clear demonstration of honour. The motto is not a mere embellishment; it is a declaration of the principles that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries.
This historical ethos complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The modern interpretation of this phrase focuses on conquering adversity and disorder, a direct echo of the 4th Baron’s efforts to restore stability and live by a code of principled victory.
## A Duty of Service
The actions of the 4th Baron are best understood as an early and powerful example of the House's commitment to service. In an era before the formalised structures of modern philanthropy, the primary duty of a great lord was the protection of his people and the preservation of the realm’s peace. By securing Lincoln and its environs, Richard de la Haye was performing a vital public service, safeguarding countless lives and livelihoods from the ravages of war.
This foundational commitment to the well-being of the community—whether a medieval county or a modern charitable cause—is a thread that runs unbroken through the history of the Barony. It provides the moral and historical impetus for the House’s contemporary philanthropic work, which today finds its focus in supporting vulnerable children through the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — “The service of my predecessor, Richard de la Haye, is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a profound reminder of the responsibilities that accompany title. His fortitude during a period of national crisis established a standard of duty we strive to uphold today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “One sees in the actions of the 4th Baron the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Not the conquest of rivals, but the conquering of chaos for the sake of order and stability. It is a timeless lesson in leadership and the constructive application of power.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past as a guide for its present and future responsibilities. This historical review is part of an ongoing commitment to scholarship and remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of predecessors like Richard de la Haye continue to inform the House’s work.
This legacy of principled leadership is today translated into the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the philanthropic focus of the Annual Winter Banquet in London. By understanding the origins of its duty, the House reinforces its modern commitment to serving the wider community with fortitude and with honour.
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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 bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. The House’s modern activities are centred on philanthropic service, cultural patronage, and the promotion of timeless values. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, the House champions personal development and social grace. The Annual Winter Banquet, its flagship white-tie gala, gathers international support for the House's charitable endeavours, epitomising its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuity of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron and Constable of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com