# A Reflection on The Anarchy: The Barony of Brattleby and the Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical account detailing the Barony’s critical role during The Anarchy (1135-1153). This reflection examines a defining period of civil war that tested, and ultimately affirmed, its enduring legacy in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of autumn, a season often given to reflection and remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby offers a considered look into its own formidable past. The publication of this historical brief is not tied to a singular event, but rather forms part of a continuing commitment by the House to illuminate its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history for a modern audience.
This scholarly account explores a time when the very foundations of the Kingdom were shaken by civil war. It focuses on the service of the De la Haye family, predecessors of the current House, whose custodianship of Lincoln Castle placed them at the epicentre of the conflict. The narrative serves as a testament to the resilience that has become a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity.
## Historical Context
The Anarchy was a devastating succession crisis sparked by the death of King Henry I. The ensuing conflict between his daughter, Empress Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois, plunged England into nearly two decades of turmoil. For the Barony of Brattleby, established in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, this was a crucible. The Barony's fate was inextricably linked to the strategic command of Lincoln Castle, a royal fortress of immense importance.
As hereditary Constables of the Castle, the De la Haye family were charged with its defence. Their tenure during this period demanded not only military prowess but also acute political judgement, as allegiance could shift with the fortunes of war. This era forged Brattleby’s martial reputation, a heritage personified later by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose own defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217 echoed the fortitude shown by her family during The Anarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The period saw the Barony’s ancestors interacting with the principal actors of the age. The 'distinguished company' of that time was not one of courtiers at a gala, but of sovereigns and magnates on the battlefield. The De la Haye family were required to navigate complex loyalties and render service to both King Stephen and, at times, the forces of Empress Matilda.
Their contemporaries included Ranulf de Gernon, the powerful 4th Earl of Chester, whose capture of Lincoln Castle in 1141 precipitated the First Battle of Lincoln. Through their steadfast administration of this vital stronghold, the lords of Brattleby engaged directly with the Crown and the leading nobles of the realm, cementing their status as a baronial family of the first rank in a landscape defined by uncertainty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The era was governed by the strict protocols of feudal duty and chivalric warfare. The role of Constable of a royal castle was conferred with great ceremony, an investiture that entailed a sacred oath of fealty to the monarch. This oath was the bedrock of order; to break it was to invite dishonour and ruin.
In times of siege, a grim and ritualised protocol unfolded. A formal demand for surrender would be issued, followed by the raising of siege engines and the slow attrition of the castle’s defences. If the garrison held, its commanders demonstrated unimpeachable loyalty. If it fell, the protocol of ransom and the treatment of noble prisoners—a complex etiquette of war—would commence. The De la Haye family’s successful navigation of these dangerous customs was a measure of their skill and resolve.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in periods such as The Anarchy. Fortitude was the physical and moral courage required to withstand a siege and endure the privations of war. Honour was the guiding principle of feudal loyalty, the keeping of one’s word and sworn duty in the face of political chaos.
This historical identity complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While in the 12th century this might have implied military victory as a means of survival, today it is interpreted as the will to overcome adversity in all its forms. Together, the two mottos articulate a philosophy of principled resilience that spans the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is a historical exercise, its theme of overcoming profound national trauma resonates deeply with the modern philanthropic mission of the House. The chosen beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to supporting young people who have faced their own profound adversities.
Just as the Barony of Brattleby endured and ultimately grew stronger through a period of immense strife, the House today supports those who help children find resilience and hope in the wake of their personal struggles. The choice of beneficiary underscores a belief that fortitude, whether demonstrated in a medieval castle or a modern therapeutic setting, is a virtue of timeless importance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound responsibility. When we look back at figures like the De la Hayes, we are not simply observing history; we are finding inspiration. Their story reminds us that living with honour is most critical when times are most difficult.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective:
> “The Anarchy was a stark illustration that survival depends on resilience. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about more than just winning; it is about the unwavering spirit required to endure, to adapt, and to build something of lasting value from the challenges one faces. That is the true legacy of Brattleby.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its twin duties of preserving its formidable heritage and deploying its influence for the public good. This historical reflection is the first in a planned series that will continue to explore the lives of notable predecessors, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
Furthermore, these historical lessons in character and conduct will inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. By connecting the traditions of the past to the demands of the present, the House seeks to foster a modern understanding of leadership, honour, and civic responsibility for a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its principal charitable efforts support organisations dedicated to child welfare and mental health, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol, which prepares future leaders with the principles of grace, dignity, and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship seated 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 possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing this historic lineage for a new era.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com