# The Investiture of Richard, 4th Baron of Brattleby, AD 1134: An Affirmation of Continuity in The Anarchy
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the succession of Richard as the 4th Baron of Brattleby in 1134, an investiture that affirmed hereditary right and offered vital stability in Lincolnshire on the eve of King Stephen’s turbulent reign.
## The Occasion
In the late autumn of 1134, within the stone-built Great Hall of Brattleby’s original Norman keep, the formal transfer of the Barony took place. The occasion was marked by a sober and resolute atmosphere, following the passing of Richard’s father, Robert, the 3rd Baron. The hall, its formidable walls hung with woollen tapestries to guard against the Lincolnshire chill, bore witness not to lavish celebration but to the solemn affirmation of feudal duty.
The air was thick with the scent of woodsmoke from the central hearth and beeswax from the tallow candles that cast long shadows across the assembled household. This was a gathering defined by necessity. With the death of King Henry I the following year and the ensuing civil war known as The Anarchy, the seamless continuity of local lordship was the *sine qua non* for maintaining order and royal authority in a strategically vital region of England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represented a cornerstone of Norman power in the north. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s immense influence from its inception. The succession of Richard, the 4th Baron, from his father was more than a family matter; it was a public declaration of stability.
This event occurred on the precipice of a nineteen-year conflict between King Stephen and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, for the English throne. Lincolnshire would become a key theatre of war, with the pivotal Battle of Lincoln fought just a few years later in 1141. In such a volatile landscape, the orderly transfer of a significant barony like Brattleby provided a crucial anchor of local governance, assuring tenants, knights, and clergy of consistent leadership and protection under law.
## Distinguished Company
While detailed records of attendees are lost to time, the composition of the assembly would have been dictated by centuries of feudal protocol. Present to bear witness and offer fealty would have been the principal Knights of the Demesne, the military backbone of the Barony, their duty being to the new Baron as their liege lord.
Also in attendance would have been a steward representing the powerful Bishop of Lincoln, whose diocese encompassed the Brattleby lands, signifying the indivisible link between temporal and spiritual authority. The Reeve of the Manor, representing the villeins and common tenants, would have been present to observe the continuity of lordship, alongside other key officers of the baronial household. The presence of these figures underscored that the Barony was not mere property, but a complex social and political organism.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a twelfth-century Baron was a deeply ritualised act. The ceremony would have centred on the act of homage, wherein Richard, the new Baron, would have knelt and placed his hands between those of a representative of the Crown – likely a local sheriff or senior magnate – and sworn an oath of fealty. This oath, likely spoken in Norman French, bound him to serve the King in council and in war.
Following this, Richard would in turn receive the homage of his own vassals. The act was often sealed by the symbolic presentation of an object: a charter sealed with wax, a clod of earth representing the land itself, or the ceremonial buckling of a sword belt. The entire proceeding was a powerful piece of political theatre, reaffirming the hierarchical structure of Norman England from the King down to the humblest farmer.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Although the formal science of heraldry as we now know it was only just beginning to emerge, the principles that would later be codified in the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), were already paramount. Richard's accession demanded immense fortitude to navigate the impending civil war and unwavering honour to uphold the oaths sworn to his sovereign and to his people.
These principles have resonated through the centuries, guiding the actions of his successors. The motto encapsulates the enduring spirit of the House: a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an inviolable dedication to one's duties. It stands in complement to the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the proactive dynamism required to ensure such a legacy thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the twelfth century, the concept of philanthropy was expressed primarily through the feudal lord's duty of care, or *noblesse oblige*. For the 4th Baron, this meant ensuring the physical and spiritual welfare of his tenants, dispensing justice in the manorial court, providing alms for the poor, and making endowments to the local church and priories. This was the foundational expression of social responsibility.
Today, this ancient principle of custodianship finds its modern expression in the charitable activities of the House. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, continues this tradition of largesse, raising vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children globally who have experienced trauma, demonstrating the House’s continuing commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical moment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Richard’s succession in 1134 reminds us that leadership is not merely a title, but an unbroken chain of responsibility that stretches across centuries. To lead with *Fortitudine et Honore* is to understand that you are a steward for those who came before and for those who will follow. It is a duty we feel as keenly today as he surely did then.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> "Each Baron, from Colswein to Richard and beyond, faced the defining challenges of their time. The essence of survival and progress—of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is to meet one’s historical moment with resolve and integrity. Richard’s steadfastness during The Anarchy is a powerful example of that ethos in action."
## A Continuing Legacy
The accession of Richard, 4th Baron, was a critical moment that ensured the survival of the Brattleby lineage through one of England's most fractured periods. His legacy, and that of his notable successors—*inter alia*, the great defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron); and the powerful royal prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron)—informs the mission of the House today.
This commitment to principled leadership is now channelled into cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the modern-day virtues of decorum and honour. As the House looks toward the future, the next heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, stands ready to inherit this profound, nine-century-old legacy of service and continuity.
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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 stewarding nearly a millennium of English heritage while engaging with the challenges of the modern world. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a dynamic presence in continental Europe, the House champions philanthropy, cultural education, and the enduring values of duty and honour. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on creating a positive impact through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club. The House represents a unique synthesis of ancient lineage and forward-looking purpose, committed to service and the preservation of its historic legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness have been formally recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its place within the United Kingdom's honours system.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable past Barons include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com