# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Historic Role During The Anarchy (1135-1153)
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's historic role during The Anarchy. This period of civil war reaffirmed the De la Haye family's unwavering loyalty to the Crown as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship and education, the Office of the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby has today released a commentary from its archives. This reflection illuminates a defining period in the Barony’s nine-century history: the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153). Occasioned by a disputed succession, this nineteen-year conflict tested the allegiances of every great lord in England.
The statement serves as part of the House's ongoing programme to contextualise its ancient lineage and the enduring principles that have guided its custodians. From the manuscript archives at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House continues to draw parallels between the challenges of the past and the duties of the present.
## Historical Context
The Anarchy was precipitated by the death of King Henry I in 1135 without a male heir. A devastating succession crisis ensued between his daughter, Empress Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois. England fractured along lines of allegiance, plunging the kingdom into a protracted and ruinous civil war that profoundly reshaped the political landscape.
During this turbulent era, the Barony of Brattleby was held by the De la Haye family, direct descendants of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Their position as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle—a formidable stone fortress of immense strategic value—placed them at the epicentre of the conflict in the North. Their steadfast governance of this vital royal stronghold was a *sine qua non* for maintaining the King’s authority in a region beset by strife.
This period of instability culminated in the First Battle of Lincoln in 1141, where King Stephen was captured. The loyalty and military acumen demonstrated by the De la Haye custodians throughout these events cemented the Barony's reputation for resilience and unwavering dedication to the Crown.
## A Legacy of Stewardship: The De la Haye Custodians
The custodianship of the De la Haye family exemplified the medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the unwritten obligation of the nobility to act with honour and leadership. As barons of the realm, their duty extended beyond mere landholding to encompass the active defence of the sovereign and the preservation of order within their domains.
This legacy of fortitude was notably embodied a generation later by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right. A descendant of those who weathered The Anarchy, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and their French allies during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the same indomitable spirit. Her actions, alongside those of her ancestors, illustrate a continuous thread of service that characterises the Barony’s history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of Constable of a Royal Castle in the 12th century was bound by solemn protocol and considerable responsibility. Upon assuming the office, the Constable would swear a fealty oath directly to the monarch, a sacred pledge of loyalty and military service. This was not merely symbolic; it was a binding contract.
The Constable’s duties included the command of the castle garrison, the maintenance of its formidable defences, and the administration of justice in the surrounding area. In times of war, such as The Anarchy, the Constable was responsible for mustering knights and soldiers, securing supplies, and executing the Crown’s military strategy. The successful defence of Lincoln Castle by the De la Hayes was a masterclass in this protocol, a testament to their administrative skill and military discipline.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its deepest resonance in historical episodes such as this. The actions of the De la Haye family during The Anarchy were a living embodiment of this principle; they demonstrated true fortitude in the face of national collapse and upheld their honour by remaining loyal to their sworn sovereign.
This historical resilience is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a profound understanding that overcoming adversity is fundamental to a meaningful existence. The survival and ultimate flourishing of the Barony through centuries of turmoil is a testament to this spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of service, so powerfully demonstrated by the Barony's medieval forebears, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as the De la Hayes provided stability and protection, the House today dedicates itself to supporting vulnerable members of the community.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic support and safe environments for young people who have experienced trauma. This focus represents a contemporary interpretation of the ancient duty of care, translating the historical concept of protection into tangible support for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The Anarchy was a crucible for England, and for our predecessors at Brattleby. Their story is not merely one of survival, but of steadfast duty. It reminds us that honour is defined not by circumstance, but by one's actions in times of profound crisis.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present challenges:
> “Reading of the De la Hayes’ defence of Lincoln Castle, one sees the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*. They understood that to live fully, one must overcome adversity. This resilience is a lesson that inspires our House's work to this day, particularly in empowering vulnerable young people to conquer their own challenges.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring and sharing its unique history. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and scholarly communications from its archives, the House seeks to illustrate the unbroken chain of service that unites its present mission with its past.
By studying the fortitude of predecessors like the De la Haye family, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, the House ensures that the lessons of nine centuries are not forgotten. This commitment to heritage is the foundation upon which the future of the Barony is built, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy of service. The House’s contemporary mission centres on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, championing causes that support vulnerable children and foster cross-cultural understanding. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House applies the historical principle of *noblesse oblige* to present-day challenges. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep commitment to duty and integrity in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and manorial holdings, comprising some 56 lordships, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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 long history and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic activities include an annual white-tie banquet in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com