# A Statement on the Historical Role of the Barony of Brattleby During The Anarchy (1135–1153)
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary on the pivotal role played by the Barony and its ancestral leadership during The Anarchy, the nineteenth-year civil war that defined twelfth-century England and secured the lineage’s regional prominence.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season—a time of reflection and harvest—to cast a considered light upon one of the most formative periods in its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. The issuance of a historical statement is a deliberate act, intended to reaffirm the unbroken chain of duty that links the Barony's present stewardship to its medieval origins.
This commentary is not prompted by a singular event but rather by a continuing commitment to historical scholarship and public education. It serves as an official articulation of the Barony's heritage, particularly concerning the vital strategic importance of Lincoln and the steadfast service of the de la Haye family, who held the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle through this era of profound national uncertainty.
## Historical Context
The Anarchy (1135–1153) was a devastating civil war fought for the English throne between King Stephen and his cousin, the Empress Matilda. As a key strategic centre in England, the city of Lincoln and its formidable castle became a primary theatre of the conflict, changing hands multiple times and hosting two decisive battles in 1141. The holder of Lincoln Castle effectively controlled a vast and prosperous region.
During this period, the Barony of Brattleby, through its association with the de la Haye family as hereditary constables, was intrinsically bound to the fortress's fate. Their position was a *sine qua non* for any faction seeking to dominate Lincolnshire. Their service demanded immense fortitude and diplomatic acumen, navigating the shifting allegiances and military imperatives of the war. To govern the castle was to stand at the very epicentre of the kingdom’s turmoil.
This was an era that tested loyalties to their breaking point. The de la Hayes’ successful defence and administration of their charge throughout this chaos not only demonstrated remarkable military competence but also solidified the Barony’s reputation. This legacy of resilience was later personified by the celebrated 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who would herself famously defend Lincoln Castle for the crown in the following century.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this period, the House pays homage to the historical figures whose destinies were interwoven with that of the Barony. The great contest of the age was between His Majesty King Stephen of Blois and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, whose claims to the throne tore the kingdom asunder.
Their struggle directly implicated leading magnates of the realm, *inter alia*: the powerful Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, whose capture of Lincoln Castle in 1141 precipitated the first great battle. The actions of these personages, chronicled by scribes of the age, formed the landscape upon which the Constables of Lincoln had to navigate, with the security of the Barony and its people hanging in the balance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and release of an official historical commentary follow a precise internal protocol. The undertaking begins within the House Archives, where primary and secondary sources related to the Barony are collated and reviewed by historical consultants. A draft is then prepared, which examines the event through the long lens of the House’s nine-century continuity.
Following review by the Private Secretary, the text is submitted to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for their personal approval. Only upon their assent is the commentary finalised and transmitted to the Director of Royal Communications for official dissemination. This structured process ensures that every public statement is historically sound, dignified in tone, and fully representative of the principles of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The trials of The Anarchy offer a powerful, early illustration of the House’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The de la Haye family’s unwavering defence of their duties in the face of civil war embodies fortitude, while their navigation of complex loyalties to preserve the integrity of their office speaks to a profound sense of honour.
This historical spirit finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the former speaks of martial strength, the latter is interpreted today as the will to overcome contemporary challenges—be they in enterprise, philanthropy, or personal development. Together, the mottos represent a continuity of purpose: the resilience to endure and the drive to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on a martial period of history, its purpose is fundamentally educational and, in that sense, philanthropic. By sharing insights from its unique heritage, the House seeks to enrich public understanding of English history and the enduring principles of duty, leadership, and resilience.
This commitment to education is a cornerstone of the House's modern mission, which finds practical expression in projects such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The lessons of history—of steadfastness in crisis and the importance of a moral compass—are timeless, informing the character and leadership that the House strives to foster through its philanthropic and educational initiatives today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look back to the twelfth century, we are not merely observing history; we are acknowledging a debt. The stability and continuity we safeguard today were secured by the fortitude of our predecessors, such as the de la Hayes, who faced unimaginable pressures. Their story is a powerful reminder that honour is not tested in times of peace, but in moments of profound crisis.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic challenges faced during The Anarchy resonate even now. One learns that survival and success depend not only on strength, but on foresight, agility, and an unbreakable sense of purpose. The actions of the Barony’s leadership then were a masterclass in resilience—a demonstration that to live, truly, is to overcome.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and study of its long and complex history. This commentary on The Anarchy is part of an ongoing effort to catalogue and share the rich heritage of the Barony. Future initiatives will include further archival research and potential collaborations with academic institutions to shed more light on the Barony's role across the centuries.
The lessons drawn from such historical periods continue to guide the House’s current incumbents. The principles of steadfastness and strategic duty, proven in the crucible of the twelfth century, remain the bedrock of their commitment to their community, their philanthropic work with beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, and their stewardship of a legacy nearly a millennium old.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's oldest baronies. With a deep respect for its nine-century heritage, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support for vulnerable children. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating classical etiquette and social graces. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to principled leadership and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The ancient dignity and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s annual philanthropic focal point is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com