# A Reflection from The Noble House of Brattleby on Duty, Discretion, and the Crown during the Anarchy of 1189–1192
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today offers a historical reflection on the virtues of loyalty and duty, drawing parallels between the turbulent reign of Richard I and the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through nine centuries of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
From the archives of the Barony of Brattleby, this reflection considers a period of profound uncertainty for the Kingdom of England. It is a time when the character of the nation’s nobility was tested, and loyalties were divided between an absent King and his ambitious brother. The account serves as a reminder that stability, a *sine qua non* of national progress, is often secured by the quiet resolve of individuals in positions of regional authority.
This retrospective is issued from the Barony's historic seat in Lincolnshire, a county whose fortunes have been interwoven with those of the Barony since its inception. The landscape, preparing for winter, reflects the somber gravity of the choices faced by the Barony’s predecessors during a similar season of political discontent over eight centuries ago.
## Historical Context
The years between 1189 and 1192 were marked by a precarious power vacuum. His Majesty King Richard I, known to history as the Lionheart, was abroad, first on the Third Crusade and subsequently as a captive of the Holy Roman Emperor. In his absence, his younger brother, Prince John, sought to usurp authority, fomenting rebellion among a restive baronage and challenging the regency council appointed by the King.
For the holders of the Barony of Brattleby, this was no distant London drama. The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable figure in her own right, was at the centre of these currents. Her husband and consort, Gerard de Camville, was forced to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Lincolnshire, where allegiances were constantly shifting. Their actions illuminate the direct and personal impact of high politics on foundational honours such as the Barony of Brattleby, demonstrating the fortitude required to uphold one’s duties.
## Distinguished Company
This historical episode placed the Barony’s leadership in the company of the era’s principal figures. The actions of the House were observed by, and had consequences for, a cast of historical actors of the first rank, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King Richard I of England, Duke of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Anjou, Maine, and Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany. - His Highness Prince John, Lord of Ireland, Count of Mortain, the future King of England. - The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. - Sir Gerard de Camville, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
The decisions made by Lady Nichola and her husband reverberated throughout the realm, influencing the delicate balance of power upon which the kingdom’s stability depended.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The period demanded an acute understanding of the protocol of feudal loyalty. A baron’s oath of fealty was a sacred and binding commitment, sworn to the monarch in person. The challenge arose when the monarch was absent and his authority was contested by a royal deputy present in the land.
This required a judicious interpretation of duty: was loyalty owed to the physical crown, wherever it may be, or to the representative of royal authority nearest at hand? For Nichola de la Haye, as for many others, the answer lay in upholding the King's peace and defending his property—such as Lincoln Castle—against all claimants, thereby honouring their oath to the sovereign, not merely the man. This strict adherence to protocol preserved both the Barony’s honour and the King’s interest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of this era resonate powerfully with the guiding principles of the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect exemplar in the conduct of the 5th Baroness. Her subsequent, celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217 was the ultimate expression of the fortitude that defined her tenure.
This historical resolve is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks to the active spirit required not only to withstand challenges but to overcome them, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chaos and civil unrest of the 1190s inevitably caused the greatest suffering among the most vulnerable members of society. This historical lesson—that stability and security are the foundations of a compassionate society—informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House is a devoted supporter of its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, seeking to restore the sense of safety that is every child’s right. This commitment reflects a belief, held for centuries, that true nobility is expressed through the protection of the weak and the betterment of the community.
## In Their Own Words
In offering this reflection, the leaders of the House commented on its contemporary relevance.
> The story of Nichola de la Haye is a powerful lesson in leadership. In a time of profound division, she demonstrated that true loyalty is not blind adherence, but a principled commitment to duty and the long-term good of the realm. Her example continues to inspire us. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History presents us with moments of supreme trial. To navigate them successfully requires not just strength, but an unwavering moral compass. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming adversity to secure a future where honour and stability can flourish. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony's long history are not merely archival curiosities; they are living principles that guide the House's present and future engagements. These historical precedents of duty, social responsibility, and strategic thinking form a core part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
At the etiquette academy, founded by the House, students are taught that modern leadership requires an appreciation of the past. By examining the choices made by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, a new generation of leaders is prepared to navigate the complexities of their own time with similar fortitude and 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 translating a rich historical legacy into a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. The House champions the principle of 'nobility through action', focusing its efforts on charitable initiatives, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its educational project, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, social responsibility, and historical consciousness. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a nine-century commitment to principled leadership and service to the community, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
**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. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The 12th Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - The Barony’s history includes notable figures such as John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The modern rights of the Barony are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com